How to Get Rid of Paper Wasps: Guide to a Sting-Free Summer

Have you ever begun planning a cookout for your backyard, only to discover that a group of paper wasps has set up a home nearby during the warm months? This is a disaster waiting to happen. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best ways to get rid of paper wasps that won’t destroy your home.

Understanding Paper Wasps What Are Paper Wasps?

Paper wasps are sometimes confused with their more aggressive relatives that include yellow jackets. It is the semi-social wasps that build nests out of a papery substance. But because paper wasps are generally significantly less aggressive – they only come after you if you threaten them – recognising the paper wasps is the first step in controlling them. These wasps have long legs and bodies, narrow waists, and are brownish or reddish, and covered with yellow markings.

Why Should You Manage Paper Wasp Populations?

Paper wasps are very important pollinators. They also help keep down natural insects. Still, their stings hurt; for sting-allergic people, they can be serious. Also, if the nest is in a commonly used corner, you and guests are exposed to attack.

Preventative Measures Seal Entry Points

Before attempting to kill them, put your house in a defensive position so they can’t get in: search the exterior of your house for any cracks or openings that could let bugs in. Air and daylight should be the only things that can enter through the holes in your house. Make sure all attic vents are sealed up, and replace any broken panels, hangative siding or torn window screens.

Maintain Your Yard

Predictable yard maintenance is also a good way to discourage paper wasps from nesting in your yard. Cut back vegetation regularly, manage overhanging growth and, if access allows, remove its old nests in winter (when it is non-active). If it can find a spot that meets its needs, wasps will likely nest there on its own.

Tactical Removal Techniques Non-Invasive Methods

But the best response is no response; if the nest is not in an easily accessible place, leave it alone. If it is not a threat, then it is obviously doing something right for the wasps to want to stay there, from a purely evolutionary point of view, so you can benefit from the wasps’ pollination and pest control activities.

DIY Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get There Early: Go at dusk for wasps or dawn for bees.

Dress Appropriately: Wear protective clothing—long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat.

Prepare Your Weapons: Buy an off-the-shelf wasp spray or construct an at-home one with soapy water sprayed directly onto the nest.

Spray the Nest: Stand at a distance and direct the spray into the nest hole. Get ready to retreat if necessary.

Keep an eye on the Nest: One day later, make certain that all activity has stopped. If you can, remove the nest.

When to Call a Professional

Except if the nest is very large, or you’re allergic to stings, call in the experts. Pest control firms have the equipment and expertise to remove wasp nests safely.

Natural and Chemical-Free Alternatives Essential Oils:

Certain peppermint oil mixtures work to keep them away – spray around outdoor living spaces as a deterrent. Decoy Nest: Wasps are territorial, and might not build near another nest. A fake wasp nest can scare them away.

Conclusion

There’s no need to go to war with paper wasps. To avoid the sting of no-sweat homeownership, know how far you’re willing to go and get the right equipment. Poke, spray, trap and protect yourself. Trying to mitigate your paper-wasp problem? The Wasp Out sign might be the quick fix you need. It’s not a pipe-dream.

There are real-life DIY ways to limit your wasp nuisance, which you can learn from our Ask Joe page and blog. But, if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Wasp Out Third Generation Safe and Sound wasp traps are available at your local hardware stores and garden centres.

They’re understealt, high-tech and easy to install. Just hang. Remember, we’re not toxifying tree-frogs for life in an industrial apartment complex. Knowing what you’re prepared to manage and how are the first steps towards solving your paper-wasp problem. Now get to it. This summer barbecue is sting-free for the taking!