How do professionals get rid of wasps?

Wasps can be a nuisance and their stings can pose a health risk for some people. While it may be tempting to try and get rid of a wasp nest yourself, it is usually best to call in professionals who are trained and equipped to safely remove wasps.

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Why call a professional?

There are a few key reasons why you should call a professional exterminator or pest control company to get rid of wasps:

Safety – Wasps can become aggressive when their nest is disturbed. Professionals use protective gear to avoid being stung.
Effectiveness – Professionals have the right tools and insecticides to effectively remove the entire nest and prevent wasps from returning.
Hard to reach nests – Professionals can access nests in hard to reach places like under eaves, in attics, or high in trees.

Identify the species – Professionals can identify different wasp species which is important for removal approach.
Timing – Professionals know the best time of day and year to treat nests when wasps are least active.

Trying to remove a large, established wasp nest carries a high risk of getting stung. The nests can contain hundreds of wasps ready to defend it. Professionals have the training, protective gear, and tools to remove nests safely.

How do professionals get rid of wasp nests?

Professional pest control technicians use a variety of methods to get rid of wasp nests depending on the type of nest and its location. Here are some of the main approaches:

Insecticide sprays

For exposed aerial nests, professionals often use a pressurized spray of insecticide directly onto the nest. This kills wasps on contact and allows the insecticide to penetrate deep into the nest to kill wasps inside. Some common active ingredients used are pyrethrins, deltamethrin, or permethrin. The nest is then removed once activity has ceased.

Insecticide dusts

For nests inside voids like attics, professionals may apply a fine insecticide dust into the nest opening. As wasps enter and leave the nest, they pick up traces of the insecticide dust which is carried back inside, gradually poisoning the colony. Dust formulations allow the insecticide to reach the deep interior of hidden nests.

Foam insecticides

Polyurethane foam insecticides can provide quick knockdown and kill of wasp nests. The expanding foam helps deliver the insecticide throughout nest galleries. It also provides visual confirmation that the entire nest has been treated.

Fumigation

For large nests inside structures, professionals may fumigate the space with sulfuryl fluoride. This gas fumigant permeates through the nest structure and wall voids to kill wasps and eggs.

Bait traps

Bait traps can be used preventatively around outdoor areas. The traps contain a sweet bait to attract wasps and an insecticide dust or liquid to kill them when they enter. Traps help reduce foraging wasps in the area before significant nest establishment.

Vacuuming

Some professionals use a wet/dry vacuum device to suck up and remove wasps from aerial nests. This is often done at night when wasps are least active. The vacuum nozzle is placed directly over the nest entrance to remove wasps and debris over several hours.

When to call for professional wasp removal?

Here are some signs that it’s time to call for professional help with wasp removal:

Wasps are frequently spotted flying around an area of your property.

You find a nest on your property, especially close to high traffic areas.
Multiple people have been stung by wasps in the yard.
A nest is spotted high up in trees, under roof eaves, or other hard to reach areas.

You hear buzzing sounds coming from voids in sheds, attics, or walls.
A nest appears to be expanding rapidly larger over a few days.

Dealing with wasps becomes risky when nests grow very large or are situated in difficult locations. Calling a pest control technician promptly when an issue first arises can help prevent nests from expanding out of control.

What information do they need?

When you call for professional wasp control, have the following information ready:

Your contact information and address where service is needed.
Details on where on the property nests are located.

Approximate size and description of each nest.
Activities or behaviors wasps have been observed doing.
If known, the species of wasp and how long issue has persisted.

If wasp activity seems to be increasing.
Areas of concern like high foot traffic zones near nests.

Good details help the professional understand the extent of infestation so they can recommend the right solution and bring proper materials.

What methods do they use?

Professional wasp removal typically involves a combination of methods tailored to your situation. The approach will depend on factors like:

Nest locations – Easy to access vs. high and remote vs. inside voids.
Wasp species – Some species are more aggressive or have larger nests.

Time of year – Nest size and wasp defensiveness changes over season.
Proximity to people/pets – Higher risk nests call for different solutions.
Number of nests – Treating multiple nests may require an area-wide approach.

Professionals have a toolkit of pesticides, devices, and strategies to deploy. This may include liquid sprays, foams, dusts, baits, or area-wide fumigation where warranted. Most strive for an integrated approach using multiple methods together to maximize effectiveness.

What is the cost?

The average cost of professional wasp nest removal is $150 to $300 per nest depending on size, location, and complexity. Here are some factors that influence pricing:

Number of nests requiring treatment.

Difficulty of access to nests.
Height of aerial nests requiring equipment to reach.
Use of more materials if nests are very large.

Call-out fees for same day or emergency visits.
Location in a remote area requiring more travel time.

While DIY approaches seem cheaper up front, they carry greater safety risks. Professionals have the expertise and tools to treat nests successfully in one visit, saving you time and money in the long run.

What precautions do they take?

Professional wasp removal services use a variety of precautions and safety measures including:

Wearing protective suits and helmets to avoid stings on the face and body.
Using extended equipment like pole sprayers to treat nests from a safe distance.

Closing off treatment areas to keep people and pets away during service.
Applying repellants around nests to keep wasps away from the area.
Choosing insecticides carefully and reading the label for proper precautions.

Sealing off nest entrances after treatment to contain wasps inside.
Cleaning up nest debris and discarding sealed bags properly after removal.

Professionals also survey the nest and surroundings to identify any risks or hazards before starting. They may recommend delaying treatment until very early morning when wasp activity is lowest outside the nest. Taking prudent precautions is key to a safe removal process.

Do I need to prepare the area?

It can be helpful to make some preparations before the scheduled professional wasp treatment:

Clear any items, debris, or foliage around the nest location to allow easy access.
Restrict pets indoors so they are not present during service.

Open up any voids and hatches if nests are thought to be inside.
Cover or move any items below outdoor aerial nests like patio furniture.
Close off doors and windows near indoor nests being treated.

Have a water source available in case it’s needed for dilution of insecticides.

Proper preparation of the site allows technicians to perform service more efficiently. They may give you specific recommendations of areas to open up or close off once they arrive.

When should I expect results?

With professional treatment methods, wasp nests are usually knocked down and showing significant decline in activity within 24 hours. You can expect to see:

Few to no wasps flying around or returning to the nest site.
No more wasp entering or leaving voids where hidden nests were treated.
No new wasp activity in the area.

Wasp corpses visible around the destroyed nest.

Depending on the insecticides and methods used, the nest structure can then be safely removed after a few days when the area is wasp-free. Quick knockdown prevents nests from bouncing back after treatment.

Will they come back?

If all nests on a property are located and fully treated, wasp problems are unlikely to return the same season. However, you may see wasps in the area again in the future if:

New queens emerge next spring and establish nests on untreated sites.
Remaining wasps from incomplete removal rebuild on the property.
The species is constantly reintroduced from nearby locations.

To help prevent wasp recurrence, professionals recommend:

Sealing off potential nesting sites like gaps in walls.
Installing screens in vents, overhangs, and other entry points.

Applying residual sprays around eaves in the spring to deter nest building.
Using traps preventatively to control foraging wasps.
Monitoring carefully for future nest establishment.

Taking proactive measures after removal provides long term wasp control around your building.

Conclusion

Removing wasp nests is a job best left to trained pest management professionals. They have the technical knowledge, proper safety equipment, and right insecticides to remove nests in the safest and most effective manner. This helps avoid painful stings and provides long lasting control. Calling a professional promptly at the first sign of wasps is recommended to prevent nests from expanding out of control on your property.