Finding a wasp nest can be a real headache for homeowners, especially since trying to deal with it the wrong way can put your safety at risk. While wasps actually help control pests like spiders, flies, and caterpillars, it’s important to act fast—the bigger the nest gets, the harder it is to remove. That’s why we’ve put together this ‘Wasp nest how to remove small nests guide’ with key tips you’ll want to know before taking action.

Wasp nest how to remove small nests step by step

Dealing with a wasp nest can be difficult since these beautiful insects trigger fear and make us feel uneasy, due to their stings (in some cases, lethal for allergy sufferers). Wasps can be hostile when disturbed, so people should learn how to manage them carefully and select the appropriate way to avoid potential additional charges. The ‘Wasp nest how to remove small nests guide’ encourages homeowners to begin by determining the sort of wasp they will be dealing with and the size of the nest.

Understanding the different types of wasps 

Wasps are insects from the Hymenoptera order, which also includes bees and ants. Wasps are distinguished by their yellow and black (or sometimes brown) coloration and thin bodies with narrow waists. Wasps, unlike most bees, can sting multiple times without suffering major consequences. Thus, it is important to eliminate wasp nest risks as soon as you discover the flying insects. But keep in mind that there are different types of wasps, each with unique behavioral characteristics that impact where and how they build nests.

Paper wasp

Paper wasps are described by Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as having a small petiole between the thorax and abdomen, a brown or black look, and yellow or brown stripes.  Due to their lengthy legs, they are perceived as less aggressive than hornets, more sensitive than yellowjackets, and not as fuzzy as bees. They build open “umbrella” papery nests out of a single egg cell layer. These nests are typically found on the bottom of eaves or overhangs to protect from rain; however, they can also be found here:

  • On window or door frames, and porches
  • In trees and shrubs
  • Inside garages or barns
  • Under decks, balconies, or fences

Yellow jacket 

The yellowjacket is one of the most well-known and dreaded wasps due to its territorial and violent behavior when guarding its colony. This wasp has yellow and black patterns on its body and, when crushed, emits an alarm pheromone that attracts other workers. Many Americans confuse hornets with the bald-faced hornet, a variety of Yellowjacket famed for its huge size, but authentic European hornets are brownish with yellow or orange bands.

Yellowjackets deliver painful stings and build nests of tiers of gray paper combs wrapped in a paper ball. These are multi-tiered and more sophisticated nests because they are protected by layers of envelopes, which gives them their circular appearance. Colonies can expand to 5,000 workers or more, particularly near the end of the summer. These wasps are commonly found underground or here:

  • Tree roots
  • Holes in the soil
  • Wall voids
  • Attics
  • Beneath decks or porches
  • Hanging from trees (Balfaces hornet)

Hornet 

Hornets, also known as European hornets, are dark brown with yellow or yellow-orange stripes and are the only real hornets in the United States. They are easily identified by their large size, which can exceed 1.5 inches, more than doubling the size of ordinary paper wasps.

They construct spherical, enormous nests consisting of chewed wood fiber (cellulose), with inside brood-rearing cells organized in horizontal combs covered by an outer envelope. These wasp nests can be identified by their brown color, ragged shape, and uneven edges. Hornet colonies can contain between 300 and 500 wasps, and their nests are typically found in dark cavities:

  • Hollow trees
  • Attics
  • Old Barns
  • Chimneys

Identify the wasp nest size 

Once you’ve determined the sort of wasp you’re dealing with and the location of the nest, you must figure out its size.  Wasps build their nests with saliva and chewed wood fibers, which resemble brown paper. Understanding if the wasp nest is small, medium, or large is important for successful removal. To determine the size of the wasp nest, please examine the following information:

  • Small wasp nests with an umbrella shape (2 – 6 inches) are likely to be from paper wasps 
  • Gray football or a sort of pear chape could likely be from bald-faced hornets. Even though they are a bit bigger (12-18 inches), they could also be considered a small nest
  • Small nests consist of only a few visible cells, including the queen and a few workers, whereas medium and large nests might have dozens of cells.
  • If the nest has around 1-10 wasps flying, it could be a small nest 

Wear protective clothing to avoid stings

One measure that many people overlook is wearing protective clothing to avoid wasp stings. Investing in adequate equipment is critical for reducing painful stings. So, here are some of the recommended clothes to wear if you wish to deal with the nest yourself:

  • Wasp-proof clothing: Specialised wasp-heavy-duty coveralls will offer the necessary protection, as beekeeping suits are designed for honey bees, which have shorter stingers. 
  • Gloves: Thick gloves, preferably made of leather or rubber, to safely cover your hands and wrists.
  • Face protection: A beekeeping veil or a hat with a mesh net will safeguard your face and neck. 

DIY methods to remove small nests

There are numerous strategies you can take to eliminate a small wasp nest on your own. However, keep in mind that medium and larger nests are best handled by experts, who have the necessary equipment and tactics to deal with aggressive wasps. Similarly, remember that wasps are beneficial to the ecology since they assist in pollinating flowers and reducing pest populations.

Hiring an expert increases your chances of completing a safe removal or relocation without injuring or killing these insects. In certain circumstances, people will not have the opportunity to employ an expert, and for whatever reason, they want to do it themselves. Here are some DIY methods for removing small wasp nests:

Carefully relocate the nest 

If you have protective gear and feel confident managing the issue, relocating the nest to a tree or bush may be the best solution for wasps. To avoid problems, keep children and pets away, and use caution because wasps get aggressive when they feel attacked. During the early morning, when the temperature is lower, cover the entire nest with a large cloth bag or a cardboard box.

Once sealed, remove the nest from the surface (if necessary, with a knife) and shut the bag without shaking or moving too quickly.  Move the wasp nest at least 50-100 metres away from your house to a tree or shrub.

Wasp insecticide spray for exposed wasp nests

The best DIY way for removing these types of nests is to use a wasp pesticide spray. If the little nest is found in the eaves, porches, trees, sheds, or other areas outside your home. If the nest is inside your home, always look for pesticides designated specifically for indoor use.  Maintain a safe distance and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Check for activity near the nest the next day, once the spraying is finished. If there are no wasps surrounding the nest, you can assume they all died peacefully overnight. The nest can then be removed, placed in a garbage bag, and disposed away. If the first application of the spray was unsuccessful, repeat the process.

Insecticidal dust for concealed wasp nests

Wasp nests in the ground or on walls should be treated with insecticidal dust. Please strictly follow all safety precautions and use the product with care.  Dust should be appropriately sprinkled around the nest’s entrance. As wasps enter and exit the nest, they carry the insecticidal dust, which affects the entire colony. After the wasps have died, cautiously approach the nest and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Finally, put it in the trash can outside.

Wasp nest how to remove the pheromones?

After you’ve relocated or removed the small wasp nest, clean the area so that wasps don’t track the pheromone scent and rebuild in the same position.  As a result, soap, water, and vinegar are recommended as the first cleaning step. Finally, you can neutralize the stench with peppermint oil and geranium, which have been shown to deter wasps. You can also employ decoy wasp nests, which operate as a strong deterrent to wasp nesting in that location.