Wasps are more than just a nuisance pest. While they tend to only attack when provoked, it’s not comfortable knowing there is a nest on your property.  While there are many DIY pest solutions, it is best to leave wasp removal to the professionals or consider leaving it alone altogether. If you are determined to take care of it yourself, here are the five steps for safe wasp nest removal:

1. Identify the Type of Wasp’s Nest

Paper wasps create large, exposed nests where the combs are clearly visible. Yellow jackets build papery-looking nests. They are very aggressive and will sting multiple times and attack in swarms if threatened. And hornets also create nests that look papery. You can identify them by the white markings on their head and thorax.

2. Wear Protective Clothing.

Try to cover every part of your body. Wear jeans, socks, boots, gloves, and a sweater. Wrap a scarf around the lower half of your face and wear protective glasses or ski goggles.

3. Make Your Plan of Attack.

Plan to work at night. Do not use a bright flashlight because it will wake up the wasps. Use a red or amber colored light. Also be sure to have an escape route ready should the wasps fight back.

4. Choose Your Method.

Pesticide spray: Target the bottom opening of the nest with a stream of pesticide for approximately 10 to 15 seconds then quickly vacate the area.

Insecticidal dust: For ground nests, this is much more effective than aerosol sprays. During the night or early morning, apply the dust liberally onto the nest opening and immediately vacate the area. The wasps should die within a day or two.

Dish soap: A solution of dish soap and water can coat wasps’ wings and prevent them from flying, which eventually drowns them. Spray the mixture at the entrance for 10 to 15 seconds and then vacate the area quickly. You may need to repeat this process several times.

Smoke: Build a small fire in your grill directly below an aerial nest. The smoke will rise and enter the nest, suffocating the wasps and forcing them to vacate. Let the smoke rise for an hour or two to make sure the nest is empty.

5. Knock Down the Vacant Nest.

Once you are sure the nest is no longer active, use a stick to knock it down. While wasps do not reuse nests, they will sometimes build on top.

Important Safety Reminders:

• Do not stand on a ladder! You are very likely to fall if attacked.
• If you are using pesticides, make sure children and pets stay away for at least 24 hours because the chemicals used are very dangerous
• Make sure you are not allergic to wasp stings. Wasps are incredibly aggressive and will sting multiple times if threatened.

Professional Wasp Nest Removal

Hiring an exterminator is the safest way to remove a wasp nest from your home. Call your local pest pros, ExtermPRO, today at 571-620-1168.