Knocking down a paper wasps nest can backfire quickly - leaving you to deal with hundreds of angry wasps.

Before you attempt to remove wasps nest, be aware that wasp stings are painful, and if you are allergic, can be threatening as well. Safety should be a priority.

The best thing is to rely on a pest control professional who has protective clothing and the correct equipment for removing a wasp nest without suffering stings or damaging property. Although you can still remove wasp nest by yourself, you should avoid DIY pest control since most homeowners are not aware of safety precautions of removing wasp nest safely.

If you have a wasp problem, here are some tips to help you get rid of them.

  • Wasps are less active at night so it is the right time to remove the nest and in most cases all the colony is usually inside.

  • Identify which type of wasp in your property. Is it Paper wasp or European?

  • Find the nest location, approach with a garbage bag and cautiously cover the nest. Seal completely.

  • Apply pest control dust or a liquid insecticide to the nest.

  • You can also lure European wasps using wasp traps.

How do you get rid of a wasp nest without getting stung?

The process of successfully removing wasp nests can be a very dangerous task. Hence, you should prevent wasp nests at all costs. Below are some explanations on how to go about removing these aggressive insects.

Use pesticide spray

Purchase a wasp pesticide control product. Read the instructions on the pack and follow them to the letter. Common practice is spraying the pesticide at the nest's opening for 20 seconds. If you notice some activity the next day, repeat the spraying process. Do so until there is no activity in the wasp nest and then knock it down.

Use insecticidal dust

Very effective on a nest close to the ground. Apply generously on the nest. After two days, check if there is any sign of wasps. If there is, repeat the process.

Smoke them out

If the nest in question is on a tree branch or away from the house, you an opt to smoke them out by lighting a fire beneath the nest. The rising smoke will suffocate or force them to leave. After they're gone, knock the nest down.

Dunk the nest in a bucket of water

Although very dangerous, it's the most effective means. It involves carefully covering the nest with a cloth bag and then dunking it in a bucket of water. Secure the top of the bucket with a heavy stone and let it stay overnight. All wasps will be dead by morning.

What kills wasps instantly?

Using a home made solution for DIY wasp nest removal can be effective, but it's not an easy task. Below are a few cheap options that can be effective in controlling pests.

Peppermint oil and water

This is a reliable wasp killer and repellent. Also, it kills larvae and eggs. The recipe for this solution includes a tablespoon of peppermint oil and four cups of water. After preparation, use a spraying bottle to spray on the wasps. Night is the best spraying time as they are less active.

Dishwashing liquid and vinegar

This is a mixture of dish liquid, vinegar, and water. It works like peppermint oil and water. Once you spray the solution, the wasps loose air and suffocate to death. Just measure an equal ratio of vinegar and water, then add a quarter of liquid dish soap.

Liquid soap and water

This is a simple mixture of soap and water - the soap has a degreasing effect and is said to kill wasps quickly and easily. You need one bottle of soap, water, and a garden pump sprayer. Spray the solution at the wasps from a distance.

Is it OK to leave a wasp nest?

Just like bees, wasps defend their nests and rarely attack unless provoked. If there is a wasp nest in your home, it's best you stay away and don't even get close. You can't relocate a wasp nest - the pest control technician usually destroys it. The answer is yes and no. As mentioned above, wasps can be harmless unless provoked, meaning it's OK to leave their nest well alone. Besides, if you are a farmer or gardener, you will find the benefits outweigh their nuisances. Wasps help pollinate your garden or farm. Also, they can act as pest controllers because they eat common pests that destroy crops like grubs, weevils, and caterpillars. On the flip side, wasp nests can damage your house and may lead to pest infestation, among other issues. Wasps build a new nest during summer and raise new queens and then the whole colony will disappear again.

How much does it cost to have a wasp nest removed?

The average price you would pay to remove a wasp nest can vary from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $550.

In Australia, removal costs of wasps vary according to the region of residence and job size. Another thing, pest removal companies charge their service on an hourly basis. For example, in New South Wales, it cost $50; in Victoria, it cost $30; while in Queensland and Tasmania, it cost $60 and $30 respectively. Keep in mind the prices is per hour.

In cases where wasps build a nest between walls, caves, tree trunks, or underground spaces the job of finding their nest is difficult compared to those located outside in an open area. As a result, the hive location impacts the average cost.

Other factors that influence cost include the type of wasp, the extent of the infestation, accessibility of the nest, and call urgency.

When the size is small at early stages, a paper wasp nest removal could cost as little as $60.