Getting rid of a wasp nest is no easy task. It can be painful, tiring, and even dangerous in some cases. We’ll help you prepare for your DIY mission with the right equipment, clothing, strategies and products to ensure you are as safe and effective as possible. 

Most importantly, you’ll know when a wasp problem has gone from manageable to serious, and when it’s best to call in the experts. Stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Before You Engage: Safety First

Before heading on your DIY mission, here are a few things to check before doing it. You’ll have to know if you’re medically fit, the species of the wasp, and the equipment you need to ensure the DIY treatment is as safe and effective as possible. 

Be Prepared For Wasp Stings

Are You Allergic to Wasp Stings?

The million-dollar question: Are you allergic to wasp stings?

If you don’t know the answer, please find out before trying this at home. 

Anayphylaxis

A wasp sting can trigger anaphylactic shock, a very serious condition where you could experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, nausea and unconsciousness. 

Get medical attention IMMEDIATELY. 

To save time and money on a trip to the doctor, you could simply contact pest control to get rid of the wasp nest efficiently the first time around. 

How Do You Treat a Wasp Sting?

Wasp stings are quite painful, but are rarely serious and can be managed fairly easily. You might experience itching, redness, and swelling that may become bigger over time. 

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for about 10 minutes to help the swelling go down
3. Take meds like paracetamol for pain or antihistamine cream to relieve itching

What is the Species of the Wasp?

Are you dealing with an aggressive wasp? Is it a small or large wasp? Are you dealing with a non-aggressive, passive wasp? Here are 2 of the most common wasps you might come across in Sunderland, UK. 

Common Wasp  (Vespula Vulgaris)

By far the most common wasp species in the UK, the common wasp is known for its black and yellow markings on its body and face. It’s not the most aggressive species, but it is known to attack if disturbed. 

German Wasp (Vespula Germanica)

The German wasp looks very similar to the common wasp, but is larger and has three black dots on its face. These wasps are big and nasty, showing plenty of aggression if when their nest is threatened. We’d highly recommend getting professional pest control to deal with them. 

Safety Precautions

Make sure that you’re wearing thick, protective clothing to protect yourself from potential stings. Wear long sleeves, thick gloves, and tough and durable shoes. If you want, you can go the extra mile and wear a face net too. 

Important Note: If the nest is quite big or is in a place that is awkward to reach, then it is best to contact pest control. 

Wasp Removal Methods You Should NEVER Try 

Here are some of the worst, most dangerous methods of trying to remove wasp nests. They are dangerous and are not effective at all. If you attempt these, there are various risks involved, like getting stung, burned, and causing costly damage to your property. 

Burning It

It’s quite obvious that this is probably the most dangerous strategy out there. There have been many cases where huge fires have been started with this silly, hazardous DIY removal method, leading to significant property damage.    

Here are a few stories of what could happen if you attempted this:

• Bungalow Fire in Maidstone
• Bletchley Garage Fire
• Flamethrower Attack Gone Wrong

Hitting It 

The old hit-and-run trick. It might get the nest to come down, but it will only succeed in angering the wasps and tempting them to sting the beehive out of you. 

Drowning It

This is another option that only succeeds in annoying the wasps instead of eliminating them. 

The most you could hope to achieve with a hose and spray technique is to loosen the nest and push back a few of the wasps. 

What is the point of this, though? The remaining wasps will most likely be quite angry and out to get you. 

Wasp Nest Removal

Given that the wasp species is not too aggressive, or the nest is not situated in a hard-to-reach place, you can proceed with the methods shown below. Please note: It’s very important that you take out the Queen wasp, as she will rebuild her nest. 

Timing

For best results, we’d suggest removing the nest in the morning or the evening. They are likely to be within the nest and are much less active, increasing your chances of success and reducing the risk of being stung. 

Tip: If you’re approaching them in the evening or any time where it’s hard to see, you could use a red light to view them. It allows you to get a clear view without aggravating them, as wasps are less sensitive to red wavelengths.

Chemical Sprays

Wasp-specific sprays are a great DIY treatment option. For safety purposes, make sure that you keep your distance, but not so far that the spray becomes ineffective. Once you approach them, you want to make sure that you are quick and thorough about it. Ensure that you kill as many wasps as possible, especially the queen wasp.  

Soap and Water Spray 

This is an effective solution for smaller nests or individual wasps. It works by clogging the wasp’s pores and suffocating it. For best results, stand close and spray a good amount of this deadly (to wasps only) mixture into the entrance of the nest.  

• 500 ml (2 cups) warm water
• 1–2 teaspoons liquid dish soap (e.g., Fairy, Dawn, or similar)

Optional:

• Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar (boosts effectiveness and deters other insects)

Note: Do not apply this method to larger nests. It is best used on smaller nests or individual wasps caught buzzing around on their own. 

Peppermint Oil: Natural Wasp Repellant 

Wasps cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil. It overwhelms their senses and sends them buzzing somewhere else. It’s best to spray or apply peppermint oil in places where they frequent to deter them from coming there again. 

Please note: This should NOT be applied directly to the hive as it will only aggravate them and not kill them.

How to Apply It 

You could create a makeshift spray or soak a few cotton balls in the oil. 

Peppermint Oil Spray 

You could decide to create your own peppermint spray by mixing it with water and dish soap. Mix about 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with 4 cups of water and a bit of dish soap. The soap helps the spray to stick to the surface. 

• Mix 10-15 Drops With 4 Cups of Water 
• Add some dish soap to make it stick 
• Spray, spray, and spray away

Soaked Cotton Balls

Depending on the size of the nest, soak as many cotton balls as you think you need in undiluted peppermint oil. Place these balls in their favourite hangout spots like corners of sheds, cracks in walls, and in roof spaces.

• Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil
• Place in their favourite hangout spots

Tip: Make sure to replace the balls regularly for best results. 

Pest Control for Wasps | Sunderland, UK

It can be tempting to try and remove a wasp nest yourself. You’re probably thinking of saving money – it seems simple enough, right? 

Wrong. 

From aggressive species to hard-to-reach nests, here’s why hiring a professional pest control company is the safer and smarter option. If you spend money taking a DIY approach and get it wrong, you end up wasting money anyway. 

Calling pest control specialists can help you save money and time by eliminating the problem on the first go. 

Experience With Aggressive Species : It goes without saying, if you’re dealing with an aggressive species of wasp, then you should most definitely not try this at home. Professionals will be able to eliminate them quickly and effectively, ensuring all wasps are destroyed properly the first time around.  

Hard-to-Reach Places: Trying to get rid of a wasp nest in a hard-to-reach place is quite risky and possibly dangerous. If it’s high up, then you run the risk of falling and injuring yourself badly. You might wear clothing that causes you to slip, or you might get stung while trying to kill the wasps. 

Exclusive Products and Best Practices: Pest control companies have access to products, training, and equipment that are not available to the general public. If the infestation is bad, as in really bad, it is best to contact the pros, as they have the necessary resources to get rid of the wasp nest and prevent any future infestations.

Need Help With Pest Control?

Since 1992, Northern Pest Solutions has been helping homes and businesses in Sunderland stay pest-free. We’ll get rid of any pest infestation from your home or place of work—and make sure they stay gone.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today:

Tel: 0782 823 0669 / 0191 597 1805
Email: info@northernpestsolutions.co.uk
Office Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM

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