Yellowjackets are often confused for paper wasps. Yellowjackets have yellow stripes on their bodies and their nests are closed, rather than exposed like a paper wasp’s nest. [4] X Research source If you see bees flying in and out of the nest, rather than wasps, call a beekeeper to remove the nest rather than trying to destroy it or kill the bees.
Paper wasp nests are usually pretty small. At maximum size, they may only house a dozen or so worker wasps. [6] X Research source If the nest is larger and the cells are covered in a layer of pulp, you’re more likely dealing with a yellow jacket or bald-faced hornet nest. These are better left to professional exterminators. Consider the location and accessibility of the nest as well. You’re going to have to get fairly close to it to spray it, so if it’s high up, it might not be something you want to do by yourself. [7] X Research source
Wasp stings can be painful but aren’t dangerous unless you’re allergic. How painful? Entomologist Justin Schmidt rated it a 1. 5 out of 4. 0 on his sting pain index, the equivalent of a single drop of superheated frying oil splattering on your skin. [9] X Research source Keep in mind that bees and wasps have different venom, so having an allergic reaction to bee stings doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll also be allergic to wasp stings. At the same time, it’s usually better to err on the side of caution and not try to get rid of that nest yourself.
The time of year plays a role in this as well. If it’s September or October, there’s really no point in spraying the nest—the first hard frost will kill them. Just wait until then and knock it down.
These chemicals are also good to use because sun and water break them down, so they won’t be hanging around in the environment for very long. Some cans may have the word “Danger” on the front, while others say “Caution. " Start with a “Caution” product—they’re the least toxic. “Danger” products are extremely toxic, even to humans. Products that say “Warning” have toxicity levels in between “Danger” and “Caution” products.
It might sound too simple to be true, but soapy water really will kill wasps. You just need to make sure you completely soak the nest and the wasps inside. It might take a few rounds to completely get rid of them this way.
If you’ve never done this before, you might want to do a quick practice run, without actually spraying the nest, just to make sure you’ve got it all down and know what you’re going to do. That’ll help keep you from panicking if some wasps do fly out of the nest when you spray it.
A helmet with a screen or mesh face covering, similar to those beekeepers wear, will protect your head, face, and neck. If you don’t have anything like that lying around, do the best you can with a hat and face mask. Tucking your pants into your socks will keep them from riding up and exposing your ankles and calves. Wear rubber gloves if you’re using an insecticide, at least on the hand you’re going to spray with—you don’t want the toxic chemicals to get on your hands. [15] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles when you’re going to be climbing a ladder to minimize the risk of falls. Make sure you’ve placed the ladder close enough to the nest that you don’t have to overreach and upset your balance. If you’re leaning off from the side of the ladder, you could easily fall off.
Make sure there’s enough general light in the area that you can see the nest you’re spraying. If you need a flashlight, be careful not to shine it directly on the nest, which will disturb the wasps. It helps to cover the beam in red cellophane since insects can’t see red light. If you’re using an insecticide, it’s usually best to do this on a calm night when there’s not a lot of wind. If you can’t avoid a breeze, at least make sure it’s not blowing towards you—it’ll blow the insecticide right back in your face. [18] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source Because paper wasp nests are open and exposed, this should be all you need to do to kill the wasps living inside. [19] X Research source Caution must be exercised always, since some species are quite active at night and all species will swarm to defend the colony even at night.
Follow the escape route you already cleared and get back inside as soon as possible.
If you still see activity the next day, repeat the spray treatment again that evening before you attempt to knock down the nest. [22] X Research source
Leave the nest until the insecticide has dried (any wasps that happened to be away won’t come back to it). You don’t want to touch the nest while the insecticide is wet. [24] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
Keep in mind a fake wasp nest won’t necessarily keep wasps from building a nest in another part of your yard or on the other side of your house. You’ll still need to keep an eye out in spring and early summer.
Keep in mind that if you destroy a nest, the wasps may return to the same spot and try to build another one. Stay vigilant and use other preventive measures to make the area less attractive.
Any time you eat outside, clean up the food scraps immediately—don’t let them rot on the ground. Wasps might also be attracted to pet food you leave out or scraps you leave out for other animals.
After you remove a wasp nest, clean the immediate area, then go over it with a spot coat of paint or varnish. That makes that specific area less attractive without you having to paint your whole house.
This is a treatment you’ll have to keep doing regularly for continued results. Over time, the peppermint oil will evaporate and lose its power (unless the rain washes it off first).
