How to Kill Wasps in Sand Nests
Several wasp species, including sand wasps and some types of yellow jackets, build their nests in the dirt and sand. This creates a significant hazard to individuals walking in the area. Standard aerosol wasp sprays are not effective against sand-nesting wasps because the liquid cannot effectively penetrate the nest. Gardeners must employ specialty techniques to kill the underground pests. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Liquid dish detergent
- Boric acid powder
- Powdered wasp insecticide
- Funnel
Instructions
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Mix an ounce of water with a tablespoon of liquid dish detergent. Pour onto the entrance of the wasp sand nest as well as into the surrounding sand. The soapy mixture suffocates wasps.
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Kill the wasps with boric acid, available at most general retailers in the household and laundry department. Sprinkle a thin layer around the entrance of the wasp nest. The wasps will come in contact with the powder as they enter and leave the next. Though boric acid is relatively nontoxic to humans, it is highly lethal for insects.
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Use a powdered insecticide as a last resort if the soapy water and boric acid do not successfully kill all of the wasps. Insecticides that work effectively against most types of ground wasps include chlorpyrifos and carbaryl. Dust the outside of the sand nest with the powder.
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Insert a funnel into the entrance of the wasp nest and pour two to three teaspoons of the insecticide powder into the nest itself.
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Monitor the sand nest. The wasps will die over the course of several days. Cover the wasp nest with dirt or sand once no more wasps are observed entering or leaving the area.
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Tips & Warnings
Exercise caution when disturbing the wasp nests, as the wasps may feel threatened and attack you.
