Summertime in Australia is a time for outdoor activities and enjoying the warm weather, but it’s also when wasps are most active.
These stinging insects can pose a serious threat, especially if they decide to make your home or garden their nesting site.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of wasps, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will walk you through various methods to safely and effectively rid your property of these unwanted visitors.
Let’s get straight to the point
To get rid of wasps, first identify the species (yellow jackets, paper wasps, mud daubers, or hornets) and choose the best method.
Wear protective clothing and tackle the nest in the early morning or late evening when wasps are less active.
DIY options include using wasp traps, insecticide sprays, or hanging decoy nests. If the infestation is severe or hard to reach, or if you’re allergic to stings, call a professional.
To prevent wasps from returning, cover food, seal entry points, and remove standing water. Always prioritise safety when dealing with wasps.
Methods for Getting Rid of Wasps
Wasps are more than just a nuisance. Their stings are painful and, for some, life-threatening due to allergic reactions. Here’s how to deal with these pests effectively:
Determine the Type of Wasp
Before you start any removal method, it’s essential to identify the species of wasps you’re dealing with.
Different wasps behave differently, and understanding their habits can help you choose the most effective removal strategy. The common types of wasps in Australia include:
Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets are among the most aggressive types of wasps. They have a distinctive yellow and black body, and unlike bees, they can sting multiple times.
Yellow jackets often nest in the ground or in hollow structures, such as tree trunks or wall cavities.
Paper Wasps
Paper Wasps are less aggressive but can still sting if provoked. They build their nests in sheltered areas, like under eaves or on tree branches. Their nests look like an upside-down umbrella made from papery material.
Mud Daubers
Mud Daubers are not usually aggressive and rarely sting unless disturbed. They build small nests from mud, often on walls or under eaves. Interestingly, mud daubers help control spider populations by feeding on them.
Hornets
Hornets, which are a type of large wasp, are particularly dangerous due to their size and aggressiveness. Their nests can be massive and are often found in trees or dense bushes.
Prepare for Safe Wasp Removal
Once you’ve identified the species, it’s time to plan for their removal. Wasps can sting repeatedly, and they release pheromones when they sting, alerting nearby wasps to defend the nest. This makes it crucial to take precautions:
Wear Protective Gear
Protect yourself by wearing thick, layered clothing. A long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a hat with a face covering are essential. Tuck your pants into your socks to avoid wasps entering any gaps in your clothing.
Choose the Right Time
The best time to deal with wasps is in the early morning or late evening when they are less active. Wasps are less likely to sting during these cooler hours, making the removal process safer.
How to Get Rid of Wasps: Step-by-Step Guide
There are several ways to tackle a wasp problem, from DIY methods to calling in professionals. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
DIY Methods
If you’re comfortable handling the situation yourself, there are a few DIY methods you can try to get rid of wasps.
Use Wasp Traps
Wasp traps are a simple and effective way to capture these pests. You can buy pre-made traps or make your own using a plastic bottle with bait (such as sugar water or meat).
Wasps are lured into the trap but can’t escape, eventually drowning in the liquid.
Spray Nests with Insecticide
Insecticide sprays designed specifically for wasps are readily available. Spray the nest from a safe distance, following the instructions on the product.
It’s best to do this during the cooler hours of the day when the wasps are less active.
Hang Decoy Nests
Wasps are territorial, so hanging a decoy nest can prevent them from building in the same area. This method works by tricking the wasps into thinking the area is already occupied.
When to Call a Professional
In some cases, a wasp infestation may be too severe or dangerous to handle on your own.
If the nest is located in a hard-to-reach spot, like inside a wall cavity, or if you’re allergic to stings, it’s best to call in a professional pest control service.
All Pests Wasp Control Services
Professional services, like All Pests in Melbourne, can effectively handle wasp infestations with safe, fast, and affordable treatments.
They have the knowledge and equipment to remove the nest without putting you or your family at risk.
How to Prevent Wasps from Returning
Once you’ve successfully removed the wasps, you’ll want to take steps to prevent them from returning. Here are some effective prevention tips:
Keep Food Covered
Wasps are attracted to sugary and protein-rich foods. If you’re hosting a barbecue or outdoor gathering, make sure to keep all food items covered and clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.
Seal Entry Points
Check your home for potential entry points, such as cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, or vents. Sealing these areas will prevent wasps from entering and building nests inside your home.
Remove Water Sources
Like most pests, wasps need a water source. Ensure there are no standing water puddles around your home or garden. Fix leaky taps and clear out birdbaths regularly.
Common Questions About Wasp Removal
Are Wasp Stings Dangerous?
Yes, wasp stings can be dangerous, especially for individuals who are allergic. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times, and their stings release pheromones that signal other wasps to attack.
How Do I Find the Wasp Nest?
The easiest way to locate a wasp nest is to observe the flight paths of the wasps in your yard. Wasps will fly directly back to their nest, which could be hidden in the ground, trees, or even your roof eaves.
What Should I Do If I’m Allergic to Wasp Stings?
If you’re allergic to wasp stings, do not attempt to remove the nest yourself. Seek help from a professional pest control service, and make sure you have access to emergency medication like an EpiPen if needed.
Conclusion
Wasps are a common nuisance during the Australian summer, but with the right precautions, you can keep your home and garden wasp-free.
Identifying the type of wasp, using protective gear, and choosing the appropriate removal method is key to successful eradication.
If the infestation is severe or you’re allergic to wasp stings, don’t hesitate to call a professional to handle the job safely and effectively.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy the warm weather without the fear of being stung.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Good Deterrent For Wasps?
Wasps have a strong sense of smell and dislike certain plants like peppermint, spearmint, basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, thyme, citronella, bay leaves, and lemongrass.
They are also repelled by vinegar, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and sliced cucumber.
Will Wasps Return To A Sprayed Nest?
Once a nest has been thoroughly sprayed with a pesticide, it is best to leave it alone and return to remove it the next day.
If there are any surviving hornets or wasps, they will return back to the nest and the residual effects of the spray will eliminate those insects as well.
What Do Wasps Hate?
Wasps have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food sources. You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as peppermint, lemongrass, clove, geranium essential oils, vinegar, sliced cucumber, bay leaves, scented herbs, and geranium flowers.
Why Are There So Many Wasps Around My House?
Light sources in your house at night can also attract any flying insects, including wasps, into your home. Leaving dead wasps lying around on the surfaces can attract other wasps inside.
Wasps are naturally attracted to bright, floral decor items, so make sure to put these away from the windows and doors.
How Do You Get Rid Of Excessive Bees?
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray it over the hive, keeping track of the time.
If you have any flowers on your porch or windowsill, make sure to spray them too. Plus, spray in the general vicinity where the bees usually swarm.
