Hornets are some of the more dangerous stinging insects because they can sting repeatedly and can cause severe allergic reactions. If you find a wasp nest or notice wasp activity in or around your home, take immediate action to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe.
Understanding how to get rid of wasps yourself is a good place to start, but for safety and efficiency, you should also know when it’s best to call in a pest control professional.
Here’s how to get rid of wasps and prevent them from coming back, USA TODAY asked experts.
Important points
- Natural deterrents include limiting flowering plants, covering trash, and using peppermint or tea tree oil.
- Because of the risk of repeated stings, professional pest control is often the safest and most effective option.
- Prevent future infestations by sealing off potential nest sites, controlling trash, and considering preventive measures.
Reasons why wasps come into your house
Like most pests, wasps will settle around your home or property if both shelter and food are available.
“They prefer protected areas where they can nest, so homeowners often find them under eaves, in attics, sheds, and in trees and shrubs around the property,” said entomologists at the SC Johnson Insect Science Center who developed Raid®. “In the spring, the queen begins searching for a new nest site. Once settled, she raises her young there throughout the season.”
Wasps may also be attracted to your home or property if a food source is present. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), adults feed primarily on nectar. If you have an abundance of flowering plants, such as fruit trees, wasps may nest on your property.
“They (also) eat sugary foods and drinks, as well as other insects, so outdoor trash cans, uncovered food and sugary drinks can quickly turn your backyard into a wasp hotspot,” says the pest control expert. “Once the hornets find a reliable food source, they may return to the same area in search of food.”
How to safely remove wasps from your home
Wasps are stinging insects and physically removing them from your property is inherently dangerous, especially since they can sting multiple times.
“We strongly recommend against some of the viral hacks you see on social media, such as using apple cider vinegar or boiling water to remove active nests,” say experts. “If there are active nests in trees or under eaves, insecticide sprays labeled for outdoor nest treatment, such as Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33, can help homeowners treat the problem if used as directed.” For yellowjackets that nest on the ground, Raid Outdoor Wasp Ground Nest Killer is a good option.
Entomologists interviewed by USA TODAY offered some tips for getting the best results when spraying active hornet nests.
- After treatment, wait at least 24 hours before removing the nest.
- Wasps can’t see well in the dark. Please turn off outside lights and avoid using flashlights during treatment.
- Treat nests after dusk or before dawn, when wasp activity and roosting is less.
- Stand away from the nest and never go directly under it.
- Spray with the wind, not against it.
- Do not attempt treatment if you know you are allergic to stinging insects.
- Wasps can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed, so safety should always be your top priority.
Natural ways to get rid of wasps
There are several natural ways to deter wasps and make your property less attractive to them.
A professional exterminator is the quickest way to get rid of wasps, but the following natural remedies can also be effective:
- Limit the number of flowering plants on your property. One way to reduce the risk of wasps taking up residence on your property is to limit food sources. Adults primarily feed on nectar, so limiting the number of flowering plants near your home will naturally keep wasps away.
- Stored trash should be covered and removed immediately. “Covering food outdoors (and) keeping trash cans sealed can help reduce the likelihood of a (wasp) problem,” experts say. Please remove any stored trash as soon as possible.
- Use peppermint or tea tree oil. Castile soap with peppermint and tea tree oil is effective at killing wasps and eliminating nests. Fill a hose sprayer with scented soap and spray directly onto the nest until it falls or collapses. You may not be able to kill indoor hornets instantly and there is a good chance they will attack in defense, so be sure to wear protective clothing and keep the area clear of children and pets.
“Wasps and wasps can become aggressive around their nests, so professional treatment may be appropriate for large nests, hard-to-reach locations, or recurring problems,” say our experts.
Note from the editor: The summer after we moved into our first home, we discovered a massive wasp problem. The yellow jackets have taken up residence on the siding of our house and swarmed us every time we went outside. Some of them were invasive, and several were flying around the kitchen every day. We tried all kinds of DIY tricks, used wasp spray after dark, and even wore warm clothing to avoid getting stung. Our attempts helped, but we were unable to completely remove the nest. Eventually I had to get professional help.
professional wasp treatment
Unlike most insects that homeowners commonly have problems with, hornets are extremely dangerous, so it’s best to have trained professionals remove and control them. Be sure to choose a pest control company that deals with stinging insects, as not all pest control companies do. Companies like Orkin and Terminix offer wasp removal.
“Professional wasp treatment typically begins with identifying the species, locating the nest, and assessing colony activity and aggressiveness,” says our experts. “Based on our observations, we will provide appropriate treatment and removal depending on the situation.”
Professional wasp treatments are more expensive than DIY options, but include:
- high strength aerosol spray
- Repellent application to deter future wasp problems
- Spraying insecticide dust on or around active nests
- Physical wasp nest removal
How to prevent wasps from recurring
After you address the initial problem, there are several things you can do to prevent wasps from returning and building new nests.
- Cover and remove debris. Food scraps can be an attractive food source for hungry wasps, as can unrinsed soda and food cans that are being recycled. Cover the can and remove it regularly.
- Limit flowering plants on the property. If possible, limit the number of flowering plants you plant on your property, as nectar is an attractive food source for wasps and other stinging insects.
- Keep outdoor areas dry. According to the EPA, you can make your property less hospitable to wasps by repairing outdoor leaks and minimizing outdoor moisture.
- Cover eaves and other common nesting areas. Wasps often nest under eaves, under decks, or other protected locations. Sealing your deck and covering your eaves with plastic will reduce the risk of wasp infestation.
- Continue preventive treatment. Professional pest management includes wasp repellents and ongoing protection to keep biting insects away forever.
You should also always be on the lookout for signs of wasp activity, as problems are easier to treat when caught early. “Regularly checking around your home for early nest activity can help reduce the chance of major problems occurring later in the season,” our experts added.
Common mistakes when getting rid of wasps
The most common mistake homeowners make when trying to get rid of wasps is not wearing protective equipment. DIY treatments always run the risk of not killing or trapping all the wasps, leaving them vulnerable to stings. To stay safe, wear goggles, face and head coverings, leather gloves, and thick clothing that covers all exposed areas.
Another common mistake DIYers make is relying on wasp removal “hacks” and tips from the internet. These are rarely effective, so experts recommend starting treatment with an insecticide such as Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33.
When to contact a pest control professional
The stinging insects are dangerous, so wasp treatment should be done by a professional. If any of the following apply to you, do not attempt to remove or remove wasps by DIY.
- You or someone in your household is allergic to bee stings.
- Small children and pets are often in the garden.
- We don’t have enough protective equipment.
- The nest may be in a hard-to-reach location or require you to climb a ladder.
- We continue to have problems with wasps.
- I tried DIY solutions but they didn’t work.
FAQ
What can keep wasps away?
There is some evidence to suggest that strong scents such as peppermint and tree oils can help deter wasps, but there is no guarantee that these will be effective. The best option to avoid a wasp problem is to have an exterminator treat your property with a commercially available insecticide that will kill or repel the wasps.
Why does WD-40 kill wasps?
WD-40, like soapy water, can kill wasps by clogging their breathing holes. However, direct spraying is not guaranteed to kill wasps, so do not rely on it as a sole pest management treatment. Instead, use a DIY insecticide like Raid® Wasp & Hornet Killer 33 or seek professional help.
If I kill one hornet, will more hornets come?
Killing a wasp releases an alarm pheromone that alerts other wasps to danger, which can attract other wasps and put you and your property at greater risk. Relying on professional treatments that kill the wasp on the spot and deter other wasps is the best way to avoid worsening the problem.
Does Dawn dish soap spray kill wasps?
Dawn dish soap spray can kill wasps as the thick liquid can clog their breathing holes. However, it is not always effective and should not be relied upon as the only treatment. Instead, use commercial insecticides designed for wasps or call a professional exterminator to guarantee effectiveness.
