How To Safely Remove Wasps From Your Home

Discovering a wasp infestation in your home can be unsettling. These buzzing intruders not only pose a threat to your peace of mind but can also be dangerous, especially for those with allergies. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 788 deaths from hornets, wasps, and bee stings from 2011 to 2021.

Given that there are around 30,000 wasp species, there are non-stinging and stinging variants. But if it so happens that the ones nesting in your home are stinging variants, there’s still no need to panic. With a little know-how and some elbow grease, you can kick those wasps out and get your home back to normal. Here’s how:

Identifying the Wasp Nest Location

The first step in addressing a wasp problem is locating their nest. Wasps are creatures of habit, and observing their patterns can lead you right to their home base, so this part may seem simple.

Start by watching the wasps’ flight paths. They often fly in straight lines when returning to their nest. Keep an eye out for wasp traffic hotspots—places where you see lots of wasps coming and going. They love hanging out in spots like roof edges, those vents in your attic, or little gaps in your home’s siding. And don’t forget to check out trees and bushes or even the ground.

Pest control experts advise that when searching for wasps in a home, residents should be alert to certain signs. “Inside your home, hearing buzzing noises or finding dead wasps indicates a potential wasp nest somewhere indoors, usually in wall voids or attics,” notes one industry professional.

Meanwhile, if you’re having trouble locating the nest, consider watching during different times of the day. Wasps are usually most active during daylight hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

However, it’s important to note that wasp nests aren’t always visible or easily accessible. If you’re wondering if you have a wasp nest in your outbuilding or roof but can’t see it, don’t approach. Instead, call a pest controller, who can identify the signs of a wasp nest and remove it for you safely.

Protecting Yourself

You don’t want to skimp on protection when tackling these little invaders—it could mean the difference between a victory dance and a not-so-fun trip to the ER.

First, cover up! Grab your longest sleeves and pants. Make sure they have thick fabric. When it comes to your hands and feet, thick gloves are your friends. Do not use flip-flops to protect your feet. Use closed-toe shoes.

Also, pop on a wide-brimmed hat for good measure. If you’re dealing with a big nest and want to go full-on wasp ninja, consider a beekeeper’s veil or one of those mosquito head nets. Your face and neck will thank you.

Lastly, if you’ve got long hair, tie it back. The last thing you want is a wasp getting tangled up in there. Although this dress code could make you look a bit silly, it’s way better than dealing with a bunch of angry wasps.

Choosing a Removal Method

When it comes to removing wasps, you have several options. The method you choose will depend on the size of the infestation, the location of the nest, and your personal comfort level. Here are three common approaches:

Using Insecticide Spray

Want to zap those wasps fast? Grab a wasp-specific insecticide spray from your local store. These bad boys kill on contact and keep working afterwards. Here’s the trick: spray at night when the wasps are snoozing in their nest. Use a long-range spray to keep yourself safe, too. Just remember to read the label—you might need to spray a couple of times to get the job done right.

Natural Solutions

Not a fan of chemicals? No worries, there are natural ways to tackle those wasps. Mix some dish soap and water in a spray bottle—it’s like kryptonite for wasps, making them too slippery to fly. Aim for the wasps themselves, not just their nest. If you’re looking to keep wasps away, try a peppermint oil and water mix. They hate the smell, but it won’t get rid of them completely.

Professional Pest Control

Sometimes, it’s best to call in the big guns. If you’ve got a massive wasp problem, hard-to-reach nests, or you’re just not comfortable dealing with it yourself, professional pest control is the way to go. These experts know their stuff and have all the right gear to get rid of wasps safely. Sure, it might cost more than DIY, but can you really put a price on peace of mind?

Insect removal specialist in protective gear treating a bee infestation.

Removing the Nest

Once you’ve successfully eliminated the wasps, the next step is removing the nest. This is important to prevent other insects from moving in and to discourage wasps from returning to the same spot.

Before approaching the nest, wait at least 24 hours after treatment to ensure all wasps are dead. Even then, approach with caution and wear your protective gear.

For exposed nests, such as those under eaves or in trees, you can often knock them down using a long stick or pole. But for nests in wall voids or other enclosed spaces, you may need to carefully cut away the surrounding material to access the nest.

Place the nest in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can. If the nest was particularly large or if you’re unsure about complete removal, consider contacting a professional for this step.

Takeaway

Dealing with wasps at home isn’t fun, but it’s doable if you’re careful. Just remember the essential steps: find the nest, gear up, pick your removal method, and get rid of the nest.

If things get too intense or you’re just not feeling it, don’t hesitate to call the pros. Your safety matters most. So, be cautious, and before you know it, you’ll have your wasp-free home back.