Imagine having a lovely afternoon on your homestead while praising the fruits you have planted. Suddenly your peace is all gone as you sense buzzing guests – the wasps who have housed a huge nest in your yard.
It is easy to think of these creatures as harmless at first glance. However, did you know that over 50% of Americans are stung by wasps yearly, causing mild to severe infections?
Fortunately, they are not known to cause any property damage. However, if their nest is disturbed due to any possible circumstance, wasps would go crazy and attack everyone nearby. Worry not, fellow homesteaders, as I have got your back! Today I will share my take on how to get rid of a wasp nest on your property.
So, let’s explore why you can’t have a wasp nest in your yard and how you can get rid of them the easiest way.
Reasons For Not Having A Wasp Nest In Your Backyard
One obvious reason is that they have a dangerous potential to sting. Whenever wasps sense that their colony is threatened, they end up stinging everyone present close to their nest. A wasp sting can be extremely painful, causing swelling, redness, and itching of the skin.
In some conditions, individuals with allergies can also get severe reactions, including anaphylaxis accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, clammy skin, fast heartbeat, etc. I think the possibility of this life-threatening condition is enough to remove the wasp nest in your yard.
Also, these nests can attract other insects and fly to your lawn. As a result, this will create an unnecessary nuisance on your homestead, which I am sure no one will approve of.
Do You Actually Need To Get Rid Of A Wasp Nest?
Okay, when I was a new homesteader and noticed a wasp nest in my yard, my first thought was, why would someone hold onto such a mess? However, after a bit of research, I came to know that wasps are some excellent pollinators. While honeybees are amazing pollinators too, wasps have a longer life expectancy, so they can pollinate more efficiently.
You may also want to keep a wasp nest in your yard in order to protect your garden from bugs such as caterpillars, weevils, and grubs. All in all, I would advise you not to disturb the nest when it is housed away from your outdoor sitting area. As long as wasps are harmless, you can leave them all alone.
However, if you’re bothered by the nest and have decided to get rid of it, you will need to gather some essential tools. Let’s have a look at what you will require for the procedure.
Related: What Happens If You Place A Beehive In Your Backyard
Things Needed To Get Rid Of A Wasp nest
When removing a wasp nest from your backyard, it’s important to consider your safety first. I strongly recommend seeking professional help, but if you still choose to tackle the situation yourself, here are some things you need to stock on:
- Protective overalls that are able to cover you from head to toe
- Right size of safety goggles to protect your eyes
- Dishwashing soap
- Suitable pesticide
- Spray Bottle
- Distilled Water
- Match stick
- Disposable plastic bags
Step-by-Step Guide To Getting Rid Of A Wasp Nest
Here’s a quick guide to getting rid of a wasp nest within a day.
- Step 1: Formulate an Escape Plan
Before starting the procedure, ensure you have the safest plan to escape. Wasps are unpredictable, and you never know when they might come out and attack you. You must be extra careful, especially when the nest is located at an elevated height and you need a ladder to reach it.
- Step 2: Kill the Wasp Using Dishwash Soap Solution or Pesticide
Now this step is entirely up to you. You can either use a dishwashing soap solution or a pesticide to kill the wasps. I recommend using soap water solution as it is more effective and non-toxic.
All you have to do is prepare a solution in a spray bottle by mixing up half a cup of water and dish soap. Pour this soap solution into a hose-end spray bottle and aim it with a powerful stream setting directly at the nest for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Step 3: Cut off the Nest From Its Base
After you are aware that the wasps are completely dead or they are evacuated, it’s time to remove the nest. For this, use a disposable plastic bag, cover it around the nest, and grab it as a whole.
Here I would remind you not to perform this step without having your safety gloves on.
- Step 4: Destroy the Nest
The last and final step to say goodbye to wasps is destroying the nest. Drown the nest you have just removed in a bucket full of water. Cover the top with a secure lid and leave the nest inside for about 8 hours. This will further ensure that the nest is completely destroyed.
Related: Easy DIY Garden Pest Killer You Can Make At Home
Get Rid Of A Wasp Nest Using Smoke
Another remedy to get rid of a wasp nest involves using smoke. Here’s a brief guide on how you can do so.
- Start with gathering a number of wood planks or draft papers to create a smoke nearby the wasp nest in your yard.
- Smoke will irritate the wasps, making them evacuate the nest immediately.
- As soon as you know there are no wasps left in the nest, remove it while covering it with a cloth.
- Burn this wasp nest or have it drowned in water.
Things To Consider Before Getting Rid Of A Wasp Nest
If you have a wasp nest in your yard, remember the below points before removing it.
- Target the wasps earlier in the year or, most specifically, during the winter, as wasps are less aggressive in this season. And if you target the queen during this time, there will be no nests in the upcoming season.
- Make sure you maintain a safe distance from the wasp nest while removing it; otherwise, you might end up with painful stings.
- Never disturb the nest during day time. This is the hour when wasps are extremely defensive and might end up stinging you.
How To Prevent Wasps From Building Nests In Your Yard?
To prevent wasps from building nests in your yard, you should:
- Look out for the potential nesting sites and seal them using appropriate materials like high-quality caulk.
- Wasps are attracted to debris and food leftovers. If you have any trash bins in your yard, cover them properly with a secure lid so no insects, bees, or wasps would linger around them.
- Purchase fake wasp nests that are available online or at home depot stores. This will trick wasps into thinking that a wasp colony already exists there.
So, this is how I got rid of a wasp nest in my yard, and I hope that now you will also be able to do the same.
Whether you choose the spraying method or the smoking one, ensure you follow the right SOPs. Also, always maintain your safe distance when dealing with a wasp nest, and remember to wear your protective gear. Best of luck!
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