How to Safely Remove a Wasp Nest in Winter

Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist 

Are you trying to get ahead of spring cleaning? Or are you wary of a wasp nest you spotted in your yard? In either case, there's no better time to clear your yard of pest nests than winter!

Where do wasps go in the winter?

Generally, when temperatures drop below 50°F, insects will either migrate to a warmer environment (as far as another country in the case of the monarch butterfly, or as near as inside your home in the case of stink bugs) or will find a sheltered area to go dormant and wait out the weather. Wasps are the rare exception. When winter takes over, most wasp colonies die out entirely, leaving only the queen to fend for herself. Queen wasps will try to find sheltered spots for themselves, and when temperatures warm back up, they will start a new colony and a new nest.

This means that most of the time, the wasp nest you see in your yard during the winter is semi or completely uninhabited, making the cold season the perfect time to remove them.

Should I knock down a wasp nest?

It should be noted that wasps do not typically reestablish colonies in old nests, so if you like the look of a nest in your backyard, you might not mind keeping it up. Some believe that leaving up old wasp nests deters other colonies from establishing themselves nearby – they don't want to compete for resources or fight with neighboring nests.

However, wasp nests can be considered a fire hazard, especially if they are built near electrical outlets or power lines. Additionally, old wasp nests that no longer host a wasp colony can be overtaken by other animals, including ants, spiders, beetles, mice, and birds, which can cause other problems in and around your yard.

What kind of wasp am I dealing with?

Before you knock down any nests, be sure you know the kind of wasp built it in the first place. Identifying the type of wasps you have in your yard can help you make future management plans if a wasp problem occurs.

There are several wasps that build above-ground nests:

• Mud Daubers - Mud daubers live in small nests made of mud. Though many can infest the same area, each mud nest is home to only one wasp. These wasps build their nests in the eaves of structures, on porches, and occasionally in attics. Their mud nests look like organ pipes, long and tubular. Mud daubers are not aggressive, though they will sting if threatened.
• Paper Wasps - Paper wasps are common pests in residential yards. They get their name from the papery appearance of their nests, which are made of plant fibers mixed with wasp saliva. Nests are upside down and exposed, sometimes resembling umbrellas. Paper wasp nests can be built in several places, from shrubs to trees to ceiling corners. Though not aggressive, these wasps will readily sting anything threatening their hives.
• Bald-Faced Hornets - Named for the black patch on their otherwise white heads, bald-faced hornets are a common pest of residential structures. Their large, papery nests are built about three feet above the ground in trees, shrubs, sheds, and houses. Nests range from 14 to 23 inches in diameter, larger than a basketball. These wasps are larger than other wasps but just as aggressive and territorial. Bald-face hornets also have smooth stingers and will sting more than once.

For aggressive wasp species like yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets, giant Asian hornets, and warrior wasps, contact a pest control professional, like the techs at Mosquito Squad, for assistance in treating and removing these nests.

Steps to safely remove a wasp nest:

Now that you know the risks of leaving wasp nests up and you've identified the type of wasp nest in your yard, you are ready to begin the knockdown process. Even though we said that wasps typically die out in the winter, I still recommend treating the nest with a wasp spray before attempting to take it down in case a few stragglers are left. If you are confident there are no wasps left inside, you may skip this step but proceed with caution.

1. Gather Your Supplies – Personal protective equipment, PPE, is essential to have on hand. This can include a bee suit, long-sleeved clothing, closed-toed shoes, gloves, protective eyewear (not reading glasses), and a hat. Medical equipment such as an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), bandages, anesthetic wipes, hydrocortisone cream, and wasp spray should also be available nearby in the event the nest is still active. Finally, gather your operational equipment like a ladder to access the nest, a tarp to catch the nest as it falls, and a long broom, scraper, or webster.

2. Locate the Nest - Identify the nest and assess its accessibility. If the nest is outdoors in an area you can clearly see and access, you can prepare to knock it down. If the nest is inside, in the ground, or in a hard-to-see area, contact a pest control professional to assist with your wasp control. If treating the nest, be aware of nearby water sources and electrical outlets, and avoid spraying products in these areas. Additionally, be mindful of how weather conditions can move sprayed products off-target.

3. Check for Activity - As you approach the nest, look for any individuals flying or crawling in and out of it and listen closely for noise or buzzing. If you see or hear wasps in and around the nest, the nest may still be active and require treatment before removal. Follow steps 4 and 5. If no activity is seen or heard, be sure your PPE is securely on and proceed with caution. Skip to step 6.

4. Have Your Wasp Spray Ready - Before attempting to spray the nest, read the label directions for the wasp spray you've chosen. Most products will suggest shaking the can before using it. Also, check the reach of the product you have selected. Some wasp sprays only reach a few feet in spray, while others can shoot product up to 21 feet away.

5. Spray the nest Thoroughly - Aim the wasp spray at the nest's opening to disturb and target wasps within. As wasps spill out, spray as many as possible with the wasp spray. After targeting the entrance and any wasps nearby, your goal should be thoroughly dousing the nest with the product.

6. Let the Nest Dry - Check the directions on your product's label for specific drying instructions. Many wasp sprays will continue working over the next 24 hours to seep into the nest and kill wasps inside. Leave the nest to dry and check back on it the next day for activity. If the activity continues, repeat the above wasp spraying steps.

7. Knock Down the Nest - If the nest shows no activity, you can knock it down with the tool you choose. This may be as simple as pulling the nest downward or may require scraping the nest off of the surface it's built on. Continue to wear your PPE, and do not assume that all wasps inside are dead. After removing the nest, you may destroy it by crushing, burning, or sealing it in a heavy-duty garbage bag.

Call the Squad!

For over 20 years, Mosquito Squad has been a leader in the pest control industry. Now, with the activation of Mosquito Squad Plus, our highly trained technicians are helping tackle more than mosquitoes. For help with your next pest problem, reach out to a Squad near you! Services vary by location.