How to Remove Wasp Nests
Do Not DIY: Dealing with Wasp Nests Requires Professional Help
Spring and summer are filled with outdoor fun and activities, but warm weather also heralds the beginning of wasp season. Typically stretching from April through October, the months that most people enjoy spending time outside are also ideal for wasps and stinging insects of all types.
When you’re relaxing outside your home or business and notice a wasp nest, it may be tempting to knock it down or reach for a can of wasp killer. However, removing a wasp nest should never be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.
Let’s take a look at how to identify a wasp nest and the potential dangers of trying to remove it yourself. The key reasons for calling for professional wasp nest removal are quite convincing when compared to the consequences of ignoring them.
4 Reasons to Never DIY Wasp Nest Removal
Trying to remove wasp nests on your own can lead to discomfort at best and incredibly dangerous situations at worst. No matter what species of wasp is nesting on your property, you shouldn’t ignore these four significant reasons for paying for professional wasp nest removal.
Wasps Have a Painful Sting
One misstep or mistake is all it takes to give wasps a reason to sting you. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times, increasing the misery of the encounter exponentially. Wasp stings are notoriously painful and often trigger a significant reaction, with swelling, redness, and localized tenderness. Some people can treat their stings at home with over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold pack. For others, wasp stings can trigger a dangerous — possibly even deadly — allergic reaction.
Some Wasps Are Social, Others Aggressive, and All Are Protective of the Nest
The region is home to various species of wasps, and some are aggressive. Others don’t typically bother humans — until they disturb their nests. Once wasps feel threatened, all bets are off. Social wasps can even release pheromones as a distress signal to alert nearby wasps to come and help them. You could realistically end up facing a swarm and get stung by multiple wasps.
You Could Leave Part of the Colony Behind
Professionals have the knowledge and experience to know exactly what to look for as well as how to ensure the entire colony is removed. If any members of the colony remain, they will come back and rebuild. Licensed pest removal companies can ensure complete wasp control and nest removal. We have the protective gear needed to avoid contact with wasps and the equipment to remove them from hard-to-reach nesting locations.
Not All Nests Need to Be Removed
Wasps can be a painful nuisance, but these insects also play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. Wasps pollinate plants and are predators that perform biological pest control by feeding on other problematic insects. It’s essential to only remove wasp nests if they pose an actual threat to people. Catseye Pest Control’s expert technicians can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to keep people, pets, and the environment safe.
What Does a Wasp Nest Look Like?
Different types of wasps create different types of nests. Each typically has a paper-like finish and may be gray or brown, typically with a spherical shape. Common wasps that build nests include:
- Paper wasps: These nests look papery and are shaped similarly to an inverted umbrella. They are common in wall voids, attics, and eaves.
- Yellow jackets: These nests are usually round and covered in a papery substance. You might find them in hollow trees, wall voids, underneath porches, in attic eaves, and even under insulation.
- Mud daubers: These wasp nests look like tubes of mud and are usually small. You might find them in areas like cracks in stone, timber, and masonry around buildings and other structures.
Is It an Active Nest?
This is the main question you should consider before even thinking about removing a wasp nest. One way to figure this out is by the size of the nest and the time of year.
Wasps typically go through four periods throughout the year. In spring, dormant queens emerge from hibernation to lay eggs. This growth period becomes highly active during summer, which is typically considered peak wasp season. In fall, wasps begin dying off, and the queen prepares to hibernate for the winter. If you see a very large nest in spring, it’s likely not active because the colony is just starting to grow at that time of year.
Watching for wasp activity is another way to tell if the nest is active. Active nests will have worker wasps flying in and out during the day.
Professional Wasp Nest Removal
Catseye’s highly trained, licensed technicians start by performing a thorough inspection of the property to locate all nests. Based on their findings, they will create a plan for safe wasp nest removal that is tailored to your unique circumstances.
Do not attempt to remove wasp nests on your own. Contact our experienced team for prompt, professional service. Our Platinum Home Protection Program provides year-round treatment and preventive services to keep you and those you care about safe.
Take the first step in eliminating wasps from your property. Schedule a free inspection today.
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