How to Destroy Wasp Nests

Look under the eaves of your home for more nests.

If you have noticed wasp nests anywhere on your property, you need to take immediate action to destroy the nests permanently. Wasps are dangerous to humans and pets, so use extreme caution when approaching their nests. It is best to approach nests at night when the wasps are more subdued. If you are only aware of one nest, inspect all of your attic, vents, crawlspaces and any hollow walls where additional nests may be concealed.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy clothing
• Bee keeper's suit
• Flashlight
• Red cellophane wrap
• Aerosol wasp pesticide spray
• Pesticide powder
• Drill
• Windshield scraper
• Wood finish
• Paintbrush
• Paint

Instructions

1. Wear heavy clothing and a bee keeper's suit. Cover the lens of your flashlight in red cellophane. Wasps cannot see red light but they are attracted to normal white lights.

2. Spray aerosol wasp pesticide on any wasps you encounter outside of the nest.

3. Inject pesticide powder directly into the nest, drill through structures to gain access into the nest as needed.If you are destroying mud daubers' nests, scrape the nest off of whatever surface it is adhered to.

4. Apply wood finish or a coat of paint over all outdoor unfinished wood surfaces to prevent another infestation of wasps.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow label directions on pesticides.

References

• Illinois Department of Public Health: Prevention & Control, Bees and Wasps