Wasps are flying insects that belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. They have a slender body, a narrow waist, and a pair of wings. Some wasps are beneficial for pollination and pest control, but others can be a nuisance or a threat to humans and pets. Wasps can sting multiple times and cause painful swelling, itching, and allergic reactions. They can also build nests in various places around your yard and house, such as trees, eaves, walls, attics, or underground.
If you want to get rid of wasps in your yard and house, you need to identify the type of wasp, locate the nest, and choose the best method to eliminate them. You also need to take some precautions to prevent wasps from returning or building new nests. Here are some tips and tricks to help you deal with these pesky insects.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Identify the type of wasp by its size, color, shape, and nest location. |
| – Use protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a mask when dealing with wasps. |
| – Spray wasp nests with insecticide or soapy water at night or early morning when they are less active. |
| – Remove hanging or exposed nests by bagging or vacuuming them. |
| – Apply insecticide dust or powder to concealed or underground nests. |
| – Use natural repellents such as essential oils, herbs, or fake nests to deter wasps. |
| – Seal any cracks or gaps in your house where wasps can enter or build nests. |
| – Keep your yard clean and free of food sources for wasps. |
How to Identify Different Types of Wasps
There are many different types of wasps in the world, but some of the most common ones that you may encounter in your yard and house are:
- Paper wasps: These are black and yellow wasps that have long legs and a thin waist. They build open-comb nests that look like umbrellas under eaves, roofs, branches, or other sheltered places. They are not very aggressive unless provoked or disturbed.
- Yellow jackets: These are black and yellow wasps that have a thick waist and short legs. They build enclosed nests of paper-like material in cavities such as walls, attics, or underground holes. They are very aggressive and will defend their nests fiercely. They are also attracted to sugary foods and can be a nuisance at picnics or outdoor events.
- Hornets: These are large wasps that have black and white or black and yellow patterns on their bodies. They build large spherical nests of paper-like material on trees, shrubs, or buildings. They are very aggressive and will attack anyone who comes near their nests. They can also spray venom from their stingers that can cause temporary blindness
- Mud daubers: These are black or metallic blue wasps that have a long slender waist and a cylindrical abdomen. They build tube-like nests of mud on the sides of buildings, bridges, or other structures. They are not very aggressive and rarely sting humans. They feed on spiders and other insects.
To identify the type of wasp that you are dealing with, you need to observe its size, color, shape, behavior, and nest location. You can also use online guides or apps to help you identify different wasp species.
How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests
Once you have identified the type of wasp that is bothering you, you need to locate the nest and choose the best method to get rid of it. Depending on the type and location of the nest, you may need different tools and techniques to eliminate it safely and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Hanging or Exposed Nests
If the nest is hanging from a branch, an eave, or another exposed place, you can use one of the following methods:
- Spray the nest with insecticide: You can use a commercial wasp spray that contains pyrethroids or other chemicals that kill wasps on contact. Make sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for safety and effectiveness. Choose a spray that has a long reach (at least 20 feet) so that you can keep a safe distance from the nest. Spray the nest at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. Aim for the opening of the nest where the wasps enter and exit. Spray until the nest is saturated and no more wasps come out. Wait for a day or two before removing the nest to make sure all the wasps are dead.
- Spray the nest with soapy water: If you prefer a more natural method, you can use soapy water instead of insecticide. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle or a garden hose sprayer. Spray the nest at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. The soap will clog the wasps’ breathing pores and suffocate them. Spray until the nest is soaked and no more wasps come out. Wait for a day or two before removing the nest to make sure all the wasps are dead.
- Remove the nest by bagging it: If the nest is small and within your reach, you can remove it by bagging it. You will need a large plastic bag, a long stick or pole, and some duct tape. Wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Approach the nest slowly and quietly at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. Place the bag over the nest and seal it with duct tape. Cut the branch or string that holds the nest with a stick or pole. Carefully lower the bag to the ground and dispose of it in a sealed trash can or dumpster.
- Remove the nest by vacuuming it: If the nest is small and within your reach, you can also remove it by vacuuming it. You will need a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment, an extension cord, and some duct tape. Wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Approach the nest slowly and quietly at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and place the hose over the opening of the nest. Tape the hose to the nest with duct tape. Vacuum for about 15 minutes until no more wasps come out. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the hose from the nest. Seal the end of the hose with duct tape and dispose of it in a sealed trash can or dumpster.
How to Get Rid of Concealed or Underground Nests
If the nest is concealed inside a wall, an attic, or another cavity, or if it is underground in a hole or a burrow, you can use one of the following methods:
- Apply insecticide dust or powder to the nest: You can use a commercial insecticide dust or powder that contains pyrethroids or other chemicals that kill wasps on contact. Make sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for safety and effectiveness. Choose a dust or powder that has a long residual effect (at least 6 months) so that it can kill any emerging wasps later on. You will also need a duster or a puffer to apply the dust or powder to the nest. Wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Locate the opening of the nest where the wasps enter and exit. Apply the dust or powder to the opening at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. Use enough dust or powder to cover the opening and fill up some of the cavity or hole. Repeat this process for several days until you see no more wasp activity.
- Apply boiling water to underground nests: If you prefer a more natural method, you can use boiling water instead of insecticide dust or powder. You will need a large pot of boiling water and some caution. Wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Locate the opening of the underground nest where the wasps enter and exit. Pour boiling water into the opening at night or early morning when the wasps are less active and inside the nest. Use enough water to flood the hole and kill the wasps. Repeat this process for several days until you see no more wasp activity.
How to Prevent Wasp Nests
After you have gotten rid of wasp nests in your yard and house, you need to take some measures to prevent them from coming back or building new nests. Here are some tips and tricks to help you deter wasps from your property.
- Use natural repellents: Wasps are repelled by strong-smelling substances such as certain herbs, essential oils, and coffee grounds. You can use these natural repellents to keep wasps away from your home and outdoor areas.
- Place pots of spearmint, thyme, eucalyptus, wormwood, basil, bay leaves, lemongrass, or citronella grass around your home and especially where you have previously seen wasps.
- Combine a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint, clove, lemongrass, geranium, or lavender with water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution around your home and outdoor areas where you have previously seen wasps.
- Place coffee grounds in small bowls or cups around your home and outdoor areas where you have previously seen wasps. The strong smell of coffee will repel them.
Use fake nests: Wasps are territorial insects that avoid building nests near other wasp nests. You can use this behavior to your advantage by hanging
fake nests in your yard and house to trick wasps into thinking that the area is already occupied. You can buy fake nests online or make your own by using paper bags, balloons, or other materials. Hang the fake nests in visible places where you have previously seen wasps or where you want to prevent them from building nests.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your house: Wasps can enter your house through cracks or gaps in the walls, windows, doors, roof, or vents. They can also build nests inside these cavities and cause damage or infestation. To prevent this, you need to seal any cracks or gaps in your house with caulk, foam, mesh, or other materials. Check your house regularly for any signs of wasp activity and repair any damage as soon as possible.
- Keep your yard clean and free of food sources for wasps: Wasps are attracted to food sources such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, garbage, compost, pet food, or bird feeders. To prevent wasps from coming to your yard and house, you need to keep your yard clean and free of food sources for wasps.
- Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables from your garden and store them in a sealed container or refrigerator.
- Remove any fallen fruits or vegetables from your yard and dispose of them in a sealed trash can or dumpster.
- Cut back any flowers that produce nectar or pollen that attract wasps.
- Cover your garbage cans and compost bins with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly.
- Store your pet food in a sealed container and feed your pets indoors or remove any leftover food after feeding.
- Remove or relocate any bird feeders that attract wasps. Alternatively, you can use bird feeders that have a cage around them to prevent wasps from accessing the seeds.
Conclusion
Wasps are common insects that can be beneficial for pollination and pest control, but they can also be a nuisance or a threat to humans and pets. If you want to get rid of wasps in your yard and house, you need to identify the type of wasp, locate the nest, and choose the best method to eliminate them. You also need to take some precautions to prevent wasps from returning or building new nests. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a wasp-free environment.
