How to get rid of wasp nests

There are lots of different types of wasps in Australia ranging from paper wasps and mud wasps to native flower wasps. They play a vital role in plant pollination and controlling insect and spider numbers. Some wasps won’t bother you, some – like the European wasp – can be a problem. An introduced species, it looks similar to a bee, is around 15mm and has a nasty sting.

If you’ve got these wasps around your house, there are a couple of options. You can leave them alone – as long as you don’t aggravate the wasps, they may leave you alone, too. Alternatively, you can get rid of the wasp nest. Follow these steps to do it safely.

Safety first

As well as being one of the most common types of wasps found in Australia, European wasps are also one of the most aggressive. Once stung, you might feel intense burning pain and have inflammation and redness. In extreme cases, the sting can cause an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing. This reaction needs medical attention immediately.

Given how severe the sting is, you need to be extremely careful removing wasp nests. If you’re allergic or just don’t want to risk it, get professional pest controllers in to do the job.

Still want to tackle the removal yourself? Wear protective or heavy-duty clothing, such as jeans, a long sleeve shirt and sturdy gloves. Also, work in the early morning or at night when the wasps are more likely to be at home and will be less active.

How to get rid of a wasp nest

First, you need to locate the nest. It may be obvious – say next to the front door or under an eave – but you might also have wasps buzzing around but not know where the nest is. Leave some food scraps out and then watch where the wasps go – they’ll fly in a straight line back to the nest, which may be in the ground around the base of trees or in a retaining wall.

Once you know where the nest is, there are a few ways to get rid of it.

Chemical treatment

For effective removal, use a specially formulated insecticide to treat the nest. Look for a spray with a long range so you can stand back a little. Drench the nest in spray and leave it until you’re sure all the wasps are dead. This may take a day or two. Once there’s no activity, knock the nest down – to be safe, do this from a distance, too – then destroy the nest to stop other wasps moving in.

Natural removal

Instead of eradicating the nest, you can relocate it but this method carries a lot more risk. Working at night, cover the nest with a plastic container. Slide the container along the wall, knocking the wasp nest off as you do it. Close the lid immediately. Don’t relocate the wasps close to your home – they’ll just come straight back. Also avoid other people’s homes and parks, instead going for an isolated area like bushland. Place the container on the ground, remove the lid and move away immediately. You’ll have to come back for the container at a later time.

Alternative solutions

There are some products like this Envirosafe Wasp Trap that attract and catch wasps. Hang the trap near the wasp nest and add water. This will eradicate some of the wasps but it won’t treat the nest.

How to keep wasps away for good

The best way to get rid of wasp nests is to stop wasps coming around in the first place. Wasps don’t like the smell of strong oils like cinnamon, peppermint, geranium, clove and lemongrass. You can make a spray with any of these and a little water. Spray in areas you’ve seen wasps before or where you removed the wasp nest from. A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water can also work.

For longer term deterrents, plant citronella, eucalyptus, mint or wormwood – their scents are all natural repellents to wasps. Never leave fruit from fruit trees on the ground and don’t leave uneaten pet food and dog bones lying around. Keep the compost well covered, too.

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