Myth busting: DIY wasp nest removal

The presence of a wasp nest often leads to property owners taking matters into their own hands and trying to remove a wasp nest themselves. This is something we here at Rentokil strongly advise against, as more often than not, DIY attempts to remove a wasp nest can only aggravate these stinging insects, leading to painful stings, which can be quite dangerous if you are allergic to them.

Identifying the wasp species

Before attempting to remove a wasp nest, it's crucial to identify the type of wasp you're dealing with. Different species exhibit varied aggression levels and nesting habits, impacting the removal approach.

Paper wasps – These built umbrella-shaped nests are often found under eaves, balconies, and tree branches. While less aggressive, they will defend their nest if disturbed.

Yellow jackets – Highly territorial and aggressive, yellow jackets often nest underground, in wall voids, or in roof cavities. Their stings are painful, and they can swarm if provoked.

European wasps – A common problem in Australia is that European wasps build large nests in walls, tree hollows, and even underground. They are highly aggressive and will attack in numbers if threatened.

Understanding the wasp species helps determine whether DIY removal is feasible or if professional pest control is safer.

How NOT to remove a wasp nest

There are countless articles online, as well as numerous videos on YouTube, advertising the best DIY methods to remove a wasp nest. Wasps are aggressive creatures who require little to no aggravation to attack, so trying to remove a wasp nest yourself can cost you both financially and physically.

DIY wasp nest removal is not advised!

1. Burning a wasp nest

Using fire to remove a wasp nest is a very dangerous task and is not a successful way to get rid of wasps.

Wasp nests are made from a thin papery substance. Wasps create this by chewing wood into a pulp, which makes it extremely flammable. Because of this, burning a wasp nest can often lead to not only your property catching fire, but also to you suffering from burns yourself.

To add this, setting fire to a wasp nest will not successfully kill all the wasps inhabiting the nest. Any surviving wasp will become extremely annoyed at you for burning down their own, resulting in them starting to attack not only you but also any bystanders.

2. Water

Using water is often thought to be another DIY solution to remove a wasp's nest by flooding it.

The truth is, flooding a wasp's nest isn’t an effective method at all. This is because:

1. Depending on the location of the nest, using water to remove a wasp nest can result in further damage to your property. For example, if the wasp nest is in your attic, trying to remove a wasp nest by flooding it could cause water damage to your attic beams and ceiling plaster boards.
2. Trying to flood a nest won’t get rid of all the wasps inhabiting the hive either. Similar to the effects of trying to burn a wasp nest, the wasps will become vicious and begin to attack, leaving you with a handful of painful stings.

3. Destroying a wasp nest with a baseball bat

Destroying a wasp nest with a bat/racket is another talked-about DIY solution. This is the least intelligent idea for removing a wasp nest yourself.

Trying to remove a wasp nest by destroying it with a baseball bat will put you at direct risk of getting stung, not only once but multiple times. This can be particularly dangerous if you are allergic to wasp stings, as you could go into anaphylactic shock.

This method of DIY wasp nest removal puts you in proximity to the hive, which is often enough aggravating them to trigger an attack.

Best way to get rid of a wasp nest

The best way to remove a wasp nest is to contact a pest control professional. It may seem like an easy job, but a pest control technician is professionally trained to handle and remove wasp nests safely and efficiently.

Professional wasp nest removal

• Safety equipment: An exterminator has access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). This fully protects them from wasp stings, ensuring their safety when removing a wasp nest.
• Working in small spaces: Pest technicians are trained and qualified to work in small spaces such as your attic. This allows them to successfully remove a wasp nest safely from a property.
• Expert knowledge: A pest control professional has expert knowledge on wasps; they know all about their behaviour and instincts as well as how to identify the signs of an allergic reaction to wasp stings.
• Professional products: Wasp exterminators have access to, and are professionally trained to use, a variety of pest control products not available to the public. These products are more powerful than any DIY products on the market and have a proven track record of successfully removing wasp nests.

DIY wasp nest removal

If you are still adamant that you can and want to remove a wasp nest yourself, it is highly advised that you:

• Have a well-thought-out plan and an exit strategy;
• Remove the nest at night. Wasps are more docile during this time, so they are less likely to sting.
• Wear protective clothing covering arms, legs, hands, feet, and face;
• Avoid using torches and lanterns as this will alert the wasps to what you are doing;
• Keep children and pets away at a safe distance, i.e., if the wasp nest is in your garden, keep them inside.

How to remove a wasp nest

1. Approach the nest slowly and quietly at night time;
2. Take a bin liner and slowly cover the wasp nest.
3. Detach the wasp nest from the tree or wall it is attached to and seal the bag;
4. Place the bin liner in an outside bin that has a tightly fitted lid, preferably away from the house.

If possible, it’s a good idea to have a full can of insecticide handy to spray on the nest before removing it.

It is important to note that if the wasp nest is in a hard-to-reach place, such as underneath your gutters, or up high in a tree, you should NOT try and remove the nest yourself as this could lead to severe injuries.

You should NOT attempt DIY wasp nest removal if you are, or think you might be, allergic to wasp stings!

How to prevent wasp nests

Preventing wasps from nesting around your home starts with a few simple steps:

• Regularly inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and other potential entry points around walls, eaves, and rooflines.
• Fit fly screens to windows and doors to reduce the chance of wasps entering your home.
• Use wasp traps in outdoor areas to reduce activity. These can be purchased or made at home using an empty bottle filled with water and sugar to attract and trap wasps.

By staying on top of these measures, you can make your home and garden far less appealing to wasps.

Final Thoughts

DIY wasp nest removal can be effective for small nests, but it carries significant risks. Always prioritise safety, wear protective clothing, and have a clear exit plan. If the nest is large, difficult to reach, or you have an allergy, seeking professional removal is the safest and most effective option.

Found a wasp’s nest in your home or garden and need help removing it? Get in contact with Rentokil today.