How To Handle a Hornet or Wasp Nest at Home

A wasp or hornet nest on your property is never a welcome discovery — especially if it’s close to your home. While these stinging insects help control other pest populations in the ecosystem, having them too close for comfort can pose risks to you and your loved ones. If you’re battling an unwanted wasp or hornet nest, it’s important to know the safest way to handle the situation.

In this guide, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control walk you through how to safely remove a hornet or wasp nest, and when it’s best to call in the professionals for help.

Important Safety Measures

Before attempting to remove a hornet or wasp nest, it’s important to understand the risks involved. These insects have stingers and can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened, so keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Wear protective clothing: Always wear thick, protective clothing that covers your entire body, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a face covering to protect your eyes and face.
• Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from the nest until you’re ready to approach it with a plan. Wasps and hornets can become agitated if they feel vibrations or sudden movements, so avoid getting too close without proper preparation.
• Check for allergies: If you or anyone helping you is allergic to wasp or hornet stings, it’s best to avoid this task entirely and leave the hard work to a professional, as allergic reactions can be severe and even life-threatening.
• Plan your approach: Wasps and hornets are most docile at night when temperatures are cooler, and they’re less active. Plan to remove the nest during evening hours when the insects are less likely to be aggressive.

Steps To Safely Remove a Hornet or Wasp Nest

Once you’ve taken all necessary safety measures, you can follow the steps below to safely remove the nest:

1. Identify the type of insect: Before proceeding, identify whether you’re dealing with hornets, wasps, or bees. Bees are generally non-aggressive and play an important role in pollination; if you have a bee nest, it’s best to contact a local apiary instead of attempting removal yourself.
2. Gather your supplies: You’ll need protective clothing, a flashlight covered with red cellophane (to avoid disturbing the insects), an insecticide spray designed for wasps or hornets, a long pole or broom, and a large garbage bag.
3. Spray the nest: Stand a safe distance away and use the insecticide spray according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Aim directly at the nest’s entrance, spraying thoroughly to ensure all the wasps or hornets inside are affected. Most insecticides recommend spraying in the early morning or late evening when the insects are least active.
4. Wait and observe: After spraying, wait a day to ensure all the wasps or hornets have been exterminated. Observe the nest from a safe distance to check for any lingering activity. If you still see movement, spray again and wait another day.
5. Remove the nest: Once you’re sure the nest is inactive, use a long pole or broom to gently remove it from its location. Carefully place the nest in a garbage bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it according to local regulations.
6. Clean the area: Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining pheromones that could attract new wasps or hornets.

Request Professional Wasp Control Services

While removing a wasp or hornet nest is possible on your own, it’s a risky job that has the potential to result in personal injury and repeat nesting. If you’re unsure how to handle this task safely or if the nest is in a hard-to-reach area, it’s best to leave the hard work to the professionals. Home Paramount Pest Control offers wasp and hornet nest removal services to ensure all pests are removed safely and effectively. Our team is trained in the latest pest control techniques and equipped with the proper gear to handle even the most challenging nests.

Don’t let a wasp or hornet nest put your family at risk — contact us to request professional wasp control services today!