How to Get Rid of a Wasps Nest in the Upstairs Bathroom Exhaust Vent

Wasps often make their way into homes through cracks in attic walls and ceiling joints and through exhaust vents such as those found in an upstairs bathroom. If you have discovered wasp activity, you will want to eliminate the problem before it spreads to the inner walls of your home. Always deal with wasps in the evening when they are less active and have returned to the nest.

Things You'll Need

• Aerosol wasp and hornet spray
• Broom
• Trash bag
• Protective clothing

Instructions

1. Locate the source of the wasp problem by taking an outside survey of your home. You should notice wasp activity around the upstairs bathroom exhaust vent the wasps are inhabiting. An important factor to remember is that although the wasps may be entering through the vent, their nest could actually be located elsewhere in a wall or the attic. Examine all of the exterior for other areas that may have wasp activity to pinpoint the location of the nest.

2. Purchase a canister of aerosol wasp and hornet killer, preferably one that has a long range spray of 15 feet or more to avoid being too close to the nest when spraying.

3. Wear protective gear. If possible, use a bee keeper's suit with a veil. Otherwise wear a thick long-sleeve shirt and pants with gloves and boots. Use rubber bands to secure your pant legs and sleeves over the the boots and gloves to eliminate any gaps that a rogue wasp could enter and become trapped in. Keep the shirt tucked into the pants. Wear a hat and veil or mask.

4. If the hive is located in a wall near the vent, you need to remove a section of the wall or ceiling to gain access to the hive. Remove a piece close to the hive but not directly over the hive to avoid direct contact with the bees. The hole should also have clear access to the hive to allow the aerosol spray to reach the nest.

5. Spray the nest with the aerosol spray. Stand at the maximum distance possible from the nest when spraying to avoid any wasps that may emerge from the nest.

6. Seal the room containing the nest. After a few days, examine the nest for any signs of activity. If there are still live wasps, respray the nest. Continue checking every few days and respraying until all wasps are dead.

7. Remove the nest by knocking it down with a broom and place it in a thick trash bag. Seal the bag and dispose of the dead wasps and nest.

Tips & Warnings

• If the wasp problem has extended to multiple points in your home's walls, it may best to hire a professional to completely eliminate the problem.

• Be sure to remove all dead wasps from your home, because they will produce a foul odor if left to rot.

• Never attempt to remove an indoor nest without first being sure all the wasps are dead.

References

• AdkinsBeeRemoval.com: Get Rid of Bees - Bees in Vent or Air Duct

Resources

• DoYourOwnPestControl.com: Getting Rid of Wasp and Insect Hornet Nests