Who to Call to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest: A Complete Guide

Stay away from active wasp nests on your property

Worker removing wasp nest
Photo: undefined undefined / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Worker removing wasp nest
Photo: undefined undefined / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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You’ve likely encountered a wasp nest or two by your front door, patio, or a balcony. When you spot one, it can be difficult to know who to call to get rid of a wasp nest. It’s important to hire a professional to remove wasp nests as soon as possible since their stings can be harmful to pets and people. Our guide outlines who to call, the removal process, and whether or not this task is a suitable DIY project.

Benefits of Hiring a Pest Control Specialist for Wasp Nest Removal

Pest control professionals aren’t just on speed dial for raccoons, possums, and other big critters—they’re also able to remove wasp nests. Wasp control specialists not only know how to safely get rid of wasps, but they can also provide information on prevention methods you can apply to keep them from returning to build more nests. Here’s a glimpse at the benefits of hiring a wasp control specialist to remove a wasp nest: 

  • Pros can remove multiple nests. 

  • Wasp specialists use the proper safety gear and tools to avoid stings. 

  • Pros can determine a treatment plan to prevent more wasps from returning. 

  • Pest control pros often provide a warranty in case wasps come back or you discover new nests.

Can I DIY Wasp Nest Removal?

Worker removing wasp nest
Photo: undefined undefined / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Although you may feel tempted to take a broom to that pesky wasp nest on your porch, that’s not a good idea. Knocking down, dismantling, or spraying the wasp nest can trigger a defense response from one or more wasps, which will go into attack mode and attempt to sting you or others around you to protect their beloved queen. Plus, wasps can sting you more than once, which can be especially harmful if you’re allergic to wasp stings. 

A pest control professional can determine what type of nest is on your property and the best removal method to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. They can also provide you with a prevention plan so that wasps don’t return to build more nests in the future. 

Can I Hire an Exterminator for Wasp Nest Removal?

Yes, you can hire an exterminator for wasp nest removal. Although exterminators typically handle infestations, they can also treat and remove wasp nests around your property. These pest control pros will be able to identify the type of wasp nest and how to remove it. You may want to call an exterminator over a pest control specialist if you have multiple nests that could indicate an exterior wasp infestation.

How Do Pest Control Specialists Remove Wasp Nests? 

The eradication method for wasps depends on the nest’s location and its size. However, in most instances, wasp control specialists will spray the nest with a mixture of aerosols, liquid, and dust to kill off any existing wasps and prevent others from coming back to the nest.

Once the colony is controlled, the pest control professional will remove the wasp nest and dispose of it. They can also recommend specific prevention methods, such as sealing off entry or nesting points to keep wasps from building more nests in the future.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Wasp nest removal is a risky task, with plenty of opportunities for angry wasps to sting or swarm people in the surrounding area. You should not attempt to remove a wasp nest without arming yourself with complete knowledge of the risks and procedure and wear heavy protective gear. If you choose to DIY removing a wasp nest, you can attempt several methods, including bagging the nest, spraying pesticides, using incestidal dust, or a combination of water and dish soap.

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