Wasps build colonies inside nests made from wood pulp, commonly found in buildings' roof spaces, airbricks, wall cavities, garden sheds, tree holes, and soil banks. They emerge from hibernation in spring, with queens starting new colonies around Easter, depending on the weather.
Wasp lifecycle
After the queen establishes a nest, she lays 10-20 eggs, with most nests not becoming active. Worker wasps later take over nest enlargement and larva feeding from late May to June. By early autumn, nests can contain thousands of wasps. Fertilized queens leave to hibernate, while the rest of the colony dies off with the onset of cold weather.
Reasons for controlling wasps
Wasps can carry germs and attack when disturbed, posing a risk to hypersensitive individuals. Their aggressive behavior increases in late summer as they search for sweet substances.
Wasp control considerations
Consider if nest destruction is necessary. Wasps benefit gardens by pollinating and controlling pests. However, larger nests may require professional treatment. We offer a guaranteed service for active wasp nests in the city.
Use insecticides for smaller nests in late spring and early summer, following manufacturer instructions. Ensure the nest is on your property before booking a treatment.
Large wasps in mid-spring are likely young queens. We don't treat these as we can't until there's an active nest, usually from late May.
Managing wasp attraction to light
Wasps are often drawn to artificial light. Reduce attraction by keeping windows shut, limiting visible light, and using net curtains.
Remember: Wasp stings can be dangerous. Seek professional advice if concerned.
Further information
Download our Wasps post-treatment advice leaflet
FAQs
Use insecticides for smaller nests in late spring and early summer, following manufacturer instructions. Ensure the nest is on your property before booking a treatment. Large wasps in mid-spring are likely young queens. We don't treat these as we can't until there's an active nest, usually from late May.
Do local councils remove wasp nests? ›
If you are living in a domestic property where a wasp nest is present you will need to contact a pest control company to remove it, as the Council does not provide a pest control service. *Never attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself.
How much does it cost to get rid of a wasp nest with pest control? ›
The average cost to get rid of wasps is $375 with a range between $100 and $1,300. In general, you should only try to remove small wasps nests in easy-to-access areas on your own.
Does pest control work on wasps? ›
Through a specialized approach to pest control, Orkin can help protect your home with a plan suited to your specific needs. We can provide the right solution to help keep wasps away and out of your home.
What do you do if your house is infested with wasps? ›
How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests
- Spray a store-bought wasp killer, like Hot Spot, onto the nest at least 24 hours before removal. ...
- Check the next day for signs of activity in the nest. ...
- Cover the nest with a garbage bag.
- Gently pull the nest from where it's hidden and seal the bag once inside.
The local authority's pest control or Environmental Health team can give you help and advice in dealing with problems with pests and vermin. Some local authorities have a pest control service which you might be able to use, although there'll probably charge for it if you're not a local authority tenant.
Should wasp nests be destroyed? ›
If you find a wasp's nest do not take any chances. Trying to knock down the nest or using other methods can backfire and can cause wasps to go on the attack. At Western Exterminator, we know how to find nests and use the right safety equipment and treatments.
Will wasps return to a sprayed nest? ›
Most wasps will not return to a sprayed nest. But there is always the chance that a few survivors will return and rebuild their nest. This can be especially true if the nest was not completely destroyed, or if there were two nests close by that were not sprayed at all. Wasps do not have a memory span of a few days.
What is the best month to get rid of a wasp nest? ›
Wasp control is best done in the spring when queens are building new nests. Yellow jacket nests are usually underground and will have some individuals to start the colony up again next year.
When should I exterminate wasps? ›
The University of Minnesota Extension says late evening or early morning will work. The coldest hours are the best time to spray a wasp nest, so take a look at the forecast to see when the temperature will drop in the evening. Then finish the job before temps rise in the morning.
The fact is, ordinary liquid soap in a spray bottle works as well as anything I've ever tried when it comes to dropping and killing wasps around the house.
What do exterminators use to prevent wasps? ›
Termidor is simply the best. Wasps forage constantly for new places to nest in the Spring and places to overwinter in the Fall. Treating the structure with a residual insecticide such as Tempo or Suspend will help protection, and will most likely repel them from attempting to nest.
Can you spray your yard for wasps? ›
Using Cedarcide Outdoor Bug Control, thoroughly spray the areas outside your home that attract the most wasps to prevent nests from forming. Repeat monthly for best results, or more often as needed. With Cedarcide, you can also kill wasps in just seconds with a direct spray.
What smell do wasps hate? ›
Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves, and lemongrass. They are also repelled by vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and sliced cucumber.
How to figure out where wasps are coming from? ›
It is always possible for an occasional wasp to come into your home through an open door or window. If you regularly find them inside, that is a good indication you may have a nest providing them with direct access to the home's interior. The nest may be in an attic, crawl space, or wall.
Will wasps go away on their own? ›
Wasps vacate their nest in the fall and don't reuse the same nest the next year. After a couple of hard frosts, the wasps should no longer pose an issue. Leaving wasp nests alone may reduce insecticides in the environment and support beneficial insects.
Who gets rid of wasps? ›
The pest control technicians will be able to identify the species of wasp in your yard, determine the best course of action, and provide you with a tailored solution to get rid of the pests for good.
How do professionals remove wasp nests? ›
Depending on where the nest is located and the type of wasp or hornet, your Technician will apply a treatment of aerosols, dusts, and liquids to the nest. Once the colony has been eliminated, your Technician will remove the nest completely so a new colony of wasps or hornets does not use it in the future.
Who gets rid of wasps near me? ›
If the wasps are causing you, your family, employees, or customers a problem, call Landguard; we can provide safe and guaranteed treatments to resolve your wasp issue quickly.
What happens if you remove a wasp nest? ›
If you attempt to destroy a nest during the day when many of the wasps are out foraging, they will return to the nest site. And you will have a lot of wasps hanging around for at least a few days. They might even start a new nest nearby. Make sure to wear protective clothing.
