Wasps can be more than just a nuisance, their stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. Finding a wasp nest in or around your home can be alarming, but it’s important to handle the situation calmly and safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of identifying and safely removing a wasp nest and when to call in the professionals. Handling wasps carefully ensures the safety of you, your family, and your home.
What Are Wasps?
Wasps might look similar to bees, however they are not as friendly. These pesky flying insects belong to the order Hymenoptera (the class that also includes ants) and can be found all over the world. There are two main types of wasps, social and solitary, and together, there are more than 30,000 species.
Why do you need to worry? Wasps are pretty aggressive and unlike bees, they can sting multiple times. These stings can be very painful and may cause significant reactions in those with allergies.
How To Identify a Wasp Nest
Different wasps build nests unique to their species. Common wasps you might encounter include yellow jackets, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets.
Yellow Jackets:
These wasps often build nests in the ground or in wall cavities. Their nests are usually made of a paper-like substance and can house thousands of wasps. You might see them flying close to the ground or entering and exiting small holes.
Paper Wasps:
Their nests are often found hanging from eaves, branches, or other elevated areas. These nests look like upside-down umbrellas and have a papery appearance. You’ll likely spot them in attics, sheds, or under deck railings.
European Hornets:
European hornets are less aggressive than other species but they can still be a nuisance around your property. They build paper-like nests in covered areas, such as inside trees or under roof edges.
Mud Daubers:
Mud daubers, as their name suggests, are a type of solitary wasp that construct their nests from mud. These nests are often found on walls, under eaves, or in other sheltered locations and are characterized by their tube-like structures.
Bald-Faced Hornets:
Contrary to their name, bald-faced hornets are a kind of wasp. Their nests are large, football-shaped structures made from a paper-like material, similar to other hornet nests, and are typically found in trees, shrubs, or on buildings.
To learn more about different types of wasp species, visit our blog post: Identifying Common Wasp Species & Wasp Control Services: Know Your Foe
Signs That You Have A Wasp Infestation
- Frequent wasp activity in a particular area: If you notice wasps flying around a specific spot in your yard or home, it could indicate a nearby nest.
- Visible nests: Look for nests in common areas such as under eaves, in trees, bushes, or in the ground.
- Wasps entering and exiting a specific spot in a wall or the ground: Wasps often use small holes or crevices in walls or the ground to access their nests.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Wasp Nest
Removing a wasp nest requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Take Care Of Your Safety
The first step in how to get rid of wasp nests is to ensure that you take proper precautions. As we said earlier, wasps are generally quite aggressive and they sting. If you decide to go without necessary safety measures, the likelihood of this increases.
Here are some things that you need to consider beforehand:
Wear Protective Clothing:
- You should wear full sleeves and long pants.
- A hat and face mask or netting to protect your face and neck is also recommended.
Use the Right Equipment:
- Purchase wasp spray or insecticide specifically designed for wasps. (Click here to read about the best wasp traps.)
- Have a flashlight if you’re working in low-light conditions.
- Keep a spray bottle of soapy water handy as a backup.
Choose the Right Time:
- Removing the nest in the morning or late evening is usually recommended as wasps are less active.
- Avoid removing nests during daylight hours when wasps are most active.
Locate The Wasp Nest
The next thing to do is to head towards the nest. It’s best to locate the nests before the wasps become aggressive. Look around areas where wasps are often found to find their nests. Typical spots include under roof eaves, inside attics, and soffits. Paper wasp nests can be found not only in higher areas but also in trees, bushes, and even underground.
Move Towards The Nest
When approaching a wasp nest, it’s crucial to exercise caution and follow a few key guidelines. Move slowly and calmly towards the nest to avoid alarming the wasps, as sudden movements can trigger defensive behavior. Position yourself at a safe distance that allows you to easily target the nest with your spray while maintaining enough space to retreat if necessary.
Removing The Wasp Nest
Here is how to remove a wasp nest:
Using Insecticide:
Spray the nest thoroughly with a wasp insecticide. This is the most effective way to get rid of paper wasp traps. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the product for the best results. Aim to saturate the nest so the insecticide reaches all wasps inside.
Ensure you are standing at a safe distance while spraying to avoid any aggressive wasps. It might take a few applications over several days to fully eliminate the wasps.
Physical Removal:
Once the wasps are dead or significantly weakened (this might take a day or two), you can remove the nest. Use a long tool to knock the nest down and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Wear protective clothing during this process to prevent any potential stings from surviving wasps. Carefully check the surrounding area for any remaining wasps before proceeding.
Disposal and Cleaning:
Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash can with a tight lid. Clean the area where the nest was to remove any remaining pheromones that might attract new wasps. Use soapy water or a disinfectant to thoroughly wash the area, and inspect it regularly to ensure no new nests are being built.
When to Call the Professionals To Remove A Wasp Nest
While removing a small wasp nest can be managed by following the steps above, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
Large Nests: If the nest is large or has been established for a long time, it can house thousands of wasps, making removal very dangerous.
Difficult-to-Reach Locations: Nests located in wall cavities, attics, or other hard-to-reach places can be difficult and risky to remove on your own.
Allergies to Wasp Stings: If you or anyone in your household is allergic to wasp stings, do not attempt to remove the nest yourself. The risk of severe allergic reactions is too high.
Persistent Wasp Problems: If you notice wasps returning even after removing nests, it’s best to consult professionals who can provide a more permanent solution.
Jamison Pest and Lawn: Your Partner For Wasp Control!
Dealing with a wasp nest can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can be done safely. If you are struggling to get rid of wasps, turn to the experts at Jamison Pest and Lawn.
We have the expertise and equipment to handle wasp nest removal safely and efficiently. Don’t put yourself at risk, let our trained professionals take care of the problem for you. Contact us today for a safe and effective solution to your wasp problems.
