How to Get Rid of Wasps Permanently

Wasps are actually beneficial insects that kill and eat garden pests. They rarely attack people and only bite when antagonized. However, because they sometimes build their nests in inconvenient places it is important to remove them from the area.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wasp spray
• Gasoline
• Rag
• Wasp traps
• Heavy-duty, wasp-proof clothing

1. With any wasp nest removal, wait until it's dark so that all the wasps will be in the nest. Even with this precaution, you may want to spray the nest multiple times over the next few days to be sure every wasp was killed.

2. Protect yourself by covering up. Wasps are only aggressive when they feel threatened, and killing them will make them very angry. A beekeeper's suit will provide the best protection, but if you don't have this on hand, dress in layers of thick clothing. Wasps can bite through cotton. Rubber or leather is best. Tape your pant legs to avoid trapped wasps, and wear leather gloves.

3. To remove aerial nests, like those in eaves or tree limbs, stick with insect sprays that are projectile and shoot a long stream of insect killer, to keep you as far away from the next as possible. There are also insecticide bombs, that allow to you kill wasps from a safe distance. Repeat as needed to be sure you kill every wasp.

4. Wasps will take advantage of existing holes

   Wasps will also nest in the ground, which is even more dangerous as you may not know they are there, and accidentally anger them. You can spray the hole, but this kind of close-up work could get you stung. It is easier to pour a small amount of gasoline into the whole, plug it with a rag, and move away. The fumes will kill the wasps. Repeat as needed to be sure to kill every wasp.

5. Once you are sure all the wasps are dead (this may take multiple days of spraying), remove the nests. Knock aerial nests free, and be sure to dig up ground nests or fill them in to avoid having a new colony move in.

6. Look for bee friendly wasp traps

   Hang wasp traps to avoid having new wasps move in. Be sure to check regularly for new nests. Wasps like cool dry areas like under house eaves, or even in car doors with loose molding.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid attracting wasps, avoid having strongly sweet perfumes and sugary drinks outside.

• To keep wasps away from a picnic, place a soda or small amount of food (try dog food) away from your area for the wasps.

• Wasp bites hurt. Remove the stinger and wash the bite as soon as possible, treat with ice, Benadryl and ibuprofen.

• If you are allergic to bees, or afraid you might be allergic, do not attempt to spray the wasps yourself.

Resources

• How to Make a Bee-Friendly Wasp Trap