How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests

According to people who should know, there are approximately 20,000 kinds of wasps in the world. Luckily, we don't need to try and figure out any more than how to deal with two kinds: the ones that live underground and the ones that build nests up high (under eaves, in trees). Getting rid of wasps makes for a unique problem, since unlike bees that can only sting once, wasps can sting you again and again-and wasps can be quite aggressive. Here are some steps to getting rid of wasps around your home.

Things You'll Need

• Protective clothing
• Half gallon of diesel fuel or kerosene
• Old blanket or towel (dampened)
• Shovel
• Ladder (perhaps)
• Commercial wasp and hornet killer (not a household bug killer like Raid)

Instructions

How to Get Rid of Wasps Living Underground

1. Once you locate the nest, wait until evening or early morning when all the wasps will be in the nest (and not overly aggressive).

2. Put on protective clothing (a bee keeper suit would be best, but a rubberized rain suit is a good alternative to protect you from any stings).

3. Tie the pant and jacket cuffs down tightly to prevent any wasps from getting in under your suit.

4. Cautiously approach the nest and pour the fuel into the entrance. Don't light it.

5. Put the damp towel or blanket over the opening to keep the fuel fumes trapped inside.

6. Stay away from the nest for a few hours or overnight. During that time, the fumes trapped under the blanket should kill the wasps trapped inside.

7. Remove the blanket and shovel fresh soil over the entrance.

How to Get Rid of Wasps Nesting Up High

1. Read the instructions on the wasp killer bomb and be sure you understand them. Also, be sure to follow them exactly or you could get badly stung.

2. Wait until evening or early morning when the wasps will all be inside.

3. Put on your protective clothing and approach the nest cautiously.

4. Stand 10 to 12 feet away from the nest and aim the stream of wasp killer at the opening. Even if you miss the opening and hit the outside of the nest it will still work, just a little more slowly.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, most wasps die off during the winter; however, the queen survives and looks for a place to establish a new colony in the spring. If you see a wasp near your home in the spring, kill it and you probably won't need to worry about a wasp nest this year.

• Dealing with wasps can be dangerous. Consider getting a quote from a professional pest control company before taking on the job yourself.

• Bug killers designed specifically for wasps and hornets are available at most home, hardware and garden stores.

• If you know (or even think) you're allergic to wasp stings, don't do this job yourself.