Paper Bag Wasp Decoy – A Natural Wasp Deterrent Trick

Though it’s already September, many homeowners are still dealing with pesky wasp invasions. And while there are numerous chemical solutions to eradicate wasps, some people seek gentler and less dangerous methods to deter the pests.

Enter the latest viral wasp solution: using a plain paper bag to force wasps to move out.

The phrase “wasp paper bag trick” has drawn more than 270 million views on TikTok, thanks to its surprising and humorous approach. But is it really effective? In this article, we’ll fact-check the trendy pest control trick.

What Is the Paper Bag Wasp Decoy Trick?

On TikTok, Pivot Farm (@pivotfarm), a family account for homesteaders Brandelyn and Joe Tafoya, tries the hack. The video’s narrator—presumably Joe—explains:

“I saw somewhere on a video that said if you hang a bag next to your wasp nest, it’ll make them move out because they’re super territorial.”

The camera then pans over to show a brown paper bag hanging about a foot or two away from a wasp nest, seemingly devoid of insects.

The idea behind the paper bag wasp deterrent trick is that if you hang a slightly inflated paper bag, the wasps will mistake it for a rival nest and vacate the real hive, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals or expensive treatments.

@pivotfarm Wish I had known this sooner! Chemical free hornet nest removal! #homehacks #househacks #farmhack #hometips #farmtips #homestead #beesnest ♬ original sound – Brandelyn Tafoya

Does This DIY Wasp Deterrent Trick Work?

In the video, Joe Tafoya says he “never thought [the trick] would work.” And yet, he claims, it did: “In about two weeks, they all just left.”

Hundreds, if not thousands, of users echoed their enthusiasm for the method.

Dr. Lynn Kimsey, director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology, is a globally recognized expert on wasps and their behavior. She explains that paper wasps are highly territorial. Wasps prefer undisturbed and quiet locations. For example, it can be eaves, attics, overhangs, etc.

“Wasps don’t want to build right next to another colony. It’s a built-in territorial response—they’re smart enough not to start turf wars they can avoid.”

Dr. Kimsey shows some practical tips for making and using these decoys effectively, such as how to use a brown paper bag, placement techniques, and safety tips, so that this DIY wasp deterrent trick can work properly.

Does This Eco-Friendly Pest Control Trick Pose Any Risks?

Unfortunately, it’s possible hanging a paper bag next to a wasp nest could actually encourage the pests to stay put. That’s because wasps use paper to build their nests, so they may find this a welcome help in crafting their new home. You need to be very careful about this eco-friendly pest control trick.

According to Fábio Prezoto, Someone can use plastic bags instead of paper bags. Paper bags can encourage wasps to build more. So, plastic bags can be that solution.

How to Keep Wasps Away

According to Kimsey, you need to understand the territorial instincts, seasonal habits, and nesting preferences of wasps. You should start deterrents in early spring, before wasps build their nests (when queens emerge from hibernation).

“The best time to act is before the queen starts her nest. If she’s already settled in, she’s not going to be scared off easily,” says Kimsey.

However, if a wasp nest poses an immediate safety risk—when it’s in a high-traffic area or if someone in your home is allergic to wasp stings—you can use the paper bag wasp decoy trick.

To remove a hanging wasp nest, opt for a long-distance spray like Ortho Home Defense Hornet and Wasp Killer, or even a DIY mix with Dawn dish soap. Apply it in the evening, early in the season. For next year, you can also prepare to eliminate the wasp queen in springtime.

Stay safe out there!

About the Experts

Brandelyn and Joe Tafoya are the owners of Pivot Farm. On their 20-acre Pivot Farm, they grow 80% of their food. Also, they raise livestock and tend gardens, orchards and bees. They share their food-growing and preservation techniques. It helps others to become self-reliant.

FAQ

How do I make a wasp decoy at home?

Creating a wasp decoy is not that difficult. Just take a brown paper bag. Then crumple it slightly to give it a round shape. Then puff it out again. Now you need to tie the top with a string and hang it in the nesting areas of wasps.

Does the paper bag wasp decoy really work?

Yes, but there are many differences of opinion on this matter. It works on the principle of the territorial behavior of wasps. It may not work for all species or in all situations.

Where is the best place to hang the wasp decoy?

You need to hang it in areas where wasps tend to build nests, such as near doorways, windows, outdoor dining areas, under decks, shadow areas, etc. Position it where it’s visible. If you are placing two wasp decoys, keep a distance between them.

Is this method safe for kids, pets and the environment?

The paper bag decoy is chemical-free, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. It’s a great natural alternative to pesticides.

Sources:

• NLM: “Pest Control Potential of Social Wasps in Small Farms and Urban Gardens.”
• UC Davis: “UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis”
• The Spruce: “Need to Get Rid of Wasps Outside ASAP? Try This Simple, Effective Hack.”
• Trutech: “Expert Tips on Wasp Nest Removal.”
• UCANR: “Lynn Kimsey to Discuss Social Wasps at Jan. 20th Bohart Museum Open House.”
• USA Today: “Fact check: Paper bags and other decoy nests do not deter wasps.”