In this article we are going to discuss the steps needed when safely destroying a wasp nest. We will talk about the equipment required, the safety equipment suggested, and the process one should take – before, during and after – in order to safely eliminate a wasp nest.
What Are Wasps?
A wasp is a winged insect with a narrow waist and a stinger used for self-defense. A wasp’s stinger contains poisonous venom and can result in significant pain and discomfort when used. Wasps are predatory insects that prey on other insects. Unlike bees which have identifiable hair on their bodies and legs, the body of the wasp is smooth.
Oftentimes wasps will build nests in close proximity to our homes. They do so by scraping and chewing up wood into a pulp like and papery substance.
While inside the nest, a queen wasp can lay approximately 100 eggs in a single day – not near the 2000 egg mark of a queen honeybee, however still a remarkable number.
There are more than 4,000 species of wasps living in the United States, however only a few are frequently regarded as pests.
How Do You Know if the Nest Is a Nest of Wasps or Bees?
As far as the process and oftentimes the equipment used, there really is not too much need to identify the nest to that belonging to wasps or bees. Honeybees are really the only species of bees that may require professional help to remove, as they are oftentimes a protected species.
That said, when it comes to a wasp nests and a bees’ nests, the location of the nest as well as the nest’s physical appearance can typically be a decent indicator of which species you are dealing with.
Bees tend to construct their hives in hallows and cavities that are safeguarded from the elements. Typical places bees build nests are within walls, attics and the hollowed cavities of trees. If you hear constant buzzing noise coming from your home’s wall, this is a sign of a bees nest within the wall.
Wasps, on the other hand, have no wax-generating glands. Therefore, a wasp nest can be more identified as made from the paper-like substance of wood pulp.
The size of a typical wasp colony is also much smaller than that of a bee colony. Typically, a bee colony can reach 50,000 members, whereas a wasp colony rarely reach 1/5 of that number.
Reasons to Call an Exterminator for a Wasp Colony
Calling in an exterminator is not always needed in order to resolve a wasp problem. There are a few times, however, where destroying a wasp nest can be more difficult and an exterminator may need to be called in. Below are a few reasons to call in a professional.
Sensitivity to a Wasp Sting
Some people suffer from rather pronounced symptoms to a wasp sting. This may be due to an allergic reaction. Some of the common reactions for someone who has escalated reaction are nausea and vomiting, as well as intense redness and inflammation that may increase for two or three days post sting.
Most of the time, these reactions will subside after a week or so.
Proximity and Location of a Wasp Nest
Is the nest in a place too difficult to access? If so, calling in a professional may be a good decision. There are also times when the wasps can come into your living quarters. When this occurs, hiring an exterminator is recommended.
Exposure to Chemicals
Most wasp control products do contain chemicals that you may not wish to inhale or even be exposed to. If this is a concern to you, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Get the wasp situation under control by whatever means necessary, even if that means calling in a professional to do the job right.
Timid of the Wasps
It is perfectly natural to be somewhat nervous when destroying a wasp nest. If this worries you too much, calling in a professional is not a bad idea and nothing to be ashamed of. Those stings do not tickle after all.
However, if you do make that nervousness work for you (by being more careful not to get stung), it is not necessarily a bad thing.
5 Best Products to Buy to Eliminate a Wasp Nest
So, if you have decided to eliminate the wasp nest yourself, below are 5 highly recommended products to arm yourself with. Each are designed to keep you a safe distance away from the nest as you work, are affordable, highly rated, and will sure eliminate the nest. All links to Amazon.com.
| Ortho Home Defense Hornet & Wasp Killer – By: Ortho |
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| Wasp & Hornet Killer, Aerosol Spray – By: Hot Shot |
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| Wasp & Hornet Killer Spray – By: Raid |
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Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket and Bee Killer Spray – By: Harris |
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SpectracidePRO Wasp & Hornet Killer (2 Pack) – By: Spectracide |
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Safety Considerations
Of course, safety products will be not be the worst decision you ever made when choosing to exterminate a wasp nest. At a minimum, recommended products are safety glasses and gloves.
Never climb up a ladder to reach the nest. If the wasps do swarm, you will need to escape quickly.
Best Time to Plan Your Attack
If you previously had trouble to exterminate a wasp nest, it could be due to the hours of your attack. During the day, wasps often leave their nest for a hard day’s work. Those wasps who return to the nest and see that you may have already exterminated the nest, will often times just rebuild in the same spot.
This is why it is best to eliminate a wasp nest is in the evening – sunrise or dusk will do. The wasps will be less active during these hours, and their nest will be more populated.
You may also want to watch the news to see what night or times in the night may be a little cooler than the others, as cooler hours are said to be most effective when exterminating a wasp next.
Removing the Nest After Terminating the Wasps
It is best to wait a little while after destroying the wasp nest before removing it – at least 24 hours afterwards to ensure that the wasps have fully succumbed to the chemical spray. Wear safety googles and gloves.
In Conclusion
It is amazing sometimes how a wasp can build a nest without us catching on sooner. Was it that season of your favorite Netflix series that caused you not to notice, or did they simply wait until you left for work to sneak around and build their nest? Regardless, you can exterminate a wasp nest like a boss with the right equipment and approach. Sip that tall glass of lemonade with you friends on the patio again, without staring at the wasp nest that just caught your eye.
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