If you are searching for information on how to get rid of wasps, or wasp nests safely, then this post will certainly help. Although it may seem, wasps aren’t just pests. They also have their uses and their presence in nature is vital.
For example, many species of wasps prey on other insects that harm farm growths, so they certainly have their uses in nature.
However, they can become a painful nuisance to people when a nest is built near places of human dwellings. In such cases, it is best to get rid of them before someone gets seriously hurt.
What are wasps?
Wasps are social insects with two pairs of wings, a constricted waist, and an abdomen covered in yellow and black stripes.
The Common Wasp (Vespula (Paravespula) Vulgaris) and German Wasp (Vespula (Paravespula) germanica) are the most abundant species in the UK although the Norwegian Wasp becomes increasingly common as one moves north. Both species are almost identical to look at and nest underground and in cavities in trees and buildings.
Here is how you do it in a step-by-step manner:
Step One: Identify Your Target
When we say identify, it does not mean search and destroys. In some cases, there are species of wasps that you would not want to hurt. For example, most wasps under the solitary category, or those that do not live with a colony, are generally harmless and will not sting. In terms of appearance, their body is thinner and longer than other types.
There are also species that can sting but are not necessarily always a threat. For example, the paper wasp may be left undisturbed unless the nest is built in a place frequented by humans especially children.
Another potentially dangerous type is the hornet. It is their territorial nature that makes them a threat. Generally, still, they are reasonably docile and will only attack when threatened.
Although wasps tend not to be a direct threat, a sting from one, especially to a child is not a nice experience, and with fatal allergies also taken into consideration, you need to obviously look at how to get rid of wasps if you feel they are too close to where you or your children frequent.
Step Two: Tools To Help Get Rid Of Wasps Or Wasps Nest
Once you have identified the target and decided to fight back, it is time to gear up. In the cases of solitary wasps, there is no need to go toxic. Besides, their appearances are not likely to be frequent. If you know your outdoor yard or garden is likely to be visited by a solitary wasp, do have a citrus oil spray handy. This would be enough to get rid of one or two wasps that frequent your garden or yard.
For the colonizing kinds like the paper wasp and hornet, you will need something stronger. A commercial wasp killer that can easily be bought in shops would suffice. A pressurized can that spurts out continuously would be best for poisoning a nest from the entrance. These would also work for the dreaded yellow-jacketed wasp too.
So, when learning how to get rid of wasps, this should be your first real port of call!
Step Three: Hunt For The Nest
You have already identified your target. You are ready with a weapon, and all that is left is to find where they are thriving and take action on getting rid of the wasps. Sadly, this is not as easy as it sounds. Most nests are well-hidden.
The body is usually beneath or behind something like the ground or a wall and the entrance is the only thing that is visible.
But no matter how hidden the nest is, wasps will surely come and go from it frequently.
Observe where the wasps are returning to. Usually, they come back home just before the sunsets. You may have to wait until then to see where they will disappear too.
Now, you might think that the nests would be in natural places like trees and the ground. But wasps can build nests in the voids between your walls, your roof, or any other similar structure.
So look carefully when learning how to get rid of wasps safely.
Step Four: Dealing With Wasp Nests
Once you have found the nest, avoid just rushing in with a bottle of wasp killer can in your hands. Correct timing and technique are necessary. To start with, you want to make sure that the majority of the wasps are inside the nest. This will get more of them with one strike and you can avoid getting attacked by those that are still outside.
To get the perfect timing, you will have to wait until the sun is down. As already mentioned, they generally return to the nest right around dusk. When the traffic settles down and it appears most are inside, wait a little bit more and then make your advance.
It would be best to do this with someone. Have the other guy hold a flashlight and watch out for other wasps that might be still around. Liberally spray the contents of the wasp killer into the entrance. If the entrance is on the ground or reasonably within reach, use a non-projectile type. If the entrance is above and reasonably out of reach, use a projectile-type spray. Take note that you may have to repeat this process several times to completely annihilate the colony.
This is one of the easiest ways on how to get rid of wasps and wasp nests.
Getting rid of wasps is not as hard as it may seem. If you feel the nest is too big to tackle with wasp killer, it may be safest to call in a pest controller to do the job.
Start With PREVENTION
When it comes to learning how to get rid of wasps, it is worth taking steps beforehand to prevent them from nesting or visiting your home and garden. There are several preventative methods to be aware of.
Make sure garbage cans are sealed. Do not dump food or drinks anywhere in the area especially sugary ones as these attract wasps. Do not let dead animals and insects just dry up or rot in the area – you have to get rid of them.
These types of things attract wasps and preventing these from happening in the first place can keep your home and garden relatively wasp-free. This saves you from having to learn how to get rid of wasps or wasp nests in the future too.
