You’ve Got a Wasp Nest on Your Home

Don’t Panic, Here’s What to Do

Nothing can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners quite like a big wasp nest on or around their property. Not only can wasps inflict painful stings, but some people also experience an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you’ve noticed an unusually high number of wasps buzzing around your home, it’s highly likely that they have built a nest somewhere nearby. In this post, we’re going to discuss what you can do if you have a big wasp nest on your home.

Identify the Nest’s Location

The first thing you need to do is locate the nest. Usually, wasps build nests in hidden locations, like under the eaves of your roof, inside a wall, or in trees. Try to observe where the bugs are flying in and out of—that’s probably where the nest is. During the daytime, you may be able to hear the wasps as they move around inside.

If you can’t find the nest, don’t worry. It’s possible that it is hidden in a hard-to-reach location or it may still be under construction. Wait until dusk or early morning when the wasps are less active and use a flashlight to carefully search for the nest. If you still can’t locate it, you may need to call a professional pest control service to assist you.

Know the Wasps You’re Working With

It’s crucial to identify the wasp species before attempting to remove a nest. Yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets can all be aggressive and introduce potential harm. If you’re unsure which kind of wasp is building the nest, do some research or call a professional to identify the species.

Few species of wasps are incredibly aggressive. For example, yellow jackets attack unprovoked, and their stings can derail a person’s reaction to the venom. Knowing the species can provide you with crucial insights about how to remove the wasp nest and manage the threat it poses to you.

Decide If It’s Worth Removing the Nest Yourself

If you have a severe wasp infestation, it’s best to leave nest removal to pest control professionals. However, if you’re dealing with a small nest and are confident in your DIY skills, you may be able to remove the nest with proper precautions. Remember, when it comes to wasp nests, safety should always come first.

When deciding whether to remove a wasp nest yourself, it’s essential to know what not to do. First and foremost, never try to remove a wasp nest without protective gear. This includes long sleeves, pants, gloves, goggles, and a face mask. It’s also crucial not to use any type of insecticide spray on the nest as this can aggravate the wasps and make them more aggressive.

Additionally, never attempt to burn or knock down a nest as this can be hazardous and cause the wasps to attack. Always exercise caution and consider calling residential pest control if you have any doubts about safely removing the nest yourself.

Use DIY Methods

One way to kill wasps in the nest is to use a wasp spray specifically designed for nests. You can find these sorts of sprays at any store you like. At night, when wasps are less active, spray the entrance to the nest. This should disable the wasps inside and kill them. If you want to remove the nest, wait until morning or a chilly or rainy day, when the wasps will be less active, and then remove the nest slowly and carefully using a long stick. Make sure to seal the nest in a garbage bag to avoid any wasp attacks.

Call a Pest Control Professional

If you’re dealing with a big wasp nest, we recommend calling a pest control professional. They have the expertise, experience, and proper equipment to remove the nest safely and effectively. A professional exterminator will also ensure that no wasps are left behind, and the nesting material is disposed of properly.

Prevent Future Infestations

After the wasp nest has been removed, it’s essential to take some steps to prevent future wasp infestations. Regularly inspect your home and surrounding property for wasp activity, seal any entry points, and keep your garbage cans tightly closed. Also, try to avoid having sweet foods or drinks outside as these attract wasps.

Another way to prevent wasps from building nests on your property is by planting certain types of plants that repel them. For example, mint, citronella, and eucalyptus are all known for keeping wasps away. You can also hang fake nests around your property as a deterrent since wasps are territorial and will avoid areas where there are already established nests.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your outdoor living spaces can also help prevent wasp nests from being built, as they are attracted to debris and clutter. Lastly, if you have a pool or pond on your property, consider investing in a floating wasp trap to catch any potential intruders before they build a nest.

Wasps are incredibly adept at building nests, and once they establish their home near yours, it can be challenging to evict them. However, with a little knowledge and proper safety precautions, you can successfully remove the nest and prevent future infestations. Always prioritize safety, and if you’re unsure about what to do, it’s best to leave nest removal to the professionals. Let’s hope you never have to deal with a wasp nest, but if you do, we hope this post helps!