Oklahoma’s Red Wasp Invasion Is Back, And They’re Everywhere

I don't know why we always forget the invasion is coming, but Oklahoma's massive population of red wasps has finally flowed into every last corner of the state.

Terrorist of the sky.

Not only do they squat on anything they can, but they really love the same areas we humans do.

Porches, the shop, garage, sheds, the kids' playsets, my mower... Even mailboxes. Nothing is sacred in the world of the red wasp. Nothing is off limits.

If you've seen the trending Google topics, how to get rid of red wasps is right at the top at the moment.

Out of curiosity, I searched it too. Why not, right? Maybe I'll learn something new.

Not a chance.

The best way to deal with your local, angry population of red wasps is to get nasty with them.

Wasp spray if you're Fancy Pants Rich McGee over here, but those little dollar store water sprayers work just fine when you fill them with gasoline.

But gasoline is $3 a gallon!

Wasp spray is like $120 a gallon...

Is what it is.

Is spraying gasoline around your house a responsible response to these flying devils?

Uh... Well... No. Even I can admit that, but you can't deny how well it works. Instant death. It's humane enough.

Pro-Tip: Wait until dark.

They'll all be at the nest, bedding down for the night.

Is it cruel? This is war.

That's some solid and true Oklahoma advice that has stood the test of time. Diesel will work too, but it'll leave an oily mess to clean up. Go with your gut, 87 octane it is.

Of course, that's assuming you've already got wasps around your house. If you haven't been blessed by Mother Nature yet, there are some things you can do to try to mitigate the inevitable situation.

Don't give wasps a water source. Hard to do if you've got a pool. Spray peppermint oil around the house, eaves, garage, shop, etc. And a time-tested, solid preventative measure is to have your own decoy paper wasp nests around the home. All sides if you please.

Sure, they don't last long, but they are effective. As angry and first-to-fight as red wasps are, they won't mess around with paper wasps. And even better, the paper wasps will respect boundaries your decoys will establish. Win/win.

Good luck. Have fun. Don't die.

P.S. If you opt for the gasoline super soaker idea, make sure you're not stupid first. Run it by some friends. If they have faith in you to not burn down your own house, have at it.