How to Safely Remove Wasp Nests

Have you noticed wasps in your backyard? Wasp removal is easy once you locate the nest. However, getting rid of a wasp infestation without getting stung can be a little more complicated.

While rarely fatal, wasp stings are painful and annoying. For some people, they can even lead to severe allergic reactions. Plus, unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. So, if you remove a wasp nest the wrong way, you can end up in a bad state. That is why safe wasp nest removal is essential.

Locating the Nest

First things first, locate the nest. You may see wasps but not know where the nest is. Before you can kill them, you have to find them. Wasps get a bad reputation, but they are less aggressive than bees. So, you can watch them feed and then see where they go after eating. They will usually form a small group and fly together in a straight line to their nest. That can help you find their nests.

Some wasps nest out in the open. Paper wasps, so named because their nests look like they are made of paper bags, make their nests under eaves. If you notice something the color and texture of a paper bag but with holes in it, you have seen their nest.

Are you still having trouble finding the nest? Watch if you see a group or stream of wasps heading into or away from your home. That can signal a big problem and a significant infestation. However, it can also give you a clue about where the wasps are.

Things to Consider When Removing the Nest

Next, you have to decide whether to remove or kill. While everyone talks about bees, the reality is that wasps are also critical natural pollinators. They play an essential role in the environment. They can even kill other pests and bugs. So, you may want to remove them without killing them. On the other hand, safe removal without killing the wasps may not be possible if you have a large infestation. So, do some investigation so you can choose your course of action.

Whichever one you choose, you need to think about protective gear or clothing. The more of your body you can cover in thick clothing, the less likely you are to get stung. You want the clothing to be form-fitting, at least at entry points. Jeans, heavy-duty gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt are all essential.

If you want to try no-kill removal, it is good to work at night. Wasps nest in the nighttime, and you are likelier to have time to work without waking them. Get a plastic container and place it over the wasp nest. Then, slide the container, knocking the nest free while still keeping the container firmly against the other surface. Quickly close it with the lid.

Once you have safely removed the wasp nest, you need to relocate the wasps. If you relocate them nearby, they will likely return to your home. Likewise, avoid locating it near other houses, parks, or highly-traveled areas. If you have a wilderness area nearby, that is a good location. Once you get there, set the container on the ground. Open the cover, and then move away. We are not fans of littering, but you should return for the container instead of trying to remove the next from it.

Deterring Wasps from Your Home

You may be able to deter some types of wasps from staying around your home. Hornets do not like the smell of certain oils, including cinnamon, peppermint, geranium, lemongrass, and clove. If you place pieces of fabric or paper that you have soaked in peppermint oil in places where wasps are likely to nest, they will not build their nests there. However, it will not necessarily make them abandon their current nests.

Another no-kill way to get rid of wasps is by using deterrent sprays. Like the oils, these are most effective before wasps have built their nests. You can buy these sprays at pest control stores and most locations that carry pest control products. Spray it in the eaves and other areas where wasps build their nests. You can also use it on wasp nests. However, the non-toxic versions are not going to kill wasps. You should beware that they may be agitated by you bothering them.

Hornets and wasps are territorial. They avoid making their nests near the nests of other hornets and wasps. So, you can use decoy nests to keep them from building nests. You can even put decoy nests near their nests. They will often abandon their nests and move on if they think other hornets or wasps are in their area. You can buy fake nests. You can also crumple up small brown paper lunch sacks as decoys.

Killing Wasps if Necessary

If your no-kill methods are not working, it may be time to move on to extermination rather than removal.

The first and easiest option may be using insecticides designed to kill wasps. They are effective on single wasps but are most effective when you drench the nest. Soak the entire next. If the nest is difficult to reach, select a sprayer with an extension nozzle. Once you know that all the wasps are dead, you can destroy the nest. Destroying the nest prevents other wasps from coming back. Just remember to wear goggles and gloves if you are using sprays!

You can also use insecticidal dust to kill wasps. You drop the dust in the nest. You may have to repeat applications. Dusts are great when a nest is difficult to reach or if you cannot identify where the wasps are located.

We are Here to Help

If removing wasp nests sounds intimidating, remember you do not have to handle it alone. Contact Flick. Our pest control technicians can assess your wasp problem, devise a removal plan, and get it done without any risk to you.