How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest – The Complete Guide

Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing – wasps are out! If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of getting stung by a wasp, you know how painful it can be. Not to mention, they can be quite pesky. It’s critical to get rid of a wasp nest as soon as possible if you have one in your home. This blog post will discuss how to get rid of a wasp nest safely and effectively. We’ll also provide some tips for preventing them from coming back.

Guide to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest

When you see a weird, muddy or papery mass, you might want to poke it. This is normal. Even if tiny flying insects are around, sometimes you can’t help yourself. But it’s a bad idea to destroy a wasps’ nest without knowing what you’re doing.

Bees and wasps are very territorial. They will try to protect their home or hive. If a bee stings you, it might only sting once. But a wasp can sting many times, and their stings hurt more. Wasps also make other wasps in the area more aggressive by releasing pheromones. That is why it is important to know what you are dealing with before doing anything that could cause harm to the bees or wasps.

How to Identify a Wasp Nest

Different types of wasps build their nests from different materials. They also like different places. But all wasp nests are made by wasps, and it should be easy to identify one.

In most cases, a wasp nest looks like a solid glob with strands of paper on the outside. The inside would resemble a beehive with tiny cell-like honeycomb structures. Sometimes it can look like cotton.

Some birds build nests that look like small vases or other mud structures. However, these birds are usually smaller than paper alternatives because they live alone. But we found one nest looking like a big mound of termites that was not always the case.

What Is a Wasp Nest Made of?

Different wasps make their nests out of different materials. They are mostly made using chewed-up tree fibers, resin, or mud. This determines the color of the nest – whether it is grey or brownish.

How Do Wasps Make Nests?

Paper wasp nests are made of wood that has been chewed up. This makes the nests look and feel like paper. The insects chew up the fibers and use their saliva to stick them together and mold the entire structure. It normally begins little, but with each generation, it becomes larger. They can readily grow to huge sizes if left alone.

Another way to get wasp nests out is to use mud. The wasps collect mud and take it back to their homes. They do this carefully to make a home for themselves in the future. They usually shape it in a circular motion, but there are other shapes sometimes. The size of the nest might vary also.

Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests?

Sometimes, wasps choose to live in places that already have protection. These include:

• Eaves;
• Nooks and crannies;
• Sheds;
• Garages;
• Hollow tree stems;
• Tree branches;
• Shrubs;
• And more.

You might want to build a tree swing for kids but a wasps nest is blocking the tree branch. In this case, you have to get rid of the nest first. Some species prefer to live on the ground. Their nests look like ant colonies or termite mounds. Usually, there is one entrance that is heavily guarded in social species. Some solitary animals create many nests with a single entry point, allowing them to be considered semi-social.

What to Do if You Have a Wasp Nest in Your Yard?

It can be dangerous if a wasp nest is close to your home. Sometimes people will try to get rid of the wasps themselves and have an accident. The best thing you can do is arrange for a pest exterminator to come and take care of the problem. They have special suits to look at the nest without getting hurt. Don’t try to block the nest’s entry point since the wasps are intelligent creatures and would start eating dirt to create a new exit. They can chew through wood, PVC fences, and other materials to escape. This would also cause them to be agitated, which is a huge problem.

Is It Possible to Know if You’re Allergic to Wasp Stings by Looking at Your Skin?

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction to a wasp sting that can be moderate, severe, or fatal. The anaphylaxis symptoms are different from the symptoms of a mild allergic reaction. Symptoms for severe allergic reactions to wasp stings include:

• Eye, lip, and throat swelling;
• Itching and hives all over the body and around the sting;
• Breathing issues;
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting;
• A significant drop in blood pressure;
• Dizziness;
• Loss of consciousness;

Doctors can do two types of tests to find out if you’re allergic to wasp stings. One is a skin test, and the other is a blood test. The doctor will take some of your blood and put it on your arm or back.

The Skin Test

The treatment takes about 15 minutes to complete. Before applying the wasp venom that has been removed, the doctor washes an area of skin on your arm or back. If you have any swelling, redness, or discomfort after the procedure, you are allergic to wasp stings.

The Blood Test

A blood test is when they take a small amount of your blood. Then they send it to a lab for them to look at. Blood tests are more thorough but take longer. There is no risk of getting an allergic reaction because the venom never touches your body.

If the allergy test reveals that you are allergic to wasp stings, being stung can be deadly. If this is the case, it would be best to find a pest exterminator to remove the wasp nest for you.

Using Pesticides to Get Rid of Wasps

The most common way to get rid of wasps is by spraying them with pesticides. The problem is that if you do it wrong, pesticides can be dangerous. So here are some safety tips:

• No nearby children or pets;
• Section off the treated area for at least 24 hours;
• Wear a protective mask;
• Don’t spray near water tanks or any open water sources;
• Don’t spray plants;
• Pick up and dispose of any dead wasps; they can poison your pet if ingested;

What Is the Best Time to Remove a Wasp Nest?

Early spring is the greatest time to get rid of a wasp nest because the colony is smaller, and the wasps are less aggressive. The queen wasp chooses a location to build her nest and lay her eggs in the spring. If you can get rid of the queen before summer arrives, you won’t have to worry about new nests that year.

During the spring and summer, the wasp nests grow. We do not recommend getting too close to them. When the last brood of wasps is born in late summer, it’s the worst moment to dismantle a wasp nest.

The wasp nest contains the male wasps and next year’s queens. This is so the colony will be very protective during that time. Living with more moderate temperatures, cold nighttime temperatures, and hibernation during winter will naturally kill the colony. But live in a warm Australian region with high temperatures. Removing the nest can be more difficult because the weather can cause the wasps to skip their hibernating period.

Laws and Regulations Concerning Wasp Control in Australia

There are no specific laws in Australia that deal with getting rid of wasp nests. All native wasps, including paper wasps, are helpful because they aid in pollinating plants by feeding on nectar. These wasps also help control the population of other insects like spiders or caterpillars by feeding them to their larvae.

European wasps are pests because they are not from Australia. They do not have any predators in Australia to keep their population in check. Special action is taken to stop the European wasps from coming into Western Australia. People must be aware of the situation and assist in its resolution by avoiding European wasps.

How to Remove a Wasp Nest

Before tackling a wasp nest, you need to wear protective clothing. Even if you are not allergic to wasps, it’s still a good idea because they will sting you.

Some people say that a thick pair of jeans, a sweater with a hoodie, boots, and a thick pair of gloves will be sufficient. But we do not recommend this because wasps will have an easier time getting to your skin if you are not wearing the right gear.

How to Remove Aerial Wasp Nests

If you see a wasp nest high in the air, it is likely paper wasps or bald-faced hornets. This can be hard to do, so you should call a professional if the nest is out of your reach.

Many types of poisons can be used to kill wasps. The best type of insecticide to use is called “projectile wasp spray.” This will allow you to reach the nest from a distance of six meters without using a ladder.

Use as much of the spray as you can at the nest’s opening. Allow at least 24 hours for the nest to be alone. Check if there is any activity the next day. If there are still wasps, use another one.

How to Remove Ground Wasp Nests

Although we don’t recommend it, sometimes you have to remove a wasp nest yourself. This is because there are not always pest experts available.

Here’s how to get rid of a ground wasp nest step by step:

1. Create a plan.
2. Make sure you have a strategy in mind when searching for the nest. You’ll be familiar with the region and have a spot to hide if necessary.
3. Identify the types of wasp you’re dealing with.
4. Identifying nests can be hard but carefully look over your property if you do not want the nest on your property. Some people might be dealing with very aggressive yellowjackets and could hurt someone.
5. Ensure you’re wearing all protective gear.
6. You will need to wear proper clothing when you are a beekeeper. This clothing should cover your whole body so no wasps can sting you. You can buy this clothing at a store or find it used.
7. Gather pesticides.
8. Ground wasp nests are treated with a hornet-killing spray.
9. Always remove the wasp nest during night hours.
10. Approach the nest quietly. Wasps will be less aggressive at night, which means they might not sting you or attack you.
11. Approach the nest slowly.
12. Make sure everyone is safe. If you are inside a closed space, make sure everyone is outside and at a safe distance.
13. Spray the nest with the wasp-killing spray.
14. Make sure you are quick. Empty the wasp killer inside the nest. Return after 24 hours to see if there has been any activity. Spray again if there are any remaining wasps. After there has been no activity, approach the nest with caution and bury it in the earth with dirt. If the nest is within your home, put it in a garbage bag, seal it, and carry it outside.

How NOT to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest

People can do foolish things when they are dealing with a wasp nest. There have been many cases of people doing the wrong thing when getting rid of a wasp nest in history. Here is what you should not do:

• Pouring water on a wasp’s nest will not eliminate the wasps. In fact, most of the wasps will escape, and they will sting you. Plus, this could damage your home if the nest is close to your house.
• Knocking down a wasp’s nest is one of the worst things you can do. For one, when you get close to the nest, most of the wasps will start stinging you. And second, if the nest falls down on something else? You will just make it madder. So don’t knock down any nests!
• Setting the nest on fire is a way to get rid of the wasps. The fire will destroy the nest, but some wasps may survive. It is important to avoid using fire if the nest is close to your house because there could be serious damage. It is always better to call an exterminator.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest in a Wall?

If you have seen wasps around your house, but can’t find any nests, then maybe there is a nest in the walls of your house.

Wasps can be hard to get rid of, and you might not want to do it yourself. But you can try using a powder-like Sevin dust. Put it in places where wasps enter and leave, and seal their holes with steel wool, so they don’t escape. Wasps will die after five or six days.

If the DIY option fails, we recommend contacting your local pest control company. They have stronger pesticides on hand and know how to deal with a wasp nest in your walls.

How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest in the Roof

It’s not uncommon to discover wasp nests in your attic. There are entry points for wasps on the roof of your house, which means there is easy access to them.

When you find a wasp nest on your roof, be careful. It is hard to get out of the house and escape from them if they attack.

Removing a wasp nest can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. If you have no experience with wasps, it is best to contact a professional with the license and equipment to deal with this situation.

Wasp Nests: How to Get Rid of Them Without Killing Them

It’s not easy to get rid of a wasp nest. You can’t just get rid of the wasps. You must make them leave. One way to do this is by hanging a fake wasp nest near the current nest.

While artificial wasp nests are not very expensive, there is no guarantee that the wasps will leave.

However, wasps are territorial insects, and they will not stay if there is a nest near them. That’s why placing an imitation wasp nest near the genuine one is an excellent idea.

After the Wasp Nest Is Removed

There is a lot of information out there about how to deal with wasps on your property. Before you try to remove the nest yourself, it is important to know that it will be worth it in the end.

What Happens When a Wasp’s Nest Is Destroyed?

Removing a nest can be messy, especially if it is done wrong. Many things can go wrong- such as the time of day, the place where the nest is, and the method of extermination. It is usually best to do this early in the morning or night when most wasps are nest. That way, you are more likely to get them all.

Spraying wasps with this spray will make them go to sleep. Some might try to fight, but they’ll getaway. Others might run away and never come back.

Remember that killing the wasps doesn’t mean getting rid of the colony. You also need to destroy the nest.

When a Wasp Nest Is Destroyed, What Happens to the Wasps?

When you get rid of the nest, the left wasps will return to the site. But the social wasps won’t live for long without their queen. Because they are accustomed to living in large numbers, they will investigate before fleeing.

If you want to get rid of a wasp nest, the solitary wasps will not have any problem relocating and starting a new one. If you don’t want to risk it, see our guide on how to keep wasps out of your house.

How Long Do Wasps Stay After the Nest Is Destroyed?

There is no real answer to how long the wasps will take to leave. Maybe they would have stayed if they had talked about the good old days, but that isn’t the case. Don’t be alarmed if you see wasps circling around after an hour. But it is a good idea to keep an eye on them just in case. If you notice any strange behavior, start spraying again.

Will Wasps Return to a Destroyed Nest?

If you don’t exterminate the nest, the ants will come back. If you exterminate the nest, there is a small chance that the ants will rebuild it. But it is unlikely that they will survive without the queen.

Wasp Stings and Useful Prevention Information

The best way to avoid any bad consequences from a wasp sting is to stay well informed about your health and the health of your family. This can be done by going to your doctor.

If you are stung by a wasp, you should take some quick steps to stop the problem from getting worse. Put ice on the sting for a few minutes to help reduce swelling. You can also try using vinegar and honey. Vinegar will disinfect the area, while honey will help to ease the pain.

This can be used with painkillers or itching treatments, but it is best to first consult a doctor. However, keep in mind that consulting with a doctor is the greatest approach to ensuring youngsters’ safety.

It’s difficult to avoid the tiny insects, but the following suggestions might help you avoid a painful sting:

• Apply insect repellent products when you have outdoor activities planned. Don’t forget to take precautions to avoid being bitten by bugs. When it comes to pets or children, it’s best to use a non-toxic form of the product.
• Be careful of wasps when you eat outside. Put sliced lemons with cloves in them. The wasps will stay away from the food and not come near you.
• Wasps like sweet things. If you give your children sweets, wasps will try to get a bite. If they don’t want to go outside without their favorite juice, put the juice in a plastic cup with a lid on it. It’s best to eat all food inside your house.
• Do not try to wave the wasps away. Making sudden moves will make them angry and could make them sting you. It is better not to kill the wasp because more of its friends could be close by. There is a good chance that the wasp will fly away after a short investigation.

What Does a Wasp Sting Look Like

You’ll know you’ve been stung by something. It can be very painful, and you will sweat a lot. There are also some visible signs on the body.

If you get stung by a wasp, there will be a red mark that has a circle around it, and the area might also swell. The place might start to itch, depending on how sensitive you are.

For example, children are more vulnerable to things like wasp stings. They might have a hidden allergy that is revealed because of the sting. Older adults and people who are more sensitive also fall into that category.

The place where the wasp stung you matters too. If the wasp stung you on your face or neck, it is best to quickly see a doctor.

Can Wasps Sting Through a Bee Suit?

Bees and wasps have a lot in common. But, bees cannot sting as many times as wasps. Wasps have longer stingers that they can use multiple times. That means that even if you are wearing a bee suit, you need to wear an extra layer of clothing.

If you want to know if the bee suit is good, you can ask questions about it. You can ask about the materials in the suit. But when it comes to whether or not someone will get stung, there is always a risk. It’s better for you and your health if you call a professional who knows how to handle this situation instead of risking it yourself.

Preventing Wasps From Nesting

There is no way to make your house wasp-proof, but there are still things you can do to protect your property and family from wasps.

You might be able to stop wasps from nesting if you know the right tricks. Ideas that can help are:

• Examine the property for flaws and holes that might serve as a beautiful nesting place;
• To keep European wasps from making a nest in your garden, look for rat holes and fill them with dirt. During the summer, don’t leave any garbage out;
• Apply a natural wasp repellant to all “risky” places. Mix mint oil, dish soap, and water together to make this. Make sure to check your property for wasps regularly during the summer.

Takeaways

• Look for the wasps’ nest and find out what type of wasps are causing you problems.
• Do not destroy the nest by knocking it down or setting it on fire. This will only agitate the wasps, and you will have a very dangerous situation on your hands.
• If you want to get the nest off, wear clothes to protect yourself. Follow a plan.
• If you are unsure what to do, call people who know with wasps. This will keep you and your family safe.

If you want to learn more about wasps nest, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wasps Nest

What Happens if You Ignore a Wasps Nest?

Call pest control right away if you or someone you know is allergic to wasp stings. A severe reaction to wasp venom can kill very quickly, so it’s not worth the risk of trying to take care of the nest yourself or leaving it alone.

How Long Does a Wasp Nest Last?

Wasp nests last for about three to four months. Even if a wasp nest dies off in winter, it can come back after winter when the weather is good. Wasps start building their nests in spring when the weather is warm.

Is It OK to Leave a Wasps Nest?

Remember that wasps are good for your garden. They help with pollination and keeping pests under control. The nests will die off naturally over time, even if you don’t do anything. But if the nests get very big, it might be a good idea to get professional help.

How Do You Know if a Wasp Nest Is Active?

How can you tell if it’s an active nest? The easiest way is if there are a lot of wasps flying out of the entrance. Wasps never take over old nests from previous years, so if you find a nest in early summer, it’s unlikely to be active.

What Smell Do Wasps Hate?

Some plants keep pests away. Because these plants emit a strong odor, people are aware of this. Peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, and lemongrass are chemical ingredients that give out the aroma.

How Do You Get Rid of a Wasp Nest Naturally?

Small wasp nests can be easily removed with soap and water. Fill a spray bottle with 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Fill the bottle halfway with water and aggressively shake it. Using a spray bottle, liberally apply the soap and water combination to the nest. Their breathing pores will be clogged by the soap, and they will die instantaneously.

Will Wasps Return to a Sprayed Nest?

If you have sprayed a nest with pesticide, it is best to leave it alone for a day. This will allow the pesticide to work and kill any hornets or wasps left.

How Long Does It Take a Wasp to Build a Nest?

Wasp nests are always being built during the spring and summer. This is because the colony keeps growing. So, a wasp nest is usually finished in about 4-6 months.

How Many Wasps Live in a Nest?

A wasp nest can hold up to 10,000 wasps by the peak of the summer season. A hornet’s nest typically has 100-700 hornets, many workers. Though these larger wasp nests are uncommon, the average nest holds up to 6,000 wasps.

Do Wasp Nests Smell?

No, a wasp nest does not have a particular smell. However, if there is a lot of food for the wasps or water to cool themselves down in hot weather, then there can be an unpleasant smell coming from the bottom of the nest.

How Do You Get Rid of a Wasp Nest Without Getting Stung?

Smoking out a wasp nest is the best approach to get rid of them. They will leave, and you won’t have to use dangerous chemicals. There are different ways to remove a wasp nest, including pesticides, insecticides, or smoke. You can also use a bucket of water and dish soap.