How To Deal With A Wasp Nest

W asps and bees are known to have a territorial nature which is why they tend to protect their nests or hives their whole lives. This is why it is very important to know how to deal with a wasp nest before rushing in to get rid of them so that you are aware of what you are getting yourself into. 

Wasps tend to sting even if they are not provoked which can be extremely painful especially if you are allergic to their stings. It also releases pheromones which makes other wasps in the vicinity quite aggressive creating a bigger danger zone. This is why in this article we will be providing you with helpful ideas on how to recognize a wasp nest and how to go about situations like these. 

How To Identify A Wasp Nest

The way wasps build their nests depends mainly on the type of their species; however, it is still quite easy to identify them. 

These look a lot like a blob that has become hardened with their exterior looking like it's made of paper strands which is why they have a papery feel to them (we don’t recommend touching them though). These nests look a lot like bees’ honeycombs with their cells and can have a hardened cotton ball-like appearance sometimes. 

Sometimes these nests also have a pottery-like appearance resembling a mud structure or a vase.  

Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests

The location where wasps choose to build their nests also depends on their type of species. These can be located in sheds, tree branches, burrows in the ground, garages, hollow tree stems, etc. 

What To Do With A Wasp Nest

It is highly recommended that you call in a professional to help you get rid of wasp nests. However, 

1. You will first have to do a thorough inspection of the nests and their location to know what you are dealing with. 

2. Purchase protective equipment that ensures that your entire body including your face is covered so that you are not exposed to angry wasps which might attack you. 

3. Purchase a wasp nest spray. You can spray a wasp nest with a wasp nest spray that has a nozzle on it. This can be purchased from any store nearby. The best time to spray these nests is during the evening since during this time, wasps are dormant and the queen and the workers are all there. The key is to continue spraying after every few days and ensure that you are wearing protective gear for your safety. 

4. Once you have sprayed the nest quite a few times, you can approach the nest carefully and then cover the nest with a plastic bag or a garbage bag. You can then gently pull out the nest from wherever it's built and seal the bag. After this, you should throw this wrapped-up nest in an outdoor trash can that has a tight lid.  

What Not To Do With A Wasp Nest

1. Do not think about using water to get rid of wasps by drowning them or by pouring hot boiling water into their nests. This can result in a much worse situation since wasps will most likely escape through another area and the nest might go further down to an unreachable place. 

2. Do not try to set the nest on fire with any flammable object since things can get out of control, harming your area without killing all of the wasps.

3. Do not try to knock the nest off since this will only anger the wasps and they will end up stinging you. 

Preventive Measures For Future Wasp Nests

1. Ensure that you and your children have applied insect repellent lotions or sprays to keep wasps away from you when going outdoors.

2. Make sure that any holes in your gardens or cracks are filled up since these act as potential homes for wasps to build their nests. 

3. Continue to spray risk areas with wasp sprays to keep them away. 

4. Have regular checks at your house for potential wasp nests so they can be dealt with at their onset. 

5. Make homemade natural remedies mixed with essential oils and herbs such as lemongrass, geranium, and cloves. Apply the mixture around the house and outside of it as soon as you spot any wasp-related activity. 

6. Place wasp traps in your gardens which can be made at home or can be purchased from stores. 

We hope this article provided you with some insight on how to deal with a wasp nest and the best piece of advice would be to know when to call a professional to deal with your wasp problem instead of trying to handle it on your own.