Wasp control requires a combination of safe extermination tactics and prevention methods. Wasps can actually be beneficial to your yard by preying on other insects. But social wasps, the kind that live in colonies, are known to be aggressive and extremely protective of their nest. If they happen to choose your home or yard as the location of their nest, this can creates a wasp control problem. That is when wasp removal becomes a necessary endeavor.
Basic Wasp Control Tips
Although extermination and nest removal may be your end goal, it doesn’t hurt to know some basic do-it-yourself wasp control tips. If something as simple as wearing proper clothing or keeping your garbage sealed can help deter the pests then surely it is worth doing. Here are some basic tips to help prevent wasps from finding their way into your home:
- Remove or seal food sources: Wasps are attracted to protein, which explains their numerous sightings at family cookouts. Open garbage cans, pet food, or even scraps left on your grill can draw the pests to your lawn. Sweet foods, like rotting fruit, are also calling cards for wasps. If you have fruit trees on your property, you will need to be extra diligent about cleaning up the fallen produce.
- Avoid perfume or scented lotions: Sweetly scented lotions and floral perfumes smell like food to a hungry wasp. Even scented shampoos can bring you their unwanted attention.
- Avoid bright clothing: Bees and wasps are thought to be attracted to brightly colored or patterned clothing. Red would be a particularly bad choice to wear at your next neighborhood picnic.
- Do not squash a wasp: As tempting as it may sound, squashing or stepping on a wasp is bad for wasp control. Once the pest is squashed it releases a scent that acts like a magnet, bringing in more wasps from nearby. These new wasps are likely to be agitated by the scent as well, and therefore more likely to be aggressive.
Wasp Removal Tips
If a nearby nest is causing a wasp control issue for you and your family then some careful do-it-yourself pest removal is in order. Before making any attempt to remove the wasp nest you need to be certain the wasps inside have been exterminated or securely contained. Thankfully there are several good products available to homeowners for just such a task.
With any wasp removal product it is best to wait to use it until late in the evening when most of the wasps are in the nest and their activity level is low. Wearing protective clothing like long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves is highly recommended. Of course you will want to stand as far from the nest as possible while still being close enough to use your extermination product. Be certain to read any specific directions that come with the wasp removal product for the best and safest results.
- Wasp Aerosols: Insecticide sprays can be effective wasp control products and are easy to use. Brand names like Raid and Ortho are readily available and have a proven track record. When using these products, completely saturate the nest and be sure not to stand underneath it while applying the product.
- Wasp Foam: For underground wasp nests insecticidal foam is the best product choice. Wasp foams have a long, thin straw-like attachment that allows you aim the foam into a hole or other hard to reach place.
- Organic Wasp Sprays: Mint oil is the main ingredient in some popular natural wasp control products like Victor Poison Free Wasp and Hornet Killer. D-limonene and pyrethrins can also be found in organic wasp removal products. D-limonene comes from the oil of citrus rinds and has a pleasant orange scent. Pyrethrins are naturally occurring insecticides derived from the flower chrysanthemums. Safer Brand Wasp and Hornet Aerosol is an example of an organic pest removal product that contains both.
Once you have chosen your wasp control product, spray it liberally, soaking the nest thoroughly. Wait at least 24-hours (or more if recommended by the product instructions) and check on the condition of the nest. If you still see wasp activity, then repeat the spraying or foaming process. Otherwise it should be safe to remove and dispose of the nest. If the nest is in an awkward location, a strong blast from a water hose will help dislodge it. Again, be certain you have completely exterminated the pests inside before attempting to remove the nest.