Wasp nests are a very undesirable feature of a garden or home, and one people swiftly want rid of. Discover how to remove this infestation today.
Finding a wasp nest on your property is something many homeowners dread. Getting rid of the hive and removing the wasps from your land becomes a top priority, but how do you do it?
How Not to Carry Out Wasp Nest Removal
Before we look at how to get rid of a wasp nest, let’s first consider how you shouldn’t do it. While it might seem like a straightforward operation, there are plenty of wrong ways to carry out wasp nest removal. Such as:
- Destroying the nest: A physical attack, consisting of bashing the nest to pieces with a bat, racket, stick or anything else, is a bad idea. This will promote a very aggressive response from the hive, endangering not only yourself but those nearby. It also won’t kill the wasps, only destroy their nest, likely leading to a return.
- Setting fire to the wasp nest: Setting fire to a wasp nest is a poor idea for two reasons. The first is that it will not kill all the wasps, which means they will likely return. The structure of the nest is also flammable, which risks leading to the fire spreading or causing harm.
- Drowning out the nest: Some people look to flooding a nest as a method of removing wasps. This will not work. Wasps nests are often built outside and are resilient to water. You may cause damage and reduce numbers, but it will recover. You’ll also risk property damage if the nest is inside, such as in the attic or garage.
DIY Wasp Nest Removal
Considering DIY wasp nest removal? This is not actually a practice we recommend, although it can be done if:
- The nest is in a secluded location
- You don’t have children or pets around
- The nest is small
- You know you are not allergic to wasp stings
- The nest is easy to reach
Prepare for Removal
Before you start the process of removing a wasp nest, you need to make sure you are prepared for the task. This isn’t simply a case of picking it up and placing it in the bin; you know that or you wouldn’t be here!
You’ll need full protective clothing, as removal will likely anger a lot of wasps. This includes thick and long sleeves, gloves, boots, a hat and face coverage as well as something for your eyes. Swimming goggles or a snorkel mask can work. Make sure you tuck everything in. A wasp under your clothes will do a lot of damage.
You’ll then need to acquire all you need for a wasp removal job:
- The correct kind of pesticides
- Thick bin bags or a large enough container for the nest
Carrying Out Removal
Once you are prepared, take your pesticides — be it a powder or spray — and use it on the nest as instructions dictate. Do this at night, when the wasps are inactive. It does not guarantee they will not respond, but it reduces the risk. Be sure to wear all your protective gear.
Now, you must wait. The pesticides will likely kill the wasps over the period of a few days. Monitor the nest during this time, waiting for it to become inactive. You may find you have a few stragglers, but the pesticides should kill most of the wasps. Once dead, put your protective gear back on, cut the nest free and place it in a bin sack or container. Be sure to seal the nest up and place it in your black bin.
Wasp Nest Removal We Recommend
Wasp nest removal can be a tough job, especially if it’s large, in a hard to reach place, or is actually inhabited by a more aggressive species, such as hornets. Proper removal is key to avoiding not only harm to yourself and others, but a return of the pests.
While you can remove a wasp nest yourself under certain circumstances, we would always recommend that you call out a professional. A pest control expert can ensure wasp nest removal is carried out to the highest standards without risk.