How to Kill Wasps in High Places

Wasps love to build their nests any place that affords them shelter and protection from the elements, such as near homes, behind shutters, in eaves and corners and in the trunk or branches of trees. Wasps can be aggressive and sting in defense, so you want to avoid them and safely destroy any nests you find near your home. High up nests provide a unique challenge, but there are tools available to help you get the job done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety goggles
• Bee veil
• Bee gloves
• Stinger, or any projectile chemical wasp spray
• Wasp pole
• Ladder
• Knife

Plan and Prepare

1. Wear protective gear such as safety goggles, a bee veil, bee hat and long pants and shirt. Avoid exposing any skin to minimize potential for stinging while you destroy the wasp nest.

2. Plan your attack at dusk or early dawn to ensure that all wasps are in the nest and you minimize your chances of getting stung.

3. Ask someone to spot you if you are using a ladder or climbing in a high place.

Destroying the Wasp Nest

4. Plant yourself within 10 or 15 feet of the nest and direct the nozzle of the can at the nest. Spray the projectile chemical, killing all wasps on contact.

5. Attach the can of spray to a wasp pole for unusually high nests. Control the application of the spray using the string available on the pole.

6. Aim accurately, because the spray will come out very quickly and you don't want to waste any of it.

7. Monitor the nest for any activity. Repeat the spray if any live wasps are seen after 24 hours of spraying.

8. Knock down the nest and scrape it apart with a knife. Keep the chemical spray on hand in case of any live wasps.

Tips & Warnings

• Place fake wasp nests around your home to detract real wasps from building their nests. Place one fake nest every 5,000 square feet to minimize wasp activity.
• If you fail to destroy a wasps' nest completely it can create a very hazardous situation. Wasps with a damaged home will be extremely angry and aggressive. If you do not think you can safely take down a nest on your own, call a professional in to do the job.

References

• Wasps
• Get Rid of Things