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Keep wasps away from house


How to Get Rid of Wasps: A Complete Guide [2023]

It’s a perfect summer day and you’re sitting outside with your family grilling something delicious for dinner. Right then you hear it, a menacing buzz just over your shoulder. The wasps have arrived, and they’re not leaving. They drive you indoors, ruining your perfect afternoon.

Sounds familiar? You’re not alone.

Each year, wasps take over outdoor spaces throughout the country, including the San Francisco Bay Area, making them difficult or impossible for people to use.

Plus, wasps can be dangerous.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 1,109 deaths from hornet, wasp, and bee stings between 2000–2017, or an annual average of 62 deaths.

Fortunately, you don’t have to resolve yourself to living with stinging wasps all summer. Smith’s Pests Management is here to help you reclaim your property.

We provide yellow jacket control services to customers in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, so we know a thing or two about how to help people get rid of wasps and start enjoying the outdoors once more.

In this blog, we’ll share a few of our top wasp removal tips and tricks, and insights on identifying common wasp species.

Key Takeaways

What Kind of Wasps Do I Have?

Wasps and their cousins, hornets and yellowjackets have nasty stings that can be especially dangerous to anyone allergic to them.

Even if you’re not allergic to wasps, they can be a danger to anyone who gets too close to their nest. They will come boiling out, often in large numbers, and immediately sting any person or pet who is nearby.

While some wasp species are highly aggressive, others are more docile. Some species, like mud daubers, kill and eat other pest species, like spiders.

Since they help keep pest populations down, people can usually coexist with mud daubers (as long as they’re in an out-of-the-way place where people and pets will not disturb them).

Because wasps behave so differently, you have to identify what kind of wasps you have before you can start dealing with them.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the most common wasp varieties:

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are bee-sized wasps known for their distinct black and yellow markings. They are common throughout the world and particularly abundant in the southeastern US.

Adults grow to about ⅜“ to ⅝.” They live in colonies and build nests inside structures or on the ground to protect the group.

Paper Wasps

At ¾” to 1” long, paper wasps are slightly larger than yellow jackets. Their bodies are brown or black, with yellow to red markings.

They live throughout North America, and usually build their nests near the shelter of buildings. Their nests are small and only include a single layer of comb for brood rearing.

Like other wasp species, they will not sting unless they feel threatened. While yellow jackets are black and yellow, paper wasps are brown and yellow.

Hornets

There are about 20 species of hornets in the world. The varieties in California typically grow to about 1.25.” They tend to be black, with light yellow or white stripes that are more distinct than those found on a yellow jacket.

Hornets build hives by chewing wood into a papery pulp and using it to construct walls. Most nests are built on high trees or sturdy, woody plants.

These wasps are highly social, and generally will not sting unless they are threatened or provoked. When they are threatened, they swarm.

Mud Daubers

Mud daubers typically grow to ½” to 1” long. They are black, with bright yellow markings on their thorax and legs, and a long, thin body that sets them apart from other wasp species.

While they’re native to North America, they can be found throughout the world. Unlike the other wasps on this list, they do not live in colonies or build nests with other wasps.

Instead, mud daubers use mud to build small nests for themselves and their offspring. They are a generally docile species and do not swarm like other wasps.

Bees vs. Wasps

While people often confuse honeybees and wasps, they are not the same creatures. While wasps are a pest species, honeybees are a keystone species that are critical to the environment.

Honeybees are a critically important species and we do not recommend removing them from your yard or property.

Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to tell wasps and bees apart. 

For example, bees are not aggressive, and can only sting once before dying. Wasps, on the other hand, can sting multiple times. Honeybees also have larger bodies and a light coating of downy hair. While both wasps and bees pollinate plants, honeybees are much more active pollinators than wasps.

What Attracts Wasps to My Yard?

If you have wasps in your yard, you’re probably wondering why they’ve chosen to pester you.

Here’s the truth:

While wasps migrate through virtually every yard from time to time, the following things attract them and entice them to stay:

1. Shelter

In the fall, male wasps die after impregnating the colony’s queen. The queen wasps then take shelter in safe, warm, protected places where they survive the winter.

Wasps may be hanging out in your yard because they’ve found safe refuge there. Things like insulated walls, crevices, and cracks shelter wasps from potential predators and harsh elements.

2. Food sources

After hibernating all winter long, the queen and her workers emerge in preparation for the summer months. And after a long winter, they’re hungry and looking for food sources. If they can find something to eat in your yard or garden, they’ll stay.

Some wasps, known as digger wasps, will hover above the ground to prey on larvae, grubs, and other insects. Because of this, one of the best ways to prevent a wasp infestation on your property is to get rid of other pest species like spiders first.

3. Food leftovers

While wasps hunt for some of their food, they also love a free meal when they can find it. They eat protein-based foods, and will scavenge leftovers like meat scraps or grill drippings. While you can’t keep wasps from noticing your cookout altogether, you can discourage them from staying by covering your cooked food and cleaning up spills promptly.

4. Sugar

When fall comes around, wasps start searching for sources of sugar to get them through the winter. Wasps will seek out fallen fruit from trees, soda cans, hummingbird feed, fruit juice, and anything else that is a good source of sucrose.

5. Flowers

Wasps are attracted to flowering plants. They enjoy the nectar of the flowers and the fragrance, and can quickly take over a garden bed. If you wear strong perfume, they may also be attracted to that scent.

How to Get Rid of Wasps in Your Yard & House

Whether you’re allergic to wasp stings or you simply want to send the winged pests packing, we have some effective tips to help you get rid of wasps both indoors and outside. These tips apply to all wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Wasps 

In Your Yard  

If you have wasps in your yard, these tips can help you get rid of them:

1. Hang wasp traps

Wasp traps are one of the most common—and effective—ways to get rid of wasps in your yard. The traps feature a liquid that attracts wasps. When the wasps crawl into the trap, they get stuck and drown. While wasp traps are effective, they accumulate dead wasps and can be unsightly to look at. Replace them often and be sure to hang them away from your outdoor living areas.

2. Spray wasp nests

If you see an active wasp nest around your home or property, spray it with store-bought wasp nest spray. For best results, wear protective clothing and spray the nest late in the evening, when the wasps are dormant, and the workers and queen are all present. Purchase a wasp spray with a nozzle that allows you to spray from a distance. Re-spray the nest repeatedly over the course of a few days, if needed.

3. Use soap and water

If you want an alternative to store-bought insecticides, tackle small wasp nests with soap and water. Mix two tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle of  water and spray it on the nests. The mixture will clog the wasps’ breathing pores and kill them instantly.

4. Create homemade traps

Build a homemade wasp trap by cutting the top off a large soda bottle and adding a few inches of soda or fruit juice (with a few drops of dish liquid) to the bottom. Invert and replace the top and hang the homemade trap in your yard.

5. Kill emerging wasps

Store-bought wasp killing sprays can be effective for eliminating individual wasps. Spray wasps as you see them, being sure to follow all label directions on the insecticide you buy.

6. Treat future nesting areas

In addition to spraying existing nests, you can treat future nesting areas. Purchase residual liquid insecticides at your local home or hardware store and spray it in the areas where you think wasps would nest, such as your deck, pool, patio, playset, and wood fence. This discourages future nest building.

7. Call a professional

Getting rid of large outdoor wasp colonies can be impossible to DIY.  For fast, professional results, contact Smith’s Pest Management. Our team will remove existing wasps and take steps to prevent new colonies from forming.

How to Get Rid of Wasps 

In the House

Wasps indoors can be a major problem. Here are a few tips to get rid of them:

1. Check every entry point

Unless you’re leaving your doors and windows open without a screen, wasps are likely entering your home through a tiny gap somewhere.

If you’ve noticed wasps indoors, examine your eaves, the mortar between your bricks, the beams and supports in your garage, and the areas around your home’s vents.

Wasps tend to build their nests in these areas, and can easily exploit even a tiny crack to enter your home. Once you find their access points, seal any cracks or gaps with silicone caulk.

2. Try effective home remedies

If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of wasps, there are plenty of home remedies to choose from. One excellent way to get rid of wasps is with vinegar.

To create a homemade wasp repellent, mix two cups of apple cider vinegar, two cups of sugar, and one cup of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly and place it near the nest where it will attract and kill wasps.

3. Spray wasp nests

What kills wasps instantly? Wasp spray. Still, we advise caution when using wasp spray indoors.

While insecticide is effective, it contains chemicals that can be very dangerous for children, pets, and people.

If the nest is in a seldom-used part of your home, spraying it may be a decent option. If not, you’re better off calling a pest management professional.

4. Call a professional

Dealing with an indoor wasp problem can be dangerous and time-consuming. If your wasp problem is extensive, contact a pest management professional to help you.

Smith’s Pest Management can remove indoor wasps and help you reclaim your safe wasp-free home.

How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests

Getting rid of wasp nests seems like a simple job, but it can be complex, since aggravated wasps will swarm and sting.

To keep yourself safe and guarantee good results, always spray the nest with store-bought wasp killer at least 24 hours before trying to remove it. If you still see wasp activity, spray the nest again.

Once the nest looks quiet, follow these tips:

  1. Approach the nest in the evening hours once you’re sure all the wasps inside it are dead
  2. Use a garbage bag to cover the nest
  3. Gently pull the nest from the tree or wall it’s attached to, and seal the bag around it
  4. Throw the garbage bag and the nest away in an outdoor trash can with a tight-fitting lid

If the nest is in a hard-to-reach area, don’t try to remove it yourself. Instead, contact Smith’s Pest Management to remove the nest safely for you.

How do Pest Control Experts Get Rid of Wasps?

What happens when you contact a professional wasp control expert? Here’s the process the team here at Smith’s follow to get rid of wasps:

1. Property Inspection

First, we’ll locate the wasp nests on your property. Our licensed pest control techs will identify ground or hanging nests and determine the best way to remove all the wasps that live within them.

If you have multiple kinds of wasps on your property, we’ll identify each species and create a customized treatment plan to address them.

2. Destroy Wasp Nests

Once we’ve located the wasps on your property, we’ll treat the nests with a substance designed to eliminate the wasps inside their nests.

We always use the utmost caution with pest-control substances, and make sure to use every product according to label directions.

3. Apply Additional Yellow Jacket Treatments

Finally, we’ll apply treated bait around your property. This important step allows us to eliminate wasps that were not in the nest during the time of treatment.

When yellow jackets eat the bait, it kills them quickly without putting your property, pets, or kids at risk.

4. Annual Yellow Jacket Control

If you have severe yellow jacket problems, we’ll recommend an annual yellow jacket control program.

This solution includes the installation of bait stations, unlimited hive treatments, and year-round protection against these aggressive pests.

The result is a pest-free property that you can enjoy all year long.

How to Keep Wasps Away

Wondering how to keep wasps from building nests on your property? Follow these tips:

Are Wasps Invading Your San Francisco Bay Area Property? We’re Here to Help!

Here at Smith’s Pest Management, we help residential and commercial properties in Northern California, from Marin to Monterey, get rid of wasps every day.

Let us help you enjoy a wasp-free outdoor space this summer.

Contact us today to get a quote or to schedule your wasp removal service.

6 Ways to Keep Wasps Away From Your Home

Nothing can put a damper on an otherwise sunny day around the pool quite like wasps can. According to Dr. Jim Fredricks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), there are around 4,000 different types of wasps in the United States, which include common species like mud daubers, yellow-jackets and paper wasps.

Wasps and other stinging pests are a common summertime nuisance, usually active during the day before returning to their nests at dusk. In the second half of summer and early fall these pests are at their most active, when they’re actively searching for food and when their colonies are the largest.

While some wasp species like yellow jackets and paper wasps are usually aggressive when humans approach their nests, they’re actually great to have around the garden. While bees feed their larvae pollen, wasp species nourish theirs with other insects. That means that wasps are great for controlling pests that would otherwise be snacking on your flowers and tomatoes. According to National Geographic, some farmers even use them to protect crops. And contrary to popular belief, wasps do pollinate plants, just not to the same extent that bees do.

Despite all the ways wasps can benefit your yard, they can still sting and cause an allergic reaction. “Stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year,” says Dr. Fredericks. If you already have a large infestation, Dr. Fredricks strongly suggests not dealing with them on your own. Instead, call a licensed pest control professional for nest removal. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep wasps from building a nest in the first place. Give one of these six methods a try:

Clove-Geranium-Lemongrass Oil Blend

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Research published in the Journal of Pest Management Science found that a combination of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oils successfully repelled wasps. Mix several drops of each oil with water and dish soap in a spray bottle and coat areas on the outside of your home where wasps like to build nests: under eaves, porch roofs and other ledges and crevices. According to Dr. Fredricks, different species build nests in different locations. While mud daubers and paper wasps build hanging nests, yellowjackets tend to make their nests underground or inside void spaces like hollow trees.

Since fully covering all of those areas with essential oils would be impractical, target spots where you’ve found old nests in the past, as paper wasps tend to build new nests in the same locations, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.

Soap and Water

According to Chris Walker, an eco-friendly wasp removal expert in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you can tackle small hanging nests with a mixture of two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. "The soap clogs their breathing pores (called spiracles) and they die almost instantly," Walker says.

Peppermint Oil

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Peppermint oil may also be effective at repelling wasps, according to the same study from the Journal of Pest Management Science. You can try applying it as described above, or you can purchase EcoSmart Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer, which is mint-oil-based, to target established nests.

Wasp Traps

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Wasp traps work by luring the insects inside a container with some tempting treat like sugar water and then preventing their escape. You can make one yourself in about five minutes by sawing the top off a two-liter bottle and inverting it inside the bottom, or cutting a small hole in the top.

If the DIY route isn’t for you, you can also purchase a more heavy-duty trap online such as this highly-rated one sold on Amazon. However, Walker notes that traps probably won’t fully solve your problem because you might end up capturing wasps passing through your yard, rather than just ones building a problem nest. If using a trap, your best bet is to try to locate the nest and place the trap close to its entrance.

Patch Up Cracks

If you want to keep wasps from invading your house, preventative measures are key, says Walker. He recommends sealing up tiny cracks — like those around the edges of siding and where power lines enter the house —and patching up holes in window screens. The best time to do this is in late fall after most worker wasps have died off or in early spring before nests become active. “Use a combination of caulk or expandable foam sealant, like Great Stuff, to plug cracks and holes,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Besides keeping out wasps and other pests, this will make your home more energy efficient.”

However, if you do discover wasps inside your house, don’t try to seal the nest inside the wall, thinking they’ll just die off. "They’ll find their way out through vents or even chew through drywall," says Walker.

Keep Food and Trash Covered

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According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, wasp problems are usually worse in yards that have lots of food sources in the form of exposed garbage, recycling bins and composting food matter. Make sure to tightly seal the lids to your garbage bins. “Bins with a secure locking lid are ideal, but a pair of bungee cords should also do the trick,” says DiClerico. You might also consider composting indoors if you find your compost pile is causing problems.

"As invaders of backyard barbecues, stinging insects are attracted to sweets and proteins, and thus people," says Dr. Fredericks. He suggests "pour[ing] canned drinks into cups when enjoying a cold beverage outdoors. Wasps are known to climb into cans and sting when an unsuspecting person takes a sip." Generally, keep sugary beverages and all food out of reach whenever possible.

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How to get rid of wasps in the house and prevent their appearance

Wasps are useful. These are one of the gardener's best assistants, because, in addition to berries and fruits, they feed on fly larvae and garden pests. So it’s not worth fighting these insects if they just live on the site. At least until there are too many of them. Another thing is if the wasps settled in the house. Then you need to get rid of them. And as soon as possible.

Where do wasps come from and how can they be prevented? nine0005

There are two things that attract wasp people to their homes: food and warmth. They are very fond of sweets and fruits, especially fermented ones, so a jar of jam that is not washed in time can become a real magnet for these insects. They do not disdain fish and meat, and they are more attracted to products with rottenness. Therefore, if you do not want wasps to start in the house:

With the second reason for the appearance of wasps in a private house - heat - it is difficult to do something. These insects cannot regulate body temperature, so they are attracted to places that are closed from the wind and keep warm at night: hollow trees, heaps of garbage, attics, underground, voids in ceilings and walls.

It is not guaranteed to avoid the appearance of wasp nests - it is impossible to make the house completely airtight. But it is possible to reduce the likelihood of “entry” of striped tenants. It is enough to seal as many gaps in building structures as possible. nine0003

For example, wasps in the wall of a house can settle under two conditions. First, there must be space between the wall and the sheathing to accommodate the nest. Secondly, a gap is needed through which an insect can enter this space. There will be no this gap - there will be no wasps in the wall.

How to get rid of wasps in the house?

If the precautions did not help, and wasps appeared at home, then to get rid of them:

But before you start fighting insects, take care of your own safety. Do not approach a hornet's nest without preparation - it is deadly!

Safety

Wasps are stinging insects. Unlike bees, which can only sting once and then die, wasps can attack repeatedly, injecting venom with each attack until it runs out. Moreover, in the event of a threat, the insect releases a special pheromone that causes other wasps to attack. And if there are a lot of wasps in the house or a whole beehive nearby, the consequences can be disastrous. nine0003

Wasp venom itself is dangerous and painful. But worst of all, it is a strong allergen. Even one bite can lead to a massive allergic reaction, up to anaphylactic shock.

Therefore, before removing wasps at home, you need to prepare:

  1. Wear heavy baggy clothing, preferably 2-3 layers. Clothing should completely cover the body, including wrists, ankles, waist, neck. Tuck the shirt into the trousers, tighten the belt. nine0010
  2. Wear heavy gloves, ideally leather, to protect your hands. Tuck your sleeves into them, tie your wrists with a rope so that the wasp cannot climb inside.
  3. Put on high boots so that you can tuck your pants into the top of them.
  4. Protect your head with a mosquito net or a beekeeper's hat. Protection can be made independently from any wide-brimmed hat, fine mesh and rope.

Since it is difficult to get wasps out of the house and not get a single bite, you should definitely have a package of antihistamines on hand. If you have already had a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, you should never do the pest control yourself. nine0003

Where to look for wasp nests in the house

Wasps rarely make their nests in plain sight. They prefer secluded corners, therefore, most often, wasps settle under the roof of the house or in the attic. In addition, their nests can be:

Wasps in a wooden house, especially if it is a log house, like to make nests behind the architraves, as well as in the cavity between the interior decoration and the wall of the building.

If you can't find a nest, just keep an eye out for insects. To do this, put a piece of sweet fruit or a little jam in a place where wasps often visit, and see where they fly with their prey. nine0003

Treatment of wasp nests with insecticides

How to get rid of wasps in the house? Treat the nest with a special insecticide. This is best done 2-3 hours after sunset. At this time, the wasps are the least active, and most of them are in the nest.

For lighting, use a flashlight attached to any structure. It cannot be held in the hands or fixed on the body - when processed, the wasps can fly to the light source.

Treat wasp nests in residential areas with aerosol insecticides. They create a finely dispersed suspension that penetrates well into the cavities of the hive. nine0003

If the wasps settled in the attic, then concentrated compounds that are diluted with water can also be used against them. But without special equipment, they are not as effective as aerosols, so re-treatment may be required.

Aerosol active ingredients against wasps

nine0118 nine0100

A highly volatile substance that quickly weathers.

Active ingredient

How works

Features

Permethrin

Contact-intestinal insecticide that attacks the nervous system when accumulated

It acts not only on adult wasps, but also on eggs and larvae.

Piperonyl butoxide (PPB)

Enhances the effect of certain types of insecticides.

Decomposes quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Tetramethrin

It enters the body of an insect along with food or through the respiratory tract. Causes paralysis. nine0003

Nearly instant action.

Cypermethrin

Contact-intestinal insecticide that paralyzes the nervous system.

Resistant to ultraviolet, after treatment it remains on surfaces for 20-30 days.

Esbiotrin

Nerve insecticide

Used only in combination with other insecticides.

Pralletrin

Broad Spectrum Insecticide

Imiprotrin

A contact insecticide that causes paralysis.

Nearly instant action.

Aerosols from wasps contain not one substance, but a combination of different insecticides. This provides a "knockdown effect" and gives long-term protection against the reappearance of insects - sometimes up to two months. nine0003

When choosing an aerosol, pay attention to the spray distance. To get wasps out of the house, products that are sprayed from a distance of 20-30 cm are suitable. High-pressure aerosols are needed to remove nests outside or in walls. They can be sprayed at a distance of 2-6 m.

Means intended for indoor use are easily weathered. Therefore, before removing wasps from under the roof of the house, close all windows and large gaps. If insects have settled inside the wall, seal all holes except one. Spray the remaining hole and close it too. nine0003

After spraying, it is better to leave the nest for a day. Then remove it and burn it or throw it away from the site.

Terminals

What to do if there are wasps at home:

  1. Locate the nest, which is usually found under a roof, in corners and other hidden places.
  2. Wear heavy clothing, gloves, high boots, bee or mosquito net.
  3. Spray the nest with wasp spray.
    4. nine0009 Please wait a day.
  4. Discard or burn the nest.
  5. Keep wasps out of your home: don't leave food on the table, keep garbage in a covered bucket.

How to scare wasps away from home

Insects perform important functions in nature, no one doubts this, but we would prefer not to have them near us! How to keep wasps away from your home

Are there wasps in your area that cause you anxiety and irritation? In this guide, we will give you some tips on how to keep wasps away from your home. nine0249

Small and often tiny, usually barely visible and often well hidden, insects play an indispensable role in the ecosystem. They play a number of fundamental roles in the proper balance of nature: they recycle nutrients, allow plants to reproduce through pollination and seed dispersal, become food for birds, reptiles, etc. , and absorb oxygen from the atmosphere, releasing carbon dioxide through respiration.

In spite of this, we are well aware that people do not usually like insects very much. On the contrary, they are often considered to be very annoying, intrusive and insidious: this is especially true of some insects, for fear of receiving hateful bites that can cause irritation or burning of the skin, and in some cases even severe pain. If you notice that your house has been surrounded by many wasps for a long time, and their numbers are not decreasing in any way, you may need to consider some kind of operating system to keep wasps away from your home. nine0003

Chemical products are available on the market specifically designed to repel these insects, but it is always preferable to try to get rid of them without using substances that are potentially harmful to family members and the environment. How do you deal with it? It remains only to rely on completely natural remedies, which, if carefully and regularly performed, can give good results; in addition, it is often enough to pay attention to one's own habits and, if necessary, change them. nine0003

How to scare wasps away from home?

Since wasps feed mainly on proteins and sugars, keep your balcony or yard clean of pet food (especially meat mixtures) or traces of sugary foods; immediately remove empty cans and bottles from drinks and do not leave crumbs from snacks, sandwiches, etc. on the ground.

If you have an external waste bin, make sure to wash the inside and outside frequently with soapy water, and then check that the lid is tight. If fruit trees grow near your house, always try to collect all the fruits lying on the ground so as not to send even a small part of them to decay: remember that such rot is a great delicacy for wasps! nine0003

Cucumber contains tartaric acid, an excellent insect repellant: to try and keep wasps away from your home, use a few regularly, cutting into slices for placement on windowsills and balconies. Take care to close any small niches or other tiny spaces: for wasps, they can easily become ideal hiding places.

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