Nothing ruins a fun time in the yard like a wasp nest. They can pop up just about anywhere, and are usually pretty well-hidden. But that does not mean they are impossible to find and eliminate.
As the season is warming up, wasps are becoming more and more active. Now is the time to take on the pests before summer comes around. Here are some common places wasps like to build their nests, and how to get rid of them.
Where Wasps Like to Hide
Wasps will build their nests almost anywhere. But, sometimes they build them in hard-to-reach or hard-to-see areas. The first part of finding a nest is to know what they look like. There are four common types of wasps, identifiable by both their markings and their nests.
- Paper wasps are usually orange or yellow/black striped in color. Their nests are created by the insect chewing up wood and plants, then creating an “upside down umbrella” shape with open combs.
- Yellow jackets, as their name suggests, yellow in color with black or red markings. They are usually smaller than paper wasps and are often mistaken for bees. Their nests are usually hidden in the ground or in a crevice.
- Hornets are generally bigger than other wasps and have a much more painful sting. Their nests are also papery, but are usually built in cavities in trees, bushes and buildings.
- Mud daubers are generally long and slender. Otherwise, they look like other wasps, but their nests are what makes them unique. They build long, hollow tubes out of mud or dirt. These nests can be found on just about any kind of wall.
Getting Rid of Wasps
In just about any instance, wasps do much more harm than good. They can help keep other pests out of gardens, but for typical homeowners (especially with children), they cause a serious hazard. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. This can cause serious health problems, even death in severe cases. More likely than not, you’ll want to get rid of them right away.
- Use a pesticide. There are many different sprays available that will shoot from many feet away. Soak the nest for about 10-15 seconds, then get out of the area. For yellow jacket nests in the ground, using a dust is more effective than a spray. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use soap and water. This combination coats the wasps’ wings, leaving them virtually immobile. Either pour the mixture on a ground nest, or use a hose-end spray bottle for other nests. Repeat as needed.
- Use smoke. This is a natural method that will suffocate the wasps and make them abandon the nest. Only do this if the nest is in a safe place to have a fire.
- Use a shop vac. Using a wet/dry vacuum, you can suck the wasps from the nest and into a soap/water solution at the bottom of the chamber. Be sure to use a long extension and wear protective gear.
- Call a professional. If there is a wasp nest higher up, you should never climb a ladder to get it; this can lead to serious injury. Instead, call a professional to handle the situation. This could also be beneficial if you are allergic to their stings.
Wasp nests are something you should never handle lightly. If they are close to your home, they pose a threat to you and your family. Early in the spring is the best time to destroy their nests.
If you want to learn more about pests like these and how to prevent them, read more on stinging insect control.
Photo by Marco Sacchi. Used under CC BY-SA 2.0.