Wasps and mosquitoes reduce sales in the restaurant industry.
High summer draws guests outdoors – and at the same time, the buzzing and humming on terraces, in beer gardens, and the like increases rapidly. Those who underestimate these pests risk not only disgruntled customers but also measurable losses in revenue. This newsletter reveals the true impact of these insects, how guests and staff feel, and what practical solutions restaurateurs can implement immediately.
The bare figures – this is how much money is at stake
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Lost revenue due to wasps: Businesses in Thuringia report that wasps are driving away customers before they can order dessert or a second round of drinks – resulting in noticeable losses in revenue. "We're not receiving masses of calls for help, but bakeries and ice cream parlors are losing customers," confirms Dirk Ellinger, Managing Director of DEHOGA Thuringia. gastivo.de
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Mosquito factor: An American analysis shows that mosquito infestations reduce dwell time, slow down pedestrian traffic, and directly diminish outdoor dining – meaning less revenue per seat. mynatureguard.com
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Overall picture of pest infestation: 45% of affected businesses fear further revenue losses after a fly infestation – an indicator of how sensitive guests are to any kind of flying insect. rentokil.com
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Food safety perspective: Plague infestations not only drive up treatment costs but also cause significant revenue loss and damage guest confidence. food-safety.com
Guest mood – why every stitch is expensive
Outdoor seating is a major revenue driver: According to a Toast survey, 54% of respondents prefer restaurants with outdoor seating, and 70% are even willing to wait longer for a table outside. However, if wasps or mosquitoes disrupt the experience, the mood sours – guests move indoors or leave early. pos.toasttab.com
Impact on employees
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Stress & First Aid Time-outs: Waiters juggling drinks while simultaneously fending off wasps lose speed – and tips.
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Safety risk: Insect allergies can lead to downtime; this increases labor costs per hour.
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Employer branding: An insect-free outdoor area signals care and increases satisfaction – an important argument in times of acute skilled worker shortages.
Implementation recommendations for your outdoor area
| lever | Effect | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Sugar Zone | Cover sweet foods/drinks, seal waste containers | GN containers with lids, clear bussing routes |
| Barriers & Airflows | Fans and screens disrupt flight paths | Mobile column fans, fine-mesh curtains |
| Table hygiene | Immediate cleanup + mopping schedule every 15 minutes | QR-based cleaning log |
| Natural deterrent | Coffee grounds smoke, essential oils (lavender, lemon) | DIY bowls or incense box (VapoWesp) |
| Monitoring & Documentation | HACCP compliant, audit-proof | Digital Pest Register |
Game-changer VapoWesp
The VapoWesp smoking box relies on a tried and tested home remedy – smoldering coffee powder – and combines it with food-safe herbal mixtures.
The result: smoke-based defense without toxins, 100% legal. Restaurateurs benefit in multiple ways:
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Increased sales: Guests stay longer, order dessert & digestif.
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Additional margin: Gastro partners purchase boxes & GastroPack powder (500 g) at the dealer purchase price and resell them to interested guests.
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Social media boost: VapoWesp reposts your callouts – free reach for your business.
Your summer without sums
Whether it's a beer garden, rooftop bar or street café: those who act preventively now turn potential disruptive factors into competitive advantages.
VapoWesp supports you in this – sustainably, with a focus on customer needs and generating high sales.
Curious? Write to us at shop@vapowesp.com – we'll put together your individual catering starter package so that you and your guests can enjoy the summer instead of driving it away.
