How do you safely remove a wasp nest?

Table of Contents

What are wasps and why do they build nests?

Wasps are flying insects that are closely related to bees and ants. There are over 30,000 identified species of wasps worldwide, with around 4,000 species native to North America. Many wasp species are solitary, but some are social and live in colonies. Social wasps build nests out of paper made from chewed wood pulp. These nests provide shelter and protection for the wasp colony.

Some of the most common social wasp species that build paper nests include:

Yellowjackets – These are black and yellow wasps that build football-shaped nests.
Paper wasps – These slender-bodied wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, overhangs, or in other sheltered spots.
Hornets – The true hornets are larger than yellowjackets and make large, teardrop or spherical shaped nests in trees or shrubs.

Aerial yellowjackets – These make exposed, aerial nests that hang from eaves and branches.

Wasps form colonies for protection and cooperative brood care. A queen starts a nest in the spring. She lays eggs that hatch into sterile female workers. The workers expand the nest, forage for food, care for the larvae, and defend the colony. By late summer, the colony produces unfertile males and new fertile queens. The males and new queens mate, then most of the wasps die off, leaving only the new fertilized queens to overwinter and start new colonies in the spring.

Why remove wasp nests?

Wasp nests often cause problems for homeowners for several reasons:

Stings – Wasp stings can be very painful and repeated stings may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Aggressiveness – Social wasps will vigorously defend the area around their nest.
Damage to property – Nesting activity can damage wood, plants, and other materials.

Annoyance – Large numbers of wasps flying around are a nuisance.

For these reasons, it is usually advisable to remove visible wasp nests around your home. Eliminating nests in the spring or early summer can also help reduce wasp populations during times of peak activity in late summer and fall.

When to remove nests

The best time to remove a wasp nest is in early spring (March/April) or fall (late September/October). During these times, colonies are smaller with fewer workers to defend the nest. Cool evening temperatures also make wasps less active and defensive. Avoid removing nests in summer when colonies are largest and wasp activity peaks.

Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial for safely removing a wasp nest:

Protective clothing – Wear a hooded jacket, long pants tucked into socks, gloves, and close-toed shoes. Tape sleeves and pant legs shut.
Insect repellent – Apply a repellent containing DEET or picaridin.

Equipment – Have ready a ladder, garden shears, vacuum hose, trash bags, duct tape, flashlights, and a can of wasp spray.
Avoid working alone – Have someone present to help or monitor in case of emergency.
Work during cool periods – Early morning or after dusk when wasps are least active.

Notify house occupants – Advise family members to remain indoors during nest removal.

Removal methods

There are several effective methods to destroy a wasp nest. The safest approach often depends on nest size, location, and type of wasps.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming works well for removing small, exposed nests of docile wasp species. Follow these steps:

Prepare a vacuum with a long hose attachment and place a fine mesh bag with insecticide inside to kill vacuumed wasps.
Approach nest slowly during cool temperatures.
Aim nozzle 2-4 inches away and quickly suck up entire nest, debris, and all visible wasps into vacuum.

Seal vacuum bag tightly.
Discard sealed vacuum bag.

Knock down and remove nest

For aerial or exposed nests attached to eaves, branches, fences, or other surfaces:

On a cool evening, approach nest slowly and use a powerful wasp spray. Spray nest entrance for 10-15 seconds to kill guards and occupants.
After waiting 5-10 minutes for activity to subside, protect hands with gloves, and knock down nest with a broom or brush.
Place nest debris immediately into a sealed plastic bag for disposal.

Insecticidal dust

Insecticidal dust is effective for nests inside wall voids, attics, hollow trees, etc. where the nest cannot be directly reached:

Apply dust liberally into nest entrance using a hand duster.
Seal entrance holes with silicone caulk to contain dust inside nest.

Wasps entering nest will track dust back to the colony and cause it to die off.

Recheck sealed entrance holes after a few days to ensure wasps do not chew new exits. Reapply dust if necessary.

Professional pest control

For large nests or nests in difficult to access areas, hiring a professional pest control service is recommended. Licensed exterminators have specialized training, equipment, and insecticides to remove nests.

After removal

After eliminating a nest, take these additional steps:

Watch out for any wasps returning to nest area and spray stragglers.
Check entrance holes daily for 1-2 weeks to ensure colony is dead. Reapply insecticidal dust if wasps are still active.

Remove and replace nest debris or droppings, which contain pheromones that may attract new nest builders.
Seal cracks, holes, and openings that provide nesting sites.
Install outdoor yellow jacket traps in spring to capture queens and reduce likelihood of new colonies.

Preventing nests

To help prevent wasps from building nests on your property:

Seal cracks, holes, and crevices on walls, roof overhangs, trees, decks, and outdoor structures that offer protected nest sites.
Prune branches back from buildings.

Ensure window and door screens are sealed properly.
Install yellow jacket traps around property in early spring to catch queens.
Keep garbage cans covered and avoid leaving sweet drinks or foods outside that can attract foragers.

Install motion-activated sprinklers, which discourage scouting workers from settling.

When to call a professional

It is advisable to hire a pest control professional for nest removal in these situations:

Nest is very large or contains an extremely high number of wasps.

Nest is located high off the ground.
Nest position makes it difficult or unsafe to reach.
Unsure of nest type or location.

Allergic to stings or highly concerned about multiple stings.
Prefer to have the job handled by an experienced professional.

Licensed pest control technicians have specialized tools, protective equipment, and insecticides that allow them to remove nests in difficult locations. They can also identify different wasp species and nest types. Their training, expertise, and equipment provide greater safety.

Conclusion

Safely removing a wasp nest requires careful preparation and caution. With proper protective clothing, equipment, timing, and technique, determined do-it-yourselfers can eliminate small, accessible nests of less defensive wasp species. However, large challenging nests or colonies of aggressive wasps in difficult to reach spots are best handled by a professional pest control service. Taking measures to seal up nesting sites can also help prevent wasp problems from recurring in the future.