Wasps are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem. However, when a wasp nest forms too close to our homes or threatens our safety, it becomes necessary to remove it. Handling a wasp nest requires caution. Here’s how to remove a wasp nest and how NOT to remove one.
Identifying the Nest:
Before attempting to remove a wasp nest, it’s crucial to identify its location correctly. Common places for nests include lofts, trees, sheds, garages, wall cavities, under eaves, and underground.
Wasps tend to build their nests in sheltered areas with easy access to the outside. Observe the wasp activity during daylight hours to track their flight path, which will lead you to the nest if you’re unsure where it’s located.
Safety Precautions:
Dealing with wasps can be dangerous, as they can become aggressive when threatened. Before starting the removal process, make sure to take the following safety precautions:
Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a veil or hat to cover your face.
Keep children and pets away to prevent any accidental encounters.
Choose a time for removal when wasp activity is minimal, such as early morning or late evening.
Using Protective Equipment:
Investing in the appropriate protective equipment is essential to minimise the risk of stings. Here are some protective items you may need:
- Wasp-proof clothing: Specialised beekeeping suits or heavy-duty coveralls will offer the necessary protection.
- Gloves: Thick gloves, preferably leather or rubber, should cover your hands and wrists.
- Face protection: A beekeeping veil or a hat with a mesh net will safeguard your face and neck.
Choosing the Right Method
There are several methods for removing a wasp nest. The choice of method depends on the nest’s location, size, and accessibility. Here are a few options:
DIY Wasp Nest Removal
Exposed wasp nests
For small nests in places like eaves, lofts, trees, sheds, etc, you can try DIY removal methods. Use a wasp insecticide spray specifically designed for nest removal, following the instructions on the product. Stand at a safe distance and spray the nest thoroughly in the late evening or early morning when wasps are less active. Once the spraying is complete, wait till the next day to see if there’s any activity around the nest. If no wasps are active around the nest, you can assume all wasps passed away peacefully in the night, and you can proceed to remove the nest, placing it in a plastic bag and putting it in the bin. Repeat the spraying process if it wasn’t effective the first time around.
Concealed wasp nests
For nests that are in the ground and walls, use insecticidal dust. Again, follow all the safety instructions and handle the product with care. Place the dust around the entry hole to the nest, and the wasps entering the nest will carry the dust into the nest, where it will work its magic on the colony.
Professional wasp nest removal
If the nest is large, located in a hard-to-reach area, or if you don’t have the confidence or equipment to remove the nest safely, then you might consider calling in some professionals. They have the expertise, experience, and necessary equipment to remove the nest safely and effectively. Give Merlin Environmental a call or drop us a message, and we’ll move the wasp nest in a humane yet effective way to ensure you can return to living a wasp-free life.
How NOT to remove a wasp nest
Whacking the nest
One of the most dangerous mistakes is intentionally disturbing a wasp nest without proper protection or knowledge. Whacking, poking, or prodding a wasp nest can trigger an aggressive response from the colony, leading to a full-on wasp attack. Never throw objects at a nest, hit it with a stick, or use forceful methods to disrupt it.
Using Fire:
Attempting to remove a wasp nest by setting it on fire is not only extremely hazardous but also ineffective. Not only does fire pose a significant risk of spreading to surrounding areas, but it also does little to eliminate the wasps. Smoke can be used to make wasps evacuate a nest, but the smoke should not be coming from a naked flame of any kind, as you could risk burning down your property if you were handling a flame while being attacked by wasps.
Spraying Water:
Using a high-pressure water hose or spraying water directly at a wasp nest might seem like a logical approach to dislodge or drown the wasps. However, this method is largely ineffective. Wasps are agile and resilient, and they will quickly recover from the water assault and may attack you while at it.
Repellents:
While there are various repellents available on the market, they are generally not effective for removing a wasp nest. These products are designed to repel individual wasps, but they do little to eliminate an entire colony, and they certainly won’t protect you from being attacked by an angry colony.
Disturbing Nests at Night:
Some homeowners may mistakenly believe removing a wasp nest at night when the wasps are less active is a safe approach. However, this is a common misconception. Wasps are still active during the night, and disturbing a nest in low light conditions can be highly dangerous because you won’t see the wasps very well, and using a flashlight only helps the wasps see you.
Using Inadequate Protective Gear
When it comes to removing a wasp nest, protective gear is essential. Wearing inadequate or insufficient protective clothing greatly increases the risk of stings and potential injuries. Thin clothing, open-toed shoes, or lacking a proper face mask or veil can leave you vulnerable to wasp attacks. Always invest in appropriate protective gear to ensure your safety.
