June 24th, 2010 by Shaun Day

Remove Wasps Nests from Your Garage, Garden, or Shed With a Minimum of Fuss

With summer temperatures, wasp activity is at its peak. Whilst one of two wasps around your house or business is not a permanent threat, noticing more than a couple at a time means you probably have a nest somewhere nearby. Wasps usually nest in deciduous woodland, under sheltered or hollowed trees, however they can take a liking to attics, sheds and porch roofs. They do not form overnight, so are likely to be found in places you don’t often venture. If you see a small nest beginning to build, removal is easier before it grows to house the full colony, which can be up to about 2 feet in each direction!

Safely Removing Wasps Nests

Precaution is paramount when dealing with wasps, as their sting will not kill them, meaning they can sting multiple times. If you are planning on removing the nest yourself, you should be a calm, composed individual who will not become aggravated when the wasps begin swarming. Your choice is important also, because wasps can still sting you through woollen and cotton clothing. The choice of professional wasp removal companies is rubber clothing, so ideally you’ll want to choose the same. It is important to cover your face fully, as wasps will fly directly towards you when aggravated, and a sting to the face can be particularly unpleasant. Wasps are less active during the night, so a removal after sunset will cause you the least amount of problems. Do not attempt to remove the nest midday, as wasps are at constantly moving between the nest and outdoors. Damaging the nest at this point will only lead to an uncontrollable swarm as they return from their journeys.

Using Petrol Fumes to Remove Wasps

Wasps can have nests underground – it is unlikely that this will be an issue for your property – however, their removal is relatively simple. Fumes will kill wasps with ease, so pour an amount of petrol down the entrance and cover so that no wasps can escape. Lighting the fuel isn’t necessary, as the damage is done by the fumes. The professional option for these nests would be pressurized bombs, which are also available for the public to purchase. Always read the instructions provided if you also opt for this method.

Smoking Out Wasps Nests

Hanging nests are also relatively easy to remove. Again, a fume suffocating the wasps is the idea. Set a small fire below the nest if possible, and burn something that will provide smoke. Some wasps will die from the inhalation, whereas others may escape and fly away. Once the nest is empty, detach the hive and destroy it.

Making Wasp Traps

For short-term control on wasps without removing the nest, make homemade traps to lure them in and capture them. Wasps, like most flying insects, are attracted to sweet, sugary substances. Take a jar and pierce one or two holes in the lid, then line the inside of the jar with syrup. Filling with an inch of water for good measure is optional. Hang or place the jar in the area you’re looking to protect and the wasps at that location will be attracted to the jar before you. Their wings will be coated in syrup, making flying impossible. The water will then drown the wasps. Whichever option you choose, the wasps will not be able to escape, as navigating the holes whilst trying to fly is impossible. Wasp removal can also be handled by the professionals – they take the risks, and will clear away all debris that the nests create. Should you opt for DIY wasp removal, I’d recommend browsing an online store for wasp killer first.