In general, wasps are very helpful insects to have around. They reduce the number of small pests that tend to eat plants, fruits, and vegetables. A good supply of wasps near your yard can help keep your garden thriving all summer. Unfortunately, some wasps choose to build their nests in places that can create a hazard for you and your family. If a wasp nest is too close to your home, there are ways to remove it safely. Always make sure that anyone working to remove a wasps nest is not allergic to wasp or bee stings.
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Find the Nest
Many times you will notice an increase in the number of wasps that are hovering around your doors or windows before you discover the actual wasp nest. If you watch the wasps for a little while you will notice that they tend to fly in a straight line when they are approaching or leaving their nest. If you follow the most prevalent path that the majority of the wasps fly in you will be led straight to the nest. Some wasps build their nests inside walls or under the ground. These nests need to be removed by experts because it is very difficult to remove them without agitating the wasps.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Most types of wasps become sluggish and sleepy in the late evenings or after dark. They are most active during the heat of the day. The best time to remove a wasp nest is at night when the sun has been down for about an hour. Night time is when the majority of the wasps will be inside the nest and sleepy, which means you will be able to remove the most number of wasps with the smallest risk of being stung. If possible, have a friend help you by shining a bright light on the nest while you work.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wasp stings can be particularly painful and dangerous, especially if you are stung multiple times. When you begin to remove the nest, make sure you are wearing multiple layers of clothing so that wasp stingers can’t penetrate through to your skin. Seal off the cuffs of your pants with rubber bands to keep wasps from flying up your pant legs. Wear sturdy gloves and make sure that the cuffs of your shirt are wrapped around the base of the gloves to seal your shirt sleeves from wasps. Cover your head with a thick hat and be sure you wear eye protection.
Use a Pesticide
The easiest way to remove a wasp nest is to spray it with a commercial pesticide and wait for the wasps to die before you transfer the nest to the trash. If you choose this option, the pesticide will have clear instructions for use printed on the side of the can. Make sure that the area around the nest is cleared of people and pets before you spray the pesticide. It is a good idea to plan your escape route before you apply the poison so that you will be able to make a quick retreat as soon as the nest has been sprayed.
Non-Pesticide Options
It is possible to remove wasp nests without resorting to pesticides that can harm the environment. These options require a little more patience and quickness on your part, however. The best way to naturally remove a nest is to wait until after dark and gently wrap a plastic bag around the nest. Pull the top of the bag tightly closed so that no wasps can escape once the nest is covered. Submerge the nest in a pail of water overnight to kill the wasps, then throw the nest in the trash.
