Does A Paper Bag Keep Wasps Away? The Answer May Surprise You!

We have all heard about the "paper bag in the tree" trick to keep wasps' nests out of our backyards. Well, this hack may not be as effective as you think.

If you have ever searched for a nonchemical way to keep wasps away in the summertime, chances are you have come across the paper bag trick. This is where you blow up a rather large paper bag and shape it to look like a wasp nest and put it in a place where you don't want wasps.

This is to make the wasps think that there is another wasp nest already there and make them search for another location.

Does This Paper Bag Hack Work?

Although many people on social media claim it's effective, scientists disagree. According to USAtoday.com, scientist Dr. Michael Skvarla from Pennsylvania State University says wasps aren't fooled that easily. They don't see paper bags as nests because they lack the right smells and defenses. And some commercial products meant to scare off wasps might attract them.

So, while the paper bag trick might work for some, it's not a guaranteed fix. Research says it's a bit of a bust. If you're facing a full-on wasp invasion, maybe it's time to call in the pros. Or hey, you could always try the paper bag trick and see if you get lucky!