How to Get Rid of Wasps Safely: 4 Methods to Try

There are many reasons why you should learn how to get rid of wasps. These insects can be dangerous because they’re quick to sting when threatened, and that sting packs a brutal punch. As a matter of fact, wasp stings cause severe injury, possibly even death, to those with severe allergies. 

In other words, you don’t want any yellowjackets or hornets to move into your yard or even your home. Fortunately, you can follow these methods to get rid of wasps for good.

How to Know You Have a Wasp Infestation

If you notice one or more of the following signs of a wasp infestation, you should consider calling a pest control professional or an exterminator to eliminate them from your home or yard.

Signs of an infestation include:

• Visible nests  

• Increased wasp activity 

• Buzzing noises 

• Stinging incidents 

• Chewed wood or paper around nests

Types of Wasps

Although there are several different species of wasps, they tend to fall into three categories in the U.S. Here are the most common types of wasps and how to differentiate them.

• Hornets: Hornets range in size from ¾ to 2 inches long, which is much larger than other wasps. They vary by species (of which there are 22), but typically hornets are black and white. 

• Yellow Jackets: If you see a wasp on your property, it’s likely a yellow jacket. This is the most common type of wasp and these pests are not afraid to invade your space or your al fresco dinner. They have yellow and black stripes and are smooth as opposed to more furry bumblebee friends. 

• Paper Wasps: There are several different species of paper wasps, which is why we recommend checking out their nest to determine if they’re paper or another type. Paper wasp nests are made out of regurgitated wood pulp, so they resemble paper. 

Wasps vs. Other Pests

Due to the risks associated with wasps, getting rid of them requires more strategy, planning, and professional help to ensure no one gets stung in the process. If you attempt to get rid of wasps yourself, you’ll need to wear protective gear, such as a face shield, gloves, and even a beekeeper’s suit. Equipment like dust applicators and insecticide sprays may also be necessary if the wasps and their nest are in a hard-to-reach place.

What Attracts Wasps to Your Yard?

Wasps migrate from yard to yard throughout the fairer seasons, so it is likely dumb luck that a colony picked your property to set down roots (or nests). However, there are some common reasons why wasps are drawn to certain areas, such as:

• Shelter from predators and the elements

• Food sources

• Flowers to pollinate

Wasps are not nearly as picky as their less fearsome cousins (bees) when it comes to pollination, as they enjoy most flowers. 

How to Prep for Wasp Removal

Follow these essential prep steps for safe wasp removal.

1. Wear Protective Gear and Clothing

Your first step for wasp removal preparation is to gear up. Safety gear is an absolute must when dealing with wasps, as even people who are not allergic to stings face serious health risks if attacked by many insects at once. A single wasp stings several times repeatedly, so encountering a dozen or more is a risky prospect.

Wear these items when working on wasp removal:

• A hat that offers as much coverage as possible

• Thick work gloves

• Thick socks

• A face covering, such as a bandana or multiple masks

• Glasses or eye protection of some kind

• A long-sleeved shirt

• Long denim, canvas, or corduroy pants

2. Locate Wasp Nests

Now that you are geared up, your next step is to locate the wasp nests. Some nests are out in the open and easy to spot, while others take some sleuthing. Common wasp nest locations include dense bushes, wall voids, attics, under roof eaves, and anywhere else that offers adequate protection from the elements. Wasps are known to build nests nearly anywhere, including outdoor playsets and inside of mailboxes, so search with caution.

It is also helpful to learn what the wasp nests look like, though you can also look for wasps heading in and out of any suspicious areas. Generally speaking, above-ground wasps’ nests are round and made from a paper-like material that resembles mud. Many wasps build nests underground or at ground level, but these are solitary nests housing a single wasp. A single wasp isn’t a huge deal, so focus primarily on above-ground nests.

4 Ways to Get Rid of Wasps

Read these guidelines closely before attempting to get rid of wasps around your home.

1. Hang Up Wasp Traps

Wasp traps are a budget-friendly way to get rid of wasps, although they aren’t considered a humane method of wasp removal. The traps cost $3 to $30, and include a sweet-smelling liquid, similar to nectar, that will attract the wasps inside. The wasps get stuck inside the trap and drown.

Hang the wasp trap near the wasp nests according to the package instructions. Be careful, as wasps can get territorial and may sting if they feel you are a threat to their nests. You can also make your own version of these traps. To make a DIY wasp trap:

• Cut the top of a soda bottle off, about one inch below the neck of the bottle. Put the top to the side.

• Pour fruit juice into the base of the bottle, then add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

• Remove the lid from the top of the bottle.

• Flip the top of the bottle around and sit it inside the base, so the mouth of the bottle is toward the liquid.

• Place the trap on a flat surface in proximity to the wasp nest.

• Replace the traps at least every 3 to 4 weeks until all the wasps have been trapped and the nest is empty, making it safer to remove.

2. Spray Treat the Nest

You can find wasp-targeting insecticides at major retailers or online. These sprays have chemicals that will kill wasps in their nests, but be mindful that they could also kill off other insects, including bees.

• Before using a wap-killing spray, make sure to wear protective clothing. You’ll need to keep yourself safe from wasps as well as the spray. 

• Wait until evening, when the wasps go dormant but the queen and other wasps are in the nest. 

• Stand within spraying distance of the nest, and prepare to spray at a 45-degree angle.

• Spray the nest until it’s fully saturated. Quickly take shelter nearby.

• Wait 24 hours.

• After 24 hours, watch the nest for signs of activity. 

• Respray the nests each evening for a few days until it is no longer active.

• Once it’s inactive, use a broom or a large stick to carefully knock it down.

3. Create a Natural Homemade Spray or Repellant

You can repel or exterminate wasps with homemade alternatives. Keep in mind that making a homemade spray can be dangerous, especially if the container nozzle doesn’t spray very far. You’ll need to get closer to the nest, which makes the wasps more likely to sting you.

To make a homemade wasp spray: 

• Combine two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle. 

• Put on your protective clothing and gear before applying to the nest. 

• In the evening, spray the nest and repeat daily until the next is inactive.

4. Hire a Wasp Exterminator

Wasps are territorial and aggressive, meaning they will likely sting you, and can sting multiple times, if you get close to an individual wasp or a wasp nest. By hiring a local exterminator, you’re leaving this dangerous job to someone with extensive knowledge and equipment to efficiently get rid of wasps, and prevent them from returning.

On average, professional wasp removal costs around $375, which is a bargain compared to facing a swarm of angry stingers. A wasp exterminator will ensure the situation is handled quickly and safely, plus you don’t have to put yourself at risk.

How to Prevent Wasps From Coming Back

Now that your property is free from ornery wasps, take some preventive steps to ensure they never move back in.

• Treat future nesting spots with residual liquid insecticides. Spray in the areas that previously housed nests. Repeat this process as indicated by the instructions. 

• Remove food sources, such as fallen fruit and berries, scraps of discarded meals, and even pet food. Seal outdoor garbage cans and cover up compost piles. Finally, move any hummingbird feeders a reasonable distance from the home. Remember, wasps are not picky and they love both protein and sugar.

• Seal up doors, windows, and cracks to prevent wasps from entering the home or a screened-in porch. Use caulk to fill in any gaps, and check your screens to ensure they are in good condition. 

• Use a variety of herbs to make homemade repellents, and spray them liberally around your yard. Wasps dislike many essential oils, including clove, lemongrass, and peppermint.

• Consider changing up the flowers and plants throughout your yard. Many flowers and plants attract wasps but others, such as pennyroyal, marigold, wormwood, mint, basil, and geranium, help keep them at bay. 

• Give your yard a thorough inspection every month or so, looking for newly-built nests. 

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Of the above methods of wasp removal, hanging up traps is the safest for average homeowners. All of the other methods put you at some risk of ending up on the receiving end of a pointy stinger. 

For absolute safety, a professional wasp removal service or a qualified exterminator is your best bet. These pros handle more wasps in a day than regular people see in a year, and they use that experience to quickly remove individual wasps and populated nests from your property. They will also likely find a few nests you missed during your inspections. Keep in mind that the cost of professional wasp removal will vary from $100 to $1,300, depending on the infestation size, location, and type of wasp.