Expert-approved methods for controlling wasps and effectively eliminating them for good.

Although we must coexist with nature and its creatures, if a wasp colony has made its home near yours, it's essential to take action. Address the situation quickly, as the longer they stay, the more their numbers will grow.

Here, we explore common signs of a wasp infestation, offer some DIY wasp control techniques, and guide you on when it's necessary to bring in professionals for a full-scale removal.

How to Recognize Wasps

Unlike other creatures that prefer to stay out of sight, such as honey bees or mice, wasps are pests that often make their presence known. Their visibility means there's no question when they're around.

"Wasps can be quite dangerous, as even one or a small group can harm or even fatally affect sensitive people and animals," explains pest control expert Ray Hess. "Unlike honey bees, their stingers are smooth, allowing them to sting multiple times." Keep an eye out for these telltale signs of wasp activity.

Wasps

The most obvious sign of a wasp infestation is seeing the wasps themselves. They resemble bees but have slimmer bodies and are not fuzzy. If you spot them flying near your home, or discover one of their nests, you likely have an infestation. These colonies start small, but can quickly grow in a matter of days or weeks.

Wasp Nests

Another indicator of an infestation: Nests! According to Hess, wasp nests are often found under eaves or on other surfaces. If the nest is hidden within a wall cavity, you may not see the nest itself but can spot the wasps flying in and out of the entrance.

"Sometimes wasps build their nests in hidden spots like bushes or trees," Hess notes. "These nests are tricky to detect until you're trimming the area, and the wasps are quick to defend their space." Below are three common types of wasp nests you should be aware of.

Paper Wasp Nests: These nests resemble umbrellas and are constructed from a paper-like material. Much like bee colonies, they have a comb-like structure.

Bald-Faced Hornet Nest: Bald-faced hornets build large, irregularly shaped nests from paper-like material. These are the iconic nests people often think of when they hear "hornet nest." Some describe them as resembling a football.

Mud Dauber Nest: As their name suggests, mud dauber wasps build their nests from mud. These nests appear as small, cylindrical tubes of mud attached to walls or ceilings. They are smaller than other types of nests and often blend seamlessly with their environment.

Identifying Aggressive and Non-Aggressive Species

There are over 35,000 species of wasps and bees around the world, but only a few pose a threat to humans. The most common aggressive types are yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, giant European hornets, and paper wasps, which are often encountered in gardens.

• Yellowjackets are often the first wasps people think of. They are easily recognizable by their yellow and black stripes, growing to about 1/2 inch in length.
• Bald-faced hornets are larger than yellowjackets, measuring about 3/4 inch, and are primarily black with gray and white markings.
• Giant European hornets resemble large yellowjackets and can grow up to an inch long.
• Paper wasps come in various colors, including red, yellow, black, and brown, and tend to be larger, ranging from 3/4 to 1 inch in length.

Non-aggressive wasp species include cicada killers, potter wasps, and mud daubers. These wasps use their venom to paralyze their prey but are unlikely to sting humans.

• Mud daubers are black and yellow like yellowjackets, although some are blue-black. They build their nests from mud.
• Cicada killers are much larger than most wasps, growing up to 1-1/2 inches, with markings similar to yellowjackets. They dig into the soil, and while males can't sting, females usually sting humans only when stepped on by accident.
• Potter wasps create small clay pot nests and hunt caterpillars. They primarily build their nests on branches and twigs but sometimes construct them under eaves.

Wasps vs. Bees

Distinguishing between a wasp and a bee is quite straightforward once you know the key differences. Though both insects belong to the same species (Hymenoptera), they are quite distinct from each other.

Their physical appearances set them apart—bees are rounder and covered in fuzz, while wasps are leaner and smooth. Wasps have longer legs and often appear shiny, unlike bees whose fuzziness helps them collect pollen, which you won't find on a wasp.

Wasps are omnivores, feeding on other insects in addition to pollen, whereas bees are herbivores, consuming only nectar. Wasps can be seen hunting insects and spiders, but bees never prey on other creatures.

Another way to differentiate bees from wasps is by examining their nests. Wasps create their nests from chewed-up wood fibers, while bees build hives from wax. Honeybees stay in their hives for many years, while wasps abandon their nests each year.

Wasp Life Cycle

The wasp life cycle is entirely governed by the queen of the nest. Fertilized queens survive the winter, while the rest of the colony dies off. In early spring, the queen reemerges, selects a location, and begins laying her eggs to start a new nest.

Queen wasps are much larger than worker wasps, often three times their size. The queen’s eggs hatch into worker and drone wasps, who then build the nest and forage for food. Meanwhile, the queen remains in the nest, laying more eggs and caring for the larvae.

As the colony expands, new workers, drones, and queens are produced. Eventually, the queens fly off to mate and establish new nests. After mating in the fall, the new queen seeks shelter for the winter and starts the cycle again the next spring.

DIY Wasp Control Methods

If you're dealing with a small infestation, there's no need to call a professional immediately. Instead, try these methods first. Whatever approach you choose, Hess recommends performing the removal at night when the wasps are less active. He also advises against spraying and running, as wasps target movement. A slow, deliberate retreat is always better.

Soapy Water

Ben McAvoy, co-founder of Insectek Pest Solutions, recommends that "the simplest way to get rid of a wasp nest is to spray it with soapy water from a safe distance." Mix 10 ounces of water with 2 ounces of dish soap to create the solution.

This soap mixture suffocates the wasps by blocking the pores they breathe through, killing them quickly. If the nest is too high to reach, McAvoy suggests knocking it down with a broom before spraying. However, only attempt this if the nest is small and the wasps aren't aggressive.

Aerosol Wasp Spray

An aerosol wasp spray purchased from the store is another effective option. These sprays typically have a longer range, often exceeding 10 feet, which allows you to maintain a safe distance from the nest and reduce the risk of injury.

When to Hire a Professional Wasp Control Service

If you're faced with aggressive wasps, large nests, or tricky nest locations, it's time to hire a professional. This is especially important if anyone in your household has a wasp allergy or if you've been struggling to manage the problem for more than a couple of days.

"It's crucial to contact a professional if wasps build their nests inside your home," advises Meg Pearson, pest control expert. "Nests within walls, attics, or roofs require professional removal."

How to Prevent Future Wasp Infestations

While preventing wasps from nesting can be challenging, there are proactive measures you can take to reduce the risk of future infestations.

Destroy the Old Nest

It's crucial to eliminate the nest to stop pupae from emerging and potentially reigniting your wasp problem. Pearson also notes that "abandoned nests can attract pests such as raccoons, rats, cockroaches, and other stinging insects."

Routine Inspections

You, or a professional, should carry out regular inspections starting in early spring to ensure that no new nests are allowed to establish themselves.

Preventative Residual Treatment

Along with your inspection, apply a preventative treatment to discourage wasps. "Spraying a liquid residual product under the eaves in early spring helps eliminate emerging queens, preventing them from starting new nests," explains Hess.

Seal Holes and Gaps

Inspect your property and seal or screen any gaps or holes that could serve as entry points for wasps, including those in attics, crawl spaces, and walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will wasps return to a nest that's been sprayed?

  Yes, if wasps are away from the nest when the spray is applied, they'll return. Pesticides may still kill them, but this process can take up to 24 hours. Wait a day, then reapply the spray if you notice continued activity. Repeat the process until the nest is clear.

• Do wasps pollinate plants?

  Yes, wasps play an important role in pollination. While they aren't as effective as bees due to the lack of fuzzy hairs to collect pollen, they still contribute to pollinating plants.

• What's the best time of day to spray a wasp nest?

  The best time to spray a nest is in the late evening or early morning when it's cooler. Wasps tend to be less active during these times and are likely to be inside the nest. Spraying at these times ensures maximum effectiveness, reducing the chances of needing to spray again when foragers return.