Wasp Nest Removal
Quick Tips For Wasp Nest Removal
Wasp nest removal is not for the faint of heart, especially when dealing with a large nest of social wasps like hornets or yellow jackets. Social wasps work in big colonies building their nests in hollow trees, attics, barns or hollow walls, and they are the most likely wasp species to sting. These wasps are not mean, but they will aggressively attack anyone or anything who threatens their nests.
Paper wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are the most common species of social wasps, and they are typically found in residential areas. Mud daubers are another wasp species frequently seen around the house, but they are solitary wasps and pose very little threat to people. The mud dauber wasp builds a grayish colored mud nest in the corners of the house, under eaves, even on window screens.
Mud dauber nests are easy to get rid of and can simply be knocked down, preferably later in the day when the wasps are less active. Since they do not live in colonies, mud daubers will not swarm, even when their nest is threatened. They generally only sting if they are grabbed.
Social wasps are another story, especially hornets, who will be fiercely aggressive in defense of their nests. Social wasp nest removal is best left to a professional and should never be attempted without the proper protective equipment. Always protect the eyes, mouth and throat when removing a wasp’s nest, and wear long sleeves and long pants as well. Since social wasps live and work in colonies, they will attack in a large swarm if the nest is threatened and they are not killed quickly.
Hornet’s nests generally hang down from a tree, and can be fairly large. There is one opening in the nest, at the bottom, where the wasps enter and exit. This is the place that needs to be hit with the wasp spray for a safe and successful wasp nest removal. Never hit the nest or knock it out of its place. Also refrain from breaking the outside of the nest, because this will cause the wasps to exit the nest and swarm the threat. Spray the wasp killer into the nest from the opening to kill the wasps before any other action is taken.
It is also a good idea to take care of wasp nests and night, because this is when the entire colony will be inside the nest. That ensures that all of the wasps will be killed with the initial spray treatment. Most effective wasp killing sprays will drop a wasp on contact.
Once all wasps inside and around the nest are dead, it is safe to remove the nest. This should be done as soon as possible after killing the wasps – the next day is the best time – to prevent any other insects or pests from taking over the nest.