How to get rid of wasps

The most effective way to get rid of wasps or hornets is to treat the main cause of the problem – the nest.

Removing a nest can be very dangerous. Wasps inside the nest will feel threatened and often become aggressive. This could cause them to sting you and others as they defend their nest and young.

To get rid of wasps you do 'not' need to remove the nest, but you do need to treat it and the nesting wasps.

To reduce the risk of stings to you and your family, arrange for a professional wasp nest treatment. This effective solution will eliminate the wasps and keep you safe from the threat of stings.

Need our help? Call Ehrlich at 1-800-837-5520 or contact us online to schedule your inspection and nest treatment.

A mature wasp nest only found in late summer will almost certainly require professional treatment due to the high risk of wasp stings. By this stage, a nest may contain thousands of individual wasps. 

Treatment Details 

• To get rid of the nest from your premises, an Ehrlich technician will dress in protective stinging insect gear to keep them safe from stings. The technician will make sure no people are nearby while the nest is being treated to eliminate the possibility of stings.
• Depending on where the nest is located and the type of wasp or hornet, the technician will apply a treatment of aerosols, dusts and liquids to the nest.
• Once the colony has been eliminated, the technician will remove the nest completely so a new colony of wasps or hornets do not use it in the future.

Benefits of Professional Treatment

Many wasps including yellow jackets frequently construct their nests below ground, making it difficult to treat. Sometimes nests are below concrete slabs or piles of rock or vegetation.

It can be difficult to treat the nest in these instances and activity will continue despite your repeated attempts at control.

If you decide to destroy the nest yourself, follow all instructions below carefully:

• Treating at night is generally recommended because wasps are less aggressive then. However, they respond quickly to any sign of light, so avoid even the use of a torch, as this may provoke them to leave the nest.
• Wear protection - wasps will attack if disturbed. Ensure that you minimize uncovered skin including wearing gloves and a hat.
• Do not attempt DIY treatment if you suspect you are sensitive to wasp stings, if the nest is indoors or the nest is inaccessible.
• Do not treat a wasp nest when on a ladder or from a raised height unless you have bee proof clothing, including a headnet.

Stinging insect swarms are dangerous - if in doubt get professional help.

Wasp nest treatment is critical if you want to get rid of wasps buzzing around your home and to reduce the risk of painful wasp stings.

Contact Ehrlich free at 1-800-837-5520 for further information on how to get rid of wasps (yellow jackets) and hornets or to arrange for a visit by a Technician.