Summertime is here, and with it comes picnics, barbecues, and yes…wasps. Don’t let these pesky swarmers get you down! Here’s how to safely remove a wasp nest.

What You’ll Need

Long pants
A long-sleeved shirt
Protective glasses
Proper insecticide
A ladder
A rake

Identify

The first step in removing a wasp nest is to make sure that it’s actually a wasp nest. Bees, wasps, and yellow jackets all have similar nests, but they have very different levels of aggression and should be treated in different manners. For example, bees’ nests should be relocated by a professional if at all possible. Honeybees are not typically aggressive and are vital to a thriving ecosystem. Yellow-jackets are highly aggressive and should only be removed by a professional. On the other hand, wasp nests can easily be removed by a homeowner.

Wasp nests can be identified by their open, papery honeycomb structure. Wasps are long and skinny with yellow and black stripes. Once you have properly identified a wasp nest, it’s time to isolate the area.

Isolate

Before addressing the wasp nest, be sure there are no children or animals in the area. The best time to clear a wasp nest is during the evening when the wasps are less active. You’ll be less likely to be stung during the removal process.

Exterminate

When the nest is properly isolated, prepare yourself for extermination. Dress in your long pants, sleeves, and protective eyewear. If necessary, set a ladder up so that you are within range but not too close. Once you’ve reached a safe location, spray the insecticide according to its instructions.

Remove

The next day, be on the lookout for active wasps. If the extermination was successful, you should be in the clear. Examine the ground around the nest and pick up any dead wasps so they don’t pose hazards to curious pets or bare feet. Keeping a safe distance from the nest, scan for live wasps. If there isn’t any activity, you can use the rake to knock the nest down from its location. Do not knock the nest down if there are any active wasps. If there are still some live wasps, you may need to repeat the extermination. When you are able to remove the nest, dispose of it and clean up any remaining signs of the nest.

Call a Pro

If the wasp nest is too big or there are too many wasps to safely handle, it may be time to call in a professional. A pest control professional can safely eradicate your wasp problem and leave you and your home safe.

If you need help getting rid of a wasp infestation, contact Springer. As a top pest control professional in the Des Moines area, you can trust Springer will all of your pest control needs. Give us a call today!