How to Get Rid of Wasps Around Your Home

How to Get Rid of Wasps Around Your Home

Wasps can make it difficult to enjoy your outdoor spaces during the warmer months. Whether you are dealing with paper wasps under your eaves, yellow jackets in the ground, or hornets in a tree, here is what you need to know about getting rid of wasps safely.

Identify the Species

Different wasp species have different nesting habits and temperaments. Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and deck railings and are moderately aggressive. Yellow jackets nest in the ground or in wall voids and are highly aggressive when disturbed. Bald-faced hornets build large, enclosed paper nests in trees and shrubs and are very defensive of their nest.

Safety First

Wasp removal can be dangerous, especially for anyone with a wasp sting allergy. If you are allergic to stings, or if the nest is large or in a hard-to-reach location, do not attempt removal yourself. Call a professional instead.

Treating Small Paper Wasp Nests

Small paper wasp nests with just a few wasps can often be treated with a commercial wasp spray. Apply the spray from a safe distance (as directed on the label) in the early morning or evening when wasps are less active. After the wasps are eliminated, remove the nest to prevent reuse.

Dealing with Yellow Jackets

Ground-nesting yellow jackets are more challenging to eliminate because the nest entrance is often difficult to find and treat. Pouring liquids into the hole or sealing it is not recommended, as yellow jackets may find or create alternative exits, including into your home. Professional treatment is strongly recommended for yellow jacket nests.

Prevention Tips

To discourage wasps from nesting around your home, seal openings in soffits and eaves, keep garbage cans tightly sealed, avoid leaving sugary foods and drinks outdoors, and hang fake wasp nests (decoys) in early spring to deter queens from establishing new colonies nearby.

Professional Wasp Removal

For large nests, aggressive species, or nests in difficult locations, professional removal is the safest option. Terminix offers stinging insect control services throughout Central Illinois and Western Indiana. Our technicians have the equipment and training to remove wasp nests safely. Contact us today for a free inspection.