table of contents
- Summertime - wasp time
- Copper coins against wasps
Wasps can become a real nuisance in summer. No sooner have you sat down on the terrace for coffee than the annoying insects are already there. Again and again one hears or reads that copper coins protect against wasps. But is that really the case, or is it just a fairy tale? How is that supposed to work? What effects does copper have on insects? We'll show you what's behind this tip.
Summertime - wasp time
The wasps are on their way by August at the latest. Then the time for reproduction and brood care is over and the insects are in search of food. Of the eight wasp species found in Germany, only two are annoying to humans:
- the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
- the german wasp (Vespula germanica)
These two types love our cake, jam bun and even grilled sausage. The other wasp species usually steer clear of humans.
by the way: Did you know that the wasp and the bee are related? They share the same carnivorous ancestry. The honey bees developed into herbivores around a hundred million years ago and are now one of the most popular insects.
Copper coins against wasps
For many years there has been a belief that copper coins help against wasps. In summer, in the cafés and beer gardens, there are often bowls with small change made of copper on the tables to drive away the pests.
Proponents of tradition are sure that the effect will unfold as follows:
- Copper has good conductivity
- Sun rays cause the coins to heat up
- Increased effectiveness by rubbing vigorously with your fingers
- Development of an unpleasant odor for the insects as a result of the warming
- Creation of an insurmountable barrier for the animals
- Insects are driven away
- Use of other copper objects is possible
- Advantage: no chemicals, no harm to animals
tip: Even if everyone wants a coffee table without a wasp visit, you shouldn't forget that the wasp is a protected species and occupies an important place in the ecological cycle.
Myth or Truth?
Hardly any other story lasts as persistently as that of copper coins against wasps. There is no proof of this. Biologists, ecologists and conservationists are not convinced of the effectiveness of copper in driving away the black and yellow pests. Regardless of this, the belief in that persists Home remedies and continues to spread through the Internet. The best thing to do is to try it out for yourself.