This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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There are few things worse than trying to enjoy a nice summer day and getting swarmed by wasps. Don’t panic—there are several ways you can safely and easily eliminate wasps. We interviewed pest control specialist Chris Parker to teach you everything you need to know to get rid of wasps and wasp nests in your home and yard. We’ll also teach how to prevent future infestations, explain the signs of an infestation, and tell you what attracts wasps in the first place. Plus, learn how to identify different types of wasps and get answers to other common questions about wasps.
How do you get rid of wasps?
The quickest way to get rid of wasps is to spray them and their nest with a commercial wasp spray. To get rid of wasps naturally, spray them with a mix of dish soap and water or water and peppermint essential oil. Keep your home and yard free of food, trash, and standing water to avoid attracting wasps.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you keep wasps away?Scott McCombeScott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
Pest Control SpecialistRegularly treat areas around your home with pesticides to deter wasps. If you have wasps getting into your home, seal any cracks or gaps where they may be coming in.
Video
Tips
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Remember that wasps respond quickly to light sources, so cover your flashlight with a cloth or use amber or red bulbs.Thanks
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Always perform treatments at night, as wasps tend to be less active in the dark.Thanks
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Wait until temperatures cool before treating nests since wasps tend to be less active and less aggressive when they get cold.Thanks
Warnings
- If you do not know whether you are allergic to wasp and bee stings, have an allergy test performed by your doctor before attempting to handle wasps directly.Thanks
- Do not try to get rid of the wasps yourself if you are allergic to wasp or bee venom or if the nest is in a spot that is difficult to access.Thanks
- Always wear protective gear when trying to get rid of wasps. Cover as much skin as possible, wear thick gloves and, if you can, a hat with a head net attached.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees#controlling-scavenging-yellowjackets-1505960
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23081867/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-wasps-with-vinegar/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-wasps-with-vinegar/
- ↑ https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-435/ENTO-435.pdf
- ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 14 May 2024.
- ↑ https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Wasp%20Control2.pdf
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/european-paper-wasp
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1380392/prevent-wasp-pest-nests-wd-40-hack/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/plants-for-pollinators
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/paper-wasps-yellowjackets-and-other-stinging-wasps.html#avoidance-and-control
- ↑ https://stoppestinfo.com/246-how-to-get-rid-of-wasp-nest.html
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 15 March 2023.
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/european-paper-wasp
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23081867/
- ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview. 15 March 2023.
- ↑ https://plantura.garden/uk/insects/wasps/wasp-repellent-plants
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/paper-wasps.html
- ↑ https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-do-wasps-do.html
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://sutter-yubamvcd.org/public-information/wasps-and-yellowjackets/
- ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
- ↑ https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2061/2014/03/Hornets-and-Yellowjackets.pdf
- ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/paper-wasps-yellowjackets-and-other-stinging-wasps.html#avoidance-and-control
- ↑ https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2061/2014/03/Hornets-and-Yellowjackets.pdf
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-253/E-253.html
- ↑ https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2061/2014/03/Hornets-and-Yellowjackets.pdf
- ↑ https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/bees-and-wasps/identifying-bees-and-wasps/paper-wasps
- ↑ https://plantura.garden/uk/insects/wasps/wasp-repellent-plants
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/yellow-jackets.html
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/european-paper-wasp
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0083672910830195
- ↑ https://www.clemson.edu/extension/beekeepers/fact-sheets-publications/paper-wasps.html
About This Article
To get rid of wasps in your home or around your house, start by physically removing them. If there’s a wasp within a few inches of you, try using a flyswatter to smack and kill it. You can also use a vacuum to suck up slow-moving wasps that are crawling on the ground, or brush them away with a broom. For wasps that have built nests, consider placing bait traps, glue traps, or drinking traps outside to kill them. If the wasps won’t go away, consider using insecticides or hiring an exterminator to get rid of them. If you want to learn how to take down a wasp nest from an eave or tree, keep reading the article!
Reader Success Stories
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"The peppermint oil in water with Dawn detergent killed the wasps under the eaves of my trailer and under the awnings. I also use it on the church nursery playground, rather than the harsh chemicals."..." more