What Should I Do If I Have a Wasp Nest on My Property?

Discovering a wasp nest on your Ann Arbor property can be alarming. Whether it's paper wasps building their open-faced combs under your eaves, yellow jackets establishing an underground nest in your yard, or hornets constructing their large paper envelopes in your trees, wasp nests require careful attention. Here's a comprehensive guide to safely and effectively handling wasp nests on your property.

Assess the Risk Level

Before deciding how to proceed, evaluate several factors:

Location Concerns

• Is the nest near high-traffic areas like doorways, patios, or play equipment?
• Is it inside your home's structure where it could cause damage?
• Can you reasonably avoid the area until fall when the colony naturally dies off?

Health Considerations

• Does anyone in your household have known allergies to insect stings?
• Are there young children or pets who might inadvertently disturb the nest?
• Do you have the proper protective equipment if attempting self-removal?

Nest Development

• Is this a new, small nest in early spring or a large, established colony in late summer?
• Small, new nests are generally easier and safer to remove than large, mature colonies

DIY Removal: When It's Appropriate (and When It's Not)

For very small, newly established paper wasp nests in easily accessible locations, cautious DIY removal might be appropriate if:

• The nest contains fewer than 5-6 wasps
• You have no known allergies to stings
• You have appropriate protective clothing
• The nest can be treated from a safe distance (preferably using products specifically designed for wasps)

However, DIY removal is NOT recommended for:

• Yellow jacket nests (particularly underground nests)
• Hornet nests of any size
• Large, established colonies of any species
• Nests in difficult-to-reach locations
• Nests inside structural voids
• Situations where sting allergies are a concern

Professional Wasp Nest Removal: The Safest Approach

For most situations, professional removal from Honorable Pest Control offers significant advantages:

Safety Benefits

• Proper protective equipment and training
• Experience identifying nest entry points and colony patterns
• Professional-grade treatment products not available to consumers
• Techniques to prevent defensive attacks during treatment

Thoroughness

• Complete removal of the nest in many cases
• Treatment of hidden or secondary nest entrances
• Identification of conducive conditions that might attract future nests
• Proper disposal of the nest and insects

Follow-up Protection

• Recommendations for preventing future nest establishment
• Monitoring for new activity
• Guidance on making your property less attractive to wasps

What to Do While Waiting for Professional Help

If you've discovered a wasp nest and arranged for professional removal, take these precautions until help arrives:

• Alert household members: Ensure everyone knows the nest location and avoids the area
• Create a temporary buffer zone: Keep children and pets at least 20 feet from the nest
• Avoid vibrations: Minimize activities that cause ground vibrations near underground nests
• Close nearby windows and doors: Prevent wasps from entering your home
• Do not seal entrance holes: This can drive wasps into interior spaces if the nest connects to your home

Preventative Measures for Future Seasons

After nest removal, take these steps to discourage future wasp colonies:

• Regular inspections: Check eaves, overhangs, and sheltered areas in early spring when queens are establishing new nests
• Seal entry points: Caulk gaps in siding, repair damaged window screens, and seal cracks in foundations
• Reduce attractants: Cover trash cans, clean up fallen fruit, and minimize open food sources
• Apply preventative treatments: Professional perimeter treatments can discourage nest establishment

At Honorable Pest Control, we provide safe, effective wasp nest removal throughout Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Our experienced technicians can identify the specific wasp species, remove the nest safely, and implement preventative measures to protect your property. Contact us today for prompt, professional assistance with wasp nests or any other stinging insect concerns.