Preventing Wasps in Nesting Boxes

I had a surprise when peaking in our Bluebird box today. Yep, a wasp's nest and a wasp. I quickly closed it and got out of there. I didn't look long enough to try and ID it- possibly a paper wasp. I hope the native variety. This explains why the Bluebirds gave up. If they were already nesting, the wasp would not have tried, from what I have read.

I've learned much in the last couple years to appreciate wasps-to a degree. I am not too happy with them trying to nest around my windows, but they don't get into the house, so we let them be.

I've read the tips about rubbing bar soap on the inside of the box, but this doesn't get into the corners well. Vaseline does, but... isn't it hard to deal with when cleaning out the box after a nesting?

Does anyone know of any other ideas for prevention? I am not really looking to kill them, since they are beneficial to have around.

I normally do not bump, but I wonder if this has been missed. Iwould like advice from others who might have had this problem. :)

Thank you so much.

Not sure there is any way of stopping them. The simplest answer is to put up extra boxes so everyone can have their own without having to fight over them.

And yep, wasps may not be too much fun to be close up to, but they do provide an important pest removal service. And a food supply for larger flycatchers, etc.

Resin

Thanks, Resin. Actually, I was thinking of having one of the children build wasp nest boxes as we've seen them when we have gone out birding at some conservation areas. I just need to find the plans. And hope the wasps find their boxes next year. :)