Yellow jacket wasps make nests in trees, in the ground, and in holes in buildings, such as empty spaces in walls. If you have yellow jacket wasps nesting in your walls, it's a good idea to contact an exterminator. However, if you have the courage, you can get rid of it yourself by following the steps in this article.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking Precautions and Using Pest Control Products
Step 1. Contact a pest extermination service for best results
You may want to try to get rid of it yourself, but in some cases, this can be difficult. It's a good idea to contact an exterminator if you don't know the location of the nest, you're allergic to yellow jacket wasps, or you've tried various methods and the yellow jacket wasp doesn't go away. They are very professional in their field and have experience in dealing with pests so that they can overcome these problems.
Step 2. Handle the nest at night at the start of the dry season, if possible
The best course of action is to treat the wasp nest before the colony grows uncontrollably. Wasp colonies grow in warm weather so you should treat them as early as possible. If handled at night, most of the wasps (if not all of them) will be in the nest.
In a country with 4 seasons, the yellow jacket wasp will die in winter. So, if this insect is nesting in an unused place (such as an attic), wait until its life cycle is over
Step 3. Purchase a quick freeze aerosol product that is designed to kill yellow jacket wasps
Since these wasps nest in spaces, you cannot use powdered products (eg Sevin 5 Garden Dust) to kill them. You will need a quick freeze aerosol product designed to kill these wasps. Purchase a few cans of produce at a gardening supply or farm store.
Step 4. Wear protective clothing when handling yellow jacket wasps
These wasps can sting, so you have to wear thick clothing and other equipment to protect your body. Also wear a mesh face covering, as beekeepers usually use it, to protect the head and face.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, thick socks, closed shoes, and leather gloves
Step 5. Find the entrance to the nest and the nest itself
In some cases, the yellow wasp entrance can be 9 meters from the nest. The nest entrance is usually outside. Observe the structure of the building for holes and try to find out where the wasps used to get into the nest.
- If you can't figure out where the nest is, look for areas of the wall that look shiny. Yellow jacket wasps can nest in drywall, leaving only a layer of paint between the nest and your living area.
- You may also hear the yellow jacket wasp moving inside the walls. Look for the area that makes the loudest sound. You can stick your ear to the wall or use a hearing aid device.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Yellow Jacket Wasps
Step 1. Make a hole in the wall if the entrance is not near the nest
If the entrance to the nest is far away, or you can't find your way in, make a hole in the wall. The drill bit doesn't need to be large because all you need is a hole through which you can insert the nozzle of the aerosol spray can. Make the hole as close to the nest as possible.
Step 2. Spray a quick freeze aerosol into the hole immediately after you drill it
You have to act fast so the yellow jacket wasp doesn't have time to escape. Immediately after making the hole, insert the nozzle of the spray can into the hole. Spray the entire contents of the can into the hole to kill the yellow jacket wasp.
If the entrance is very close to the nest, you can spray aerosol through the entrance opening instead of making a new one
Step 3. Cover the hole you made
Closing this hole is very important so that wasps don't fly around in the house. Cover the hole with putty or gypsum patch, then apply duct tape to seal it.
Step 4. Keep the entrance open
It's important to keep the entrance open so the wasps can get out. Otherwise, the live wasps will find a way to get into your home, for example through small holes around electrical appliances or light fixtures.
Step 5. Repeat this procedure three days later if the yellow jacket wasp has not disappeared
If you still see, hear, or see yellow jacket wasp activity on the walls, you may need to spray the nest again. Always wear protective clothing and go through the same procedure to get rid of any remaining yellow jacket wasps.
Step 6. Call an extermination service if the hive needs to be removed
In general, you can leave the nest against the wall, such as a nest in the attic. However, if there are a lot of larvae in the nest, they can rot and invite the presence of other pests. If you want to get rid of the nest, you should contact a pest exterminator and a handyman. They can work together to remove nests and make repairs to building structures.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Yellow Jacket Wasps from Nesting in Your Home
Step 1. Close the trash can tightly
Yellow jacket wasps love food waste. So, if there is an open trash can, wasps will come to it. Use a lid that fits properly on the trash can, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent yellow jacket wasps from coming into your home area.
Step 2. Place pet food in the room
Pet food bowls on the patio can attract wasps to your home. Instead of leaving pet food and other protein sources outdoors, put them in your home or garage.
It is recommended that you store the food in an airtight container. Place the remaining food in the bowl when the pet has finished eating
Step 3. Seal all holes in the exterior of the house
If there is a hole outside the house (even if it is small), yellow jacket wasps can enter it. Check walls, vents, bulkheads, and door frames for holes. If necessary, replace the gauze or weatherproof pad, or cover the hole with caulk.
Step 4. Set a hanging trap to trap the yellow jacket wasp
If wasps are flying around your home or property, catch the wasps using hanging traps. The sugar solution in the trap will lure the yellow jacket wasp into the small hole. Wasps will not be able to get out of the trap and die.
