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Key Takeaways
- Paper wasps, yellow jackets and hornets are common types of wasps that might sting to defend their nests.
- Wasp stings can be dangerous and potentially fatal for some, so it’s often best to hire a pro to get rid of large nests or wasp infestations.
- Don’t try to get rid of wasps yourself if you have a known allergy, are uncomfortable with the work or you’re dealing with a large nest.
- If you try to get rid of wasps yourself, follow the use and safety instructions for any product you use.
- Traps can kill small numbers of wasps, but you should hang the traps at least 20 feet from spaces like decks, porches and pools.
- You can use a spray designed to kill wasps in a nest, but work at dawn or dusk, and wear protective gear and clothing recommended in the product instructions.
- You can use wasp pesticides designed to kill individual wasps you encounter in your home.
- To keep wasps away, consider applying a residual pesticide to common nest locations, picking up fallen fruit in the yard and keeping hummingbird feeders away from outdoor living spaces.
Common Wasps
Common types of wasps you might need to deal with include paper wasps, yellow jackets and hornets. These wasps live in colonies and might sting if their nest is disturbed or threatened. Mud daubers are another common type of wasp, but they don’t live in colonies and are generally more docile. You might see different variations of these types, with different colors and markings.
When to Call an Exterminator
Wasp stings are painful and can be dangerous or even deadly for some people. Calling a professional exterminator is the safest and simplest way to get rid of wasps, but you should always call a professional if:
- You have a known allergy to stings.
- You have concerns about dealing with wasps.
- You’ve found a nest in an enclosed space, like an attic, shed or garage.
- You’re dealing with a large nest.
If you get stung and experience a severe reaction or think you might be allergic, call 911 immediately.
Ways to Get Rid of Wasps
We’ve got tips for trapping wasps, getting rid of a small wasp nest and killing individual wasps, but use them as a general guide for planning only. Follow the instructions and safety precautions for any product you use.
Wasps are beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests that can damage your landscape. While a few nearby wasps are harmless, they can present a threat if they build their nest too close to your home. Before using traps or pesticides, consider discussing your options with a professional exterminator.
Use Wasp Traps
Traps let you get rid of wasps over time. They might not catch and kill all the wasps in the area, but you don’t need to be near the nest to use them.
- Traps attract wasps, so keep them at least 20 feet away from your porch, deck, pool and other places where you spend time outdoors.
- Follow the trap instructions for specific placement, such as height and sun versus shade exposure.
- Traps work for a limited time, so replace or refill them regularly as specified by the instructions.
- If there is a large nest in the area, you might need to replace or empty and refill the trap more frequently.
- Use caution when handling a trap containing wasps.
Use a Wasp Spray to Kill the Nest
Some wasp sprays can kill wasps in the nest, though several applications might be necessary. Make sure the spray is labeled for treating wasp nests and can spray at least 15 to 20 feet. Keep children and pets away until you’ve removed the nest.
Don’t try to knock down a wasp nest or spray it with water. This can cause wasps in the nest to become aggressive.
Step 1: Protect Yourself
Your wasp control product should have precautions, but in general:
- Work at sunrise or after sundown when it’s cooler and wasps are likely to be less active and inside the nest.
- Protect your eyes, face and hands and wear any protective gear and clothing the manufacturer recommends.
- Don’t use a ladder to reach the nest.
- Work with a helper — wearing the same protective clothing and gear — who can call 911 in case of an emergency.
Step 2: Locate the Nest
If you haven’t already, find the nest. Common locations for wasp nests include:
- Under windows and eaves
- Under decks
- Inside an attic, garage or shed
- In the ground near plants and bushes
- On tree branches
- In hollow tree trunks
If you're using a flashlight to locate the nest, put a piece of red cellophane over the light to reduce its visibility to the wasps.
Step 3: Spray the Nest With Wasp Killer
- Stand as far away as possible; don’t stand under the nest.
- Spray downwind so the pesticide moves away from you.
- Thoroughly saturate the nest according to the instructions.
- Don’t spray during high winds.
- Don’t spray near electrical lines or equipment.
Step 4: Allow the Spray to Work
- Check the product information to see how long you should wait before approaching the nest after spraying (typically at least 24 hours).
- If you see any activity around the nest after the recommended period, re-treat the nest using the steps above.
Step 5: Remove the Nest
If all the wasps are dead and the nest is within easy reach, you can remove the nest.
- Wait until dusk or dawn.
- Cover the nest with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
- Carefully remove the nest, seal the bag and dispose of it.
If you’re not sure the wasps are dead or if you can’t safely reach the nest, call a professional.
Use Other Wasp Killers, as Necessary
There are products formulated to kill individual wasps, such as those that might find their way inside your home. Just make sure the product is labeled for the application.
- Some synthetic pesticide sprays kill wasps on contact.
- Natural pesticide sprays can repel or kill wasps but don’t act as quickly as synthetic options.
Keeping Wasps Away
Once you get rid of wasps, take steps to help keep the insects away:
- Spray a residual pesticide, according to product instructions, under roof eaves and into porch ceiling corners.
- If you have fruit trees, pick up and dispose of fallen fruit.
- Move hummingbird feeders away from porches, patios and decks.
Wasps are just one type of insect you might find in your landscape. Take a look at our guides on controlling carpenter bees, mosquitoes, ants and lawn grubs. We’ve also got tips for choosing bug sprays and identifying beneficial insects.
Find What You Need to Get Rid of Wasps
Whether you need traps to kill a few wasps, a spray to kill wasps in the nest, or a pesticide to kill a wasp you find indoors, you can find the right product on Lowes.com. Not sure which method is best for your landscape? Visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest Associate. From wasp killers to safety gear, they can make sure you find what you need to get rid of wasps.
FAQs on Getting Rid of Wasps
Use the answers to these common questions to plan your work when you need to get rid of wasps.
When Is the Best Time to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest?
Dawn or dusk is the best time to get rid of a wasp nest. Wasps are more likely to be in the nest during these times and are less likely to be active.
How Do I Get Rid of Wasps or Hornets?
If you decide to get rid of wasps yourself, hanging wasp traps is a simple method, but it’s not effective for large numbers of wasps. A spray designed to kill all the wasps in a nest is efficient but requires more caution and preparation. Other wasp killer pesticides are designed to kill individual wasps that might periodically get into your home. Follow the instructions and safety precautions for any product you use.
Where Do Wasps Build Nests?
Common wasp nest locations include:
- Under windows and roof eaves
- Under decks
- The ceilings of attics, sheds and garages
- On tree branches or in tree trunks
- Underground
Do Bug Zappers Work on Wasps?
A bug zapper isn’t always an effective way to get rid of wasps. While hornets might be attracted to the ultraviolet light of a bug zapper, a wasp trap is more effective for attracting and killing flying wasps. Keep in mind, since bug zappers and wasp traps attract the insects, you need to keep them at least 20 feet from places where people gather.