Deciding How to Get Rid of Wasps
When deciding how to get rid of wasps, it is good to know that there are two types of wasp, solitary and social. The solitary wasp has a long, thin body, and does not nest, nor sting humans. They are beneficial to gardeners as they prey upon aphids and beetles, and are not actually considered pests.
It is the social wasp that you have to get rid of, should they become pestiferous, as they are volatile, aggressive, and can sting humans repeatedly. One in thirty people are allergic to wasp stings and the venom can be fatal.
Also, when deciding how to get rid of wasps, do not leave food or drinks out, or at least keep them covered. Clear any food debris or drink spillages immediately and ensure all bins remain closed. In the garden, keep lawns trimmed and remove any large weeds. Have a spray bottle of citrus oil extract prepared, as this will kill individual wasps instantly, when they come into contact with it.
As wasps will be seeking protein or sugar, its preferable to devise homemade traps, containing both as bait. Sugar baits include beer, wine, fruit juices, fizzy drinks and jam or syrup dissolved in water.
For protein baits, raw meat, tuna or pet food are particularly effective. Fill plastic bottles or cans with the bait and the wasps will be lured inside, become stuck and eventually drown.
However, if you notice a large number of wasps by your house, it is recommended you seek and exterminate the nest. Often these wood pulp nests can be close to human habitation, such as garden trees, sheds or garages.
Sometimes wasp nests can even be inside the house, in a variety of places, such as the attic, porch, wall cavities, under eaves, or within the roof.
To find the nests, scout the wasps at dusk, when they will be returning, and then attempt to get rid of the wasp nest after sunset or before sunrise.
The best time of year is June, as the queen will have established the colony, but it will still be relatively small compared to late summer when the nest contains several thousand, and the wasps themselves become more aggressive.
When getting rid of wasps you should wear gloves and multiple layers of thick clothing, ideally rubber. For safety reasons, at least two people are required, as the wasps can swarm and attack in great numbers.
For tree nests, simply build a small fire underneath which will choke the wasps and the remainder will abandon the nest. For getting rid of underground wasp nests, pour gas, WD40, diesel or kerosene inside and cover with a wet towel, this does not need to be set alight as the fumes will kill the wasps.
For elevated wasps' nests indoors, there are a number of different sprays containing
wasp-killing agents available. Spray liberally at the mouth of the nest, being careful not to inhale. As wasps are agitated by sudden movements, ensure you move slowly and steadily.
When working out how to get rid of wasps, you may have to repeat the process, and only knock down an elevated nest once you are certain there are no wasps remaining.
It is the social wasp that you have to get rid of, should they become pestiferous, as they are volatile, aggressive, and can sting humans repeatedly. One in thirty people are allergic to wasp stings and the venom can be fatal.
Also, when deciding how to get rid of wasps, do not leave food or drinks out, or at least keep them covered. Clear any food debris or drink spillages immediately and ensure all bins remain closed. In the garden, keep lawns trimmed and remove any large weeds. Have a spray bottle of citrus oil extract prepared, as this will kill individual wasps instantly, when they come into contact with it.
As wasps will be seeking protein or sugar, its preferable to devise homemade traps, containing both as bait. Sugar baits include beer, wine, fruit juices, fizzy drinks and jam or syrup dissolved in water.
For protein baits, raw meat, tuna or pet food are particularly effective. Fill plastic bottles or cans with the bait and the wasps will be lured inside, become stuck and eventually drown.
However, if you notice a large number of wasps by your house, it is recommended you seek and exterminate the nest. Often these wood pulp nests can be close to human habitation, such as garden trees, sheds or garages.
Sometimes wasp nests can even be inside the house, in a variety of places, such as the attic, porch, wall cavities, under eaves, or within the roof.
To find the nests, scout the wasps at dusk, when they will be returning, and then attempt to get rid of the wasp nest after sunset or before sunrise.
The best time of year is June, as the queen will have established the colony, but it will still be relatively small compared to late summer when the nest contains several thousand, and the wasps themselves become more aggressive.
When getting rid of wasps you should wear gloves and multiple layers of thick clothing, ideally rubber. For safety reasons, at least two people are required, as the wasps can swarm and attack in great numbers.
For tree nests, simply build a small fire underneath which will choke the wasps and the remainder will abandon the nest. For getting rid of underground wasp nests, pour gas, WD40, diesel or kerosene inside and cover with a wet towel, this does not need to be set alight as the fumes will kill the wasps.
For elevated wasps' nests indoors, there are a number of different sprays containing
wasp-killing agents available. Spray liberally at the mouth of the nest, being careful not to inhale. As wasps are agitated by sudden movements, ensure you move slowly and steadily.
When working out how to get rid of wasps, you may have to repeat the process, and only knock down an elevated nest once you are certain there are no wasps remaining.
