When you discover a wasp nest in your yard, you might think it's only logical to use wasp nest removers following treatment. However, getting rid of or removing a wasp nest is not always a requirement for several reasons.
The first is a wasp nest is not reusable. A queen wasp constructs a new nest every year. She does not like reusing an old wasp nest. Therefore, the chances of another wasp colony taking up the remaining wasps' residence or other wasps being in it are slim.
How to Get Rid of a Wasp's Nest?
If you dislike using poison, rejoice in knowing removing a wasp nest can be as simple as using soapy water.
Simply fill a spray bottle with water and measure in two tablespoons of liquid soap. Shake the bottle until the soap is blended into the water. Then, generously spray the soapy water wherever you have seen wasps flying.
How NOT to remove wasp nests?
Keep in mind it is never advisable to remove a wasp nest without professional assistance. Oftentimes, homeowners want to try and get rid of the wasp nest using a do-it-yourself method.
However, wasp nest removers should be aware that wasps are aggressive, and it does not take much action on your part to cause them to attack. Here are three ways you should avoid when attempting to remove wasp nests.
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Attempting to burn them out
Wasps create their nests by chewing wood to form a pulp. Doing so creates a thin, paper-like material that can be flammable. Thus, to avoid potential fire damage to the rest of your property, you should never attempt to burn a wasp's nest.
In addition, burning their nest, including paper wasp nests is not an efficient pest control method to kill wasps or eliminate their nests. Wasps will only become enraged because of the fire, and those out seeking food will attack you or anyone else nearby.
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Using water to eradicate wasps nests
Another method many believe will get rid of wasp nests is using water. In reality, it isn't really effective to flood their nest for the following reasons:
- Using water may result in additional property damage depending on where the nest is. For instance, if the nest is in the attic, flooding will create damage to the walls, ceiling, and attic beams.
- You cannot get rid of wasps that inhabit a nest using water. Just as fire makes wasps angry, attempting to flood them will make them vicious and cause them to attack.
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Swatting the nest with a ball bat
Of all the DIY methods, this one involves the least common sense. Attempting to eliminate a wasp nest by batting at it puts you and anyone nearby at great risk of being stung. Not once, but often several times. If the person inflicted by a wasp sting has an allergic reaction, it can put them in anaphylactic shock.
Attempting to bat at a wasp nest is an extremely dangerous task. It requires you to get close to the hive as well as the angry wasps. By hitting their nest, you appear as an invader or threat, forcing them to take action and attack.
Signs of a Wasps Nest
During spring's warmer months, wasps begin to construct nests. Outdoor events in the summertime can be hastened when a wasp nest is involved. Knowing the signs to look for if you are worried about these stinging pests invading your property is imperative.
Here are the three signs regarding a wasp nest identification:
- Recognizing large groups of swarmers in one place is one of the best clues to a wasp infestation. Wasps often exit the nest in order to care for the young wasps and find food for the queen wasp. Thus, you will notice wasps coming and going all day long. You can find their nest by following the path of these flying insects.
- Sometimes, you cannot see the signs pointing towards a wasp nest location. In these cases, you must depend on your sense of hearing. Listen carefully for the buzzing noise wasps make as they construct their nest. If you hear that undeniable noise of wasps buzzing about, it's time to call a pest control professional.
- The third clue to wasp nest identification is recognizing the visible damage these pests have done to buildings. A wasp nest is created in a number of ways, all dependent on what species you are dealing with. Mud daubers create their nests by depositing mud in various locations. Other species use thin materials like paper to craft their nests. Some wasps prefer the underground as an ideal area for building a nest.
How to Remove a Wasp Nest?
Many online sources advise on the best DIY methods to remove a wasp nest. It doesn't take much effort on your part to make a wasp react aggressively. If they are feeling threatened, they will respond by attacking whatever it is. Therefore, when you need to remove a wasp nest, it is always best to call the professionals or seek the expertise of experienced wasp nest removers.
What if I want the nest removed after treatment?
If you want the nest removed following wasp nest removal treatment, you must be careful and do it safely. The best option for doing this is by calling a pest control professional like A.N.T. Pest Control, who is a wasp nest removers expert. We know the best ways to handle a wasp nest and how to get rid of a wasp nest safely. Often, worker wasps come back to re-construct a nest you have destroyed.
The best time to remove wasp nests is during cooler temperatures. Typically, at night, many hornets and wasps are dormant after the sun disappears.
How can I stop wasps nesting on my property?
If you can recognize a wasp's flight pattern, you can sometimes follow it directly to the entrance of the wasp nest. Do this by paying close attention to the wasp activity on your property. Because yellow jackets tend to use the ground as nesting areas, they are well attuned to any ground vibrations.
To avoid attracting wasps, cover drinks and food and clean spills right away. Wasps start colonies in areas offering protection, such as porch ceilings, roof overhangs, and deck joists.
Do-it-Yourself Methods to Removing a Wasp Nest
A simple way to eliminate wasps is to mix 1/4 cup liquid dish soap with boiling water. Pour it into a spray bottle. Stand away from the nest and soak the nest completely. Another method is using essential oils and water.
Remove the doused nest by knocking it down with a long stick and putting it inside a sealed bag or container.
Will wasps return to the nest next year?
The warm weather of late spring through the early summer months is what entices bees and wasp to nest.
Some die off earlier, particularly if you are looking for a way to physically remove a wasp nest made in early spring or late summer. This is where wasp nest removers come in handy.
Although wasps often kill beneficial insects, they also aid in controlling pests like weevils, caterpillars, grubs, and other pests.
Hornet nest vs wasp nest
The bald faced hornets nests are similar to a wasp nest, only a lot bigger. These nests are typically constructed in tree branches, with the appearance of a paper-mache.
A wasp nest is made to ensure a safe distance between their small colony and humans or other predators. Usually, it has an opening in a hexagonal shape and is set up in a space that is sheltered.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are a similar wasp problem to yellow jackets, only with a more slender waist. Paper wasps have very little yellow coloring and are almost all brown.
The paper wasp is aggressive and can deliver extremely painful stings to their victims. When away from the nest, they are not very aggressive. However, being in close proximity to other bugs or near the nest can become a dangerous situation.
Gather your protective clothing and gear
When attempting a DIY method for the physical removal of a yellow jacket or wasp nest, always wear protective clothing. Have an escape route to avoid becoming the victim of bee or wasp stings, which can be very painful and sometimes deadly if allergic. Often, it is our pets and children who most often reveal severe reactions to bees or wasp stings.
How do you keep wasps away?
To prevent wasps from constructing their nests by your house, try some preventative measures of wasp control. For instance, seal all cracks around windows and doors. Ensure garbage cans have sealed lids.
If you have fruit trees, consider putting some fake wasp nests in the tree branches. Fruit will attract wasps, but if they see these nests, they will not build their colony where another wasp colony exists.
Prevent wasps by using a wasp killer spray or pest control insecticide to kill wasps and other insects. You can purchase one at your local hardware store.
Call a Professional
When you need a pest control expert who is experienced with removing a wasp nest, call A.N.T. Pest Control. We are the experts in wasp removal. Our professionals know how to prevent wasps and eliminate paper wasps, hornets, and other stinging insects. Contact us today at 815-215-7211.