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Wasps are a common sight in Australian homes and gardens. They can be aggressive and their stings are painful, so it’s important to know how to get rid of a wasp nest safely.

Wasps are known to build nests in a variety of locations, including under eaves, on tree branches, tree trunks, and even inside your home. If there’s a wasp nest on your property, identify if it’s really a wasp or bee hive, and then take action to remove them. If you’re wondering what to do with wasp nests, this article will guide you.

How to identify and deal with a wasp nest

There are over 10,000 wasp species in Australia. These include European wasps introduced to Australia, and thus, have no predators to keep their population in check.

You can find these insects in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. One such wasp, the paper wasp, can even find their way inside your home and nest there. Some European wasp nests can also be found in Australian homes.

While some people are comfortable removing wasp nests themselves, it’s generally recommended to contact a pest control company for assistance. They have the experience and equipment for easy and safe wasp nest removal and to prevent future infestations.

Signs you have a wasp problem in your property

Wasps can become a nuisance if there is a significant increase in their activity around your property.

Signs of increased wasp activity include:

• Wasps congregating around soft drink cans, rubbish bins, and compost heaps
• You or your children being stung by wasps more frequently

Accidental contact with these hidden nests can trigger a swarm of aggressive wasps to attack and inflict multiple stings.

If you are experiencing these signs, it is important to take action to identify and remove any wasp nests before the situation escalates further.

Safety precautions and tools you’ll need to remove wasp nests

Before you get rid of wasp nests, safety should be your top priority. Always wear protective gear, such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, gloves, and a hat, and avoid working near nests during peak activity hours (usually midday to late afternoon).

• Protective equipment and clothing
• An empty spray bottle
• Heavy-duty garbage bag for wasp nest disposal
• Headlamp or torch
• Long-handled brush or broom
• Ladder (if the nest is located high up)
• A can of wasp spray
• Other household materials

Using these tools and materials enables you to create many different methods to remove wasp nests yourself for a small wasp nest removal cost. Remember, if you’re unsure about removing a wasp nest yourself, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company.

How to get rid of a wasp nest

Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to tackle the wasp nest. Here are some common methods for removing wasp nests.

Method 2: Try natural repellents

Certain natural substances can deter wasps from nesting. Essential oils like peppermint and lemongrass can be mixed with water and sprayed around the nest. Bonus: peppermint also works on other insects, such as termites. You may need this repeatedly to achieve results.

Method 3: Chop up chilli peppers

Boil 2 cups of chopped chilli peppers in 2 cups of water for 2 minutes and let it cool. Afterwards, put it in a spray bottle and spray the nest and the wasps with it.

Method 4: Mix a dishwashing liquid solution

Mix dishwashing liquid with water (about two parts water to one part of dishwashing liquid) and spray it directly onto the wasp nest. The soapy solution will clog the wasps’ breathing holes, suffocating them.

Method 5: Block the entrance

Seal the entrance to the wasp nest with caulk, sealant, or even duct tape. This will prevent wasps from entering and exiting the nest, eventually suffocating them.

Method 6: Use a vacuum cleaner

Use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment to suck up the wasps and the nest. This method is quick and effective, but it’s important to use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction power.

Method 7: Deploy a wasp trap

Identify the location of the nest and set up a wasp trap near the entrance. Traps typically contain a sweet liquid that attracts wasps, which then get trapped inside. That said, wasp traps are great for reducing the wasp population but may not always eliminate the entire wasp nest.

Method 8: Prepare a boric acid solution

Mix 1 to 3 teaspoons of pure boric acid powder with half a gallon of sweet liquid like fruit juice or sugar water. The wasps are attracted to the sweet bait, and you can place it in areas where wasps frequent, similar to the wasp traps above. Not only will the wasps that ingest the solution get poisoned, but they will also bring the rest of the poison to the entire colony. Wait for about two weeks to see the results.

Method 9: Sprinkle baby powder

Dust baby powder on the nest and other areas where wasps are frequent. The talc in it drives wasps away. One reason is that the fine dust that talc consists of can clog wasps’ respiratory systems, which can be found in their exoskeleton, like many other insects. This makes baby powder also effective for other pests like ants and spiders.

Method 10: Use vinegar

Using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water around doors, windows and potential nesting sites can help keep wasps away, as they dislike the strong acetic smell. However, spraying directly on wasps or nests will only anger them without killing them.

Method 11: Try cucumber

To get rid of wasps, slice cucumbers and place the slices on aluminium foil or in an aluminium container. This creates a chemical reaction that produces a faint scent undetectable to humans but highly repulsive to wasps.

When to call for professional pest control

How do you get rid of a wasp nest? The easiest answer is usually by calling a professional exterminator.

While DIY methods can work for smaller, easily accessible nests, there are times when it’s best to call in the professionals. If you’re dealing with a large nest, a nest located in a hard-to-reach area (like high up in a tree, under the eaves, or general European wasp removal), or if you’re simply not comfortable tackling the job yourself, a professional pest control company is the way to go.

If you’re wondering who to call to get rid of wasp nests, keep the following in mind:

• Look for companies that are licensed and insured
• Read online reviews from other customers
• Ask for a quote and discuss the specific details of your wasp problem with the pros.

In any case, hiring a professional is the safest and most effective method, especially for large or difficult-to-reach nests.

How to prevent wasps

To keep wasps away, don’t have thick shrubs near your home. Empty and wash rubbish bins regularly. Clean and properly maintain your gutters. Wasps sometimes build large nests in or under gutters. Put screens on windows and doors and seal all cracks to stop wasps from entering your home. Put wasp traps in your garden. Keep sweet-smelling plants far from your house. If you see wasps flying near your home, it is a good indication that they have a nest nearby. 

How to deal with wasp stings

A wasp sting can be painful, but knowing how to handle it can help. Carefully scrape out the stinger if it’s still embedded, then wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. If the sting site becomes red, swollen, or painful, or you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Make your home a wasp-free zone

Dealing with wasp nests can be a real pain, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can successfully tackle those pesky insects. By addressing the problem promptly and safely, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a peaceful summer without the threat of stings.

And if you’re ever unsure about tackling a wasp nest yourself, remember—there’s no shame in calling in the pest control experts. They’ve got the gear, the know-how, and the experience to get rid of those buzzing bludgers for good.

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FAQs on getting rid of wasp nests

How can I get rid of wasp nests in Australia without killing them?

While it’s difficult to relocate wasps without harming them, you can try using natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar solutions. These may deter wasps from nesting, but they won’t eliminate existing nests.

The best way to avoid dealing with wasps is to prevent them from nesting in the first place. This can be done by sealing up any cracks or holes in your home, keeping food and drink covered, and removing potential nesting sites like old wood piles or piles of leaves.

If all else fails, you can relocate the wasp nest. This is a more challenging option, as it requires carefully removing the nest and relocating it to a more suitable location, often far away from your property. This is best left to professionals with experience in handling wasps.

Will wasps return to a sprayed nest?

If the nest isn’t completely destroyed, wasps may return and rebuild. Ensure you’re using a wasp-specific insecticide and thoroughly spray the entire nest, including the entrance and any visible wasps. For best results, remove the nest after spraying and dispose of it properly.

How much does it cost to remove wasp nests in Australia?

The cost of a removal of a wasp nest service varies on the nest size and location as well as the pest control company you choose. You can expect to pay between $100 and $550 for a wasp nest removal. For more specific pricing, contact local pest control companies in your area.