Wasp and Hornet Nest Treatment
Target Pests (8)
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Wasp | Polistes spp. | Stinging Insects |
| Yellow Jacket | Vespula spp. | Stinging Insects |
| Bald-faced Hornet | Dolichovespula maculata | Stinging Insects |
| European Hornet | Vespa crabro | Stinging Insects |
| Mud Dauber | Sceliphron spp. | Stinging Insects |
| Honey Bee | Apis mellifera | Stinging Insects |
| Africanized Honeybee | Apis mellifera scutellata | Stinging Insects |
| Bumble Bee | Bombus spp. | Stinging Insects |
Application Method
IMPORTANT: Honey bees and bumble bees are beneficial pollinators. Contact local beekeepers for relocation when possible before considering treatment. For Africanized honeybees, mandatory personal protective equipment required due to extreme defensive behavior - never attempt removal without full bee suit and experience. For wasps and hornets: Treat active nests with insecticide formulated for flying insects. For exposed nests (paper wasps, bald-faced hornets): use aerosol wasp/hornet spray with 15-20 foot reach to treat from safe distance. Spray nest thoroughly until saturated, focusing on nest opening. For yellow jacket ground nests: apply dust formulation (deltamethrin, permethrin) directly into entrance hole at dusk when wasps inside, then seal entrance. For aerial nests in trees or structures: use professional-grade aerosol or spray. Treat in evening or early morning when wasps are less active and more are in nest. Wear protective clothing. Remove nest after all wasps dead (24-48 hours) to prevent reuse.
Timing
Treat as soon as nests discovered. Most effective in evening when wasps have returned to nest. Early season treatment easier when nests small.
Frequency
One-time treatment typically eliminates colony. Monitor area for new nest construction. May need follow-up treatment if nest not completely eliminated.
Preparation Required
Locate nest and identify wasp species. Assess nest size and accessibility. Plan approach and escape route. Have appropriate protective gear and treatment product. Treat in evening when wasps less active.
Follow-up Required
Monitor nest from distance for 24-48 hours. Remove dead nest after confirming all wasps eliminated to prevent reuse next season. Seal any structural entry points where wasps were entering. Inspect area for additional nests.
Safety Precautions
- Wear protective clothing including face protection
- Treat from safe distance (15-20 feet for aerial spray)
- Never treat nests during day when wasps are active and defensive
- Have escape route planned before approaching nest
- Do not stand directly below aerial nests while treating
- Keep children and pets indoors during treatment
- Be prepared for allergic reactions - have epinephrine available if allergic