How to Remove a Wasp Nest
Wasps are actually helpful insects because they prey on many plant-eating pests. Usually wasps prefer to avoid humans, but if they nest too close to a dwelling, they can present a problem. Luckily, there are natural, non-chemical ways of removing wasps nests. Read on to learn more. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Ask a friend to help you, because removing a wasp nest safely requires more than one set of hands. One person will remove the nest while the helper quickly contains it. Make sure that you ask a friend that is capable of working calmly and quickly.
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Wear protective clothing. A beekeeper's suit is best, but if you don't have access to one, wear boots and heavy pants. Roll your pant cuffs outside of your boots and put a rubber band around the top of your boots to keep wasps from flying up your pant leg. Wear a sturdy, long-sleeved shirt and a pair of heavy work gloves with the sleeve cuffs fastened around the cuffs with rubber bands.
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Protect your face and head. Wear a protective hat and, if possible, construct a veil of protective fabric.
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If you have a pair of heavy coveralls, wear them over the top. This will keep any stingers from reaching your skin.
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Remove the nest in the cool of the evening when the wasps will be drowsy.
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Ask your helper to hold a large box with a tightly-fitting lid underneath the wasp nest. Cut the stem holding the nest very quickly with a long-handled pruning hook or other long cutting tool. Close the box as quickly as possible and seal it.
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Submerge the box in a tub of water or place it in a freezer for several hours. Be sure that all the wasps are dead before you remove the box, because wasps are able to chew through nearly anything.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a wasp nest in a wall or underground, it is best to call a professional.
Never attempt to flood a nest or to burn it. This will make the wasps aggressive and they will be very likely to sting.
Never attempt to remove a wasp nest if you think that you or your helper may be allergic to bees or wasps. Consult a professional.
Comments
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If at all possible... leave them alone. You can remove them during the winter when the wasps have all died off.
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Pint glass and a paint stripping knife should do the trick... look out waspies here I come!
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natrluvr
Aug 15, 2009
If they are paper wasps they are not as aggressive as yellowjackets (nest in the ground) and it can make sense to simply try to relocate the nest. Follow the instructions above, bring the boxed nest to a woodpile away from the house, quickly and gently pour out the nest and then run like hell. -
buggers
Jul 18, 2009
If you're looking for a zero-cost way to do it, then the instructions in this article could work. But unless you're VERY quick in securing the nest in a bag/box or if the nest is in a very high or inconvenient location, it could be difficult and dangerous. I would just buy a can of Raid Wasp Killer which lets you spray it from a far away distance, and completely soak the nest. This will kill all the wasps almost instantly and then you can knock the nest down with a broom or shovel and dispose of it. Do it in the evening when the wasps are inactive and are all in the nest. This would be safer in my opinion.
