If you have been noticing an increasing number of wasps flying around your house and sneaking their way in through your doors and windows, you may have done a little investigation around your property to see what this increased activity was all about. And in the process, you discovered that you are dealing with a full-blown wasp nest that is letting these pesky little stingers take up permanent residence near your home. “Not so permanent anymore,” you think to yourself as you hatch your master plan. . . However, tackling a wasp’s nest on your own is no picnic, in fact, it’s quite the process. Think you’re interested? Here’s what’s involved:
Identify the Victim
One of the most important things when it comes to removing nests of stinging insects is to know just exactly who you are dealing with. While we are talking about how to remove wasp nests, you first need to make sure it is wasps that you have to remove. If the nest looks like a deformed sphere, covered in a paper-like casing, containing a single opening, you are likely dealing with yellow jacket wasps, which are quite aggressive, and may warrant a call to a professional Toronto wasp exterminator. If you are dealing with paper wasps, however, which look like a bee’s nest with combs, this is one that you can typically safely remove on your own.
Evaluate the Threat
Now that you know what type of insect you are dealing with, it is time to evaluate the threat. Wasp nests that are particularly large, are located near your house or in a public place, pose more of a risk and you may again, want to consider professional pest removal services. These, however, are also the ones you are most likely to want to remove, as opposed to a nest that is in the middle of the field a mile away, and which really, nobody needs to be touching anyway!
Invest in Some Equipment
If you decide that removal is necessary, and indeed you are going to tackle it solo, it’s time to head to the hardware store and purchase some killing tools. Typically wasp nests are removed using pesticide, which is sprayed on the nest. When sprayed, it essentially paralyzes the wasps and inhibits them from breathing, and hence, those affected will die almost immediately. Sounds pleasant, doesn’t it? Most of these sprays are available as an aerosol, with specially designed spray mechanisms to more easily contain the spray directly to the nest.
Wear Proper Clothing
In addition to having the insecticide to spray on the nest, it is important to invest in proper clothing to wear during the take down. You should suit up in the following sexy way:
- Wear protective goggles, as well as a hat or hood to cover your head.
- Wear long pants, a long sleeve turtleneck, and closed toed shoes.
- Wrap a scarf around any other areas of your face that are exposed.
Pick your Time
Removing wasp nests requires you to be stealthy and to employ your inner ninja. Indeed, while wasps may not necessarily sleep per se, they are certainly less active in the dark of night. In addition, it is more likely that all the well-behaved wasps have made curfew and gone home for the night, so if you do it in the evening, you will have a greater chance at eliminating the whole crew. When night falls, don your protective gear and get your game face on. Remove children and pets from the area and avoid using light if you can, as this will awaken the wasps. Once everything is in place, stand off to the side, spray the pesticide and get ready to watch the falling dead.
Hold on to the Nest
Okay, well don’t hold on to it, as in take it in the house and give it a place of honor on your mantle, but rather let it stay in its place (on the tree, your house etc.) for a few days after wasp removal to make sure you completely eliminated the issue. Watch for signs of activity at the nest, and within a few days, these should completely cease and you shouldn’t see any wasps coming in our out unless they are dropping out dead (insert evil laugh here). This is a good strategy to employ in case you did not eliminate the pesky little stingers and you need to bring out your ninja night skills a second time.
Not Feelin’ It?
While this at-home wasp removal process is fairly effective, it’s ok to admit that you don’t have the time, you don’t own a turtleneck, or that you’re just too chicken to tackle it on your own. We won’t judge you. In fact, just the opposite. Homeowners always get the thumbs up from us when they make the smart decision to call the pros.
Wasps suck. Give us a call at 647-708-7378 or get in touch online and let us come and take care of your wasp woes so you don’t have to. Reach out to the Toronto wasp control experts and we’ll have you on your wasp-free way in no time.
