Wasp nests can be a nuisance and even a danger if located close to your home. While DIY removal may seem tempting, it’s best to hire a professional exterminator to safely and effectively eliminate wasp nests. Here’s an overview of how pros tackle wasp nest removal.
Locating the Nest
The first step is finding where on your property the wasps have built their nest. Telltale signs include:
- Seeing wasps flying in and out of a specific area
- Spotting the gray, papery nest itself
- Getting stung by wasps around a certain location
Common nesting spots include:
- Eaves and rooflines
- Sheds and garages
- Trees and shrubs
- Buried in the ground
- Play equipment and porch overhangs
- Cracks and crevices in walls
An exterminator will thoroughly inspect your property to identify all locations that need treatment. This ensures no nests are missed.
Choosing the Right Products and Equipment
Professional exterminators have access to commercial-grade products and specialized equipment not available to homeowners. Which tools and pesticides they use depends on factors like:
- Nest location
- Nest size
- Type of wasps
- Local regulations
For ground nests, liquid insecticide is often injected directly into the hole. Nests high up may require a tank sprayer with a long wand to reach them. Fogging or dusts are options for large infestations. Products used against wasps include:
- Pyrethrins
- Cyfluthrin
- Permethrin
- Tetramethrin
- Deltamethrin
Wasps tend to be more aggressive than other stinging insects. Exterminators use protective apparel like bee suits when removing nests to avoid getting stung.
Methods of Wasp Nest Removal
Once the nest is accessible, exterminators use both chemical and physical tactics to eliminate it:
Insecticide Application
Spraying pesticides directly onto the nest kills wasps on contact and prevents new ones from starting it back up. Products like pyrethrins work quickly to knock down adult wasps.
Removal by Hand
After treatment with insecticides, exterminators will physically remove and discard the nest. This prevents survivors from gathering and re-establishing the colony. Large or high nests may be knocked down with a pole.
Sealing Entry Points
Any holes or cracks leading to voids where nests were built will be sealed up. This blocks access and stops wasps from returning to try rebuilding again in the same areas.
When to Call a Professional
Don’t attempt do-it-yourself wasp nest removal unless it’s very small and in an easy to reach spot. Otherwise, hire a licensed exterminator for safety and best results. It’s smart to get professional help for:
- Large nests over one foot wide
- Nests situated high up or in tough to access areas
- Underground nests with no visible opening
- Multiple nests on your property
- Swarming wasps that reappear after removing a nest
- Getting stung when trying to self-treat
Attempting removal without proper training, equipment, and products can stir up angry wasps and result in painful stings. It’s not worth the risk.
Cost of Professional Wasp Nest Removal
The price to hire an exterminator for wasp control typically ranges from $100 to $600 depending on factors like:
- Number of nests
- Location on the property
- Difficulty reaching the infestation
- Type of treatment used
Here are average costs:
| Number of Nests | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $100-$200 |
| 3-5 | $201-$400 |
| 5+ | $401-$600 |
Larger infestations or difficult to access nests will fall on the higher end. Get an on-site inspection and estimate from reputable exterminators before committing.
Professional Treatments Offer Lasting Control
In the hands of a pest control expert, wasp nest removal is strategic, effective, and designed for long-term prevention. They have the know-how to:
- Identify all current nesting sites for complete elimination
- Use the proper products and formulas based on nest specifics
- Apply treatments safely and accurately
- Remove nests without leaving remnants behind
- Seal off future access points
- Provide effective prevention tips
This comprehensive approach delivers lasting control and reduces the chances wasps will return. Do-it-yourself removal often fails to get rid of the entire nest or address how the insects got inside in the first place.
Benefits of Professional Wasp Extermination
For safe, effective, and lasting wasp nest removal, call the experts. Professional extermination services offer:
- Specialized Knowledge: Experts are intimately familiar with wasp behavior and biology. They know how to track down nests and use the optimal treatment methods.
- Advanced Tools and Pesticides: Exterminators have commercial-grade insecticides, protective apparel, spray equipment, and other specialized tools for removal not available to homeowners.
- Efficiency: Locating and eliminating all wasp nests on the first try prevents the insects from rebounding. Pros get the job done quickly and completely.
- Safety: Attempting wasp nest removal without proper training, gear, and products can lead to multiple painful stings. Let the professionals handle it safely.
- Warranties: Many exterminators provide warranties if wasps return after treatment. DIY methods offer no guarantees or protection.
- Peace of Mind: With professional elimination, you can enjoy your property again without fear of wasp run-ins. Your friends and family will also be protected.
Conclusions
Don’t live with frightening and painful wasp encounters in your own outdoor space. While DIY removal may seem like an easy fix, it often fails or makes matters worse. For proven and lasting results, trust professional exterminators equipped with the latest tools, products, and expertise to eliminate wasp nests safely and effectively.
When you need wasp nest removal, call a licensed pro for an inspection and customized treatment plan. Their strategic methods and warranties deliver reliable control so you can reclaim your yard and prevent future infestations.