How to Get Rid of Wasps and Hornets Safely
Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets can sting repeatedly and turn aggressive near a nest. A little caution goes a long way, and some situations are better left to a pro.
When you can handle it yourself
A small, new nest (golf-ball sized, early in spring) in an open, reachable spot is often manageable in the evening when wasps are calm. Anything large, hidden in a wall, underground, or near someone with an allergy should go to a professional.
Safer steps
- Treat at dusk when activity is lowest and most wasps are home.
- Wear long sleeves and never stand directly under the nest.
- Have an exit path; do not use a ladder for overhead nests.
- Never seal a wall nest from outside, it traps wasps inside the wall.
If wasps are coming and going from a gap in your siding or roofline, the nest is inside the structure. That is a job for a pro, not a can of spray.
Get professional wasp removal
For large, hidden, or repeat nests, compare wasp and hornet control pros and get a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Why are wasps worse in late summer?
Colonies reach their largest size by late summer and get more aggressive as they compete for food.
Should I remove a wasp nest myself?
Small early nests are sometimes manageable, but large, hidden, or hard-to-reach nests, or any allergy risk, are best left to a professional.