In this helpful guide, The Local Guys will teach you the best ways to remove wasp nests, make your own wasp sprays and traps, and keep pests from coming back!
Wasps are a common pest in Australia, especially during the warmer months. Most people don’t mind having solitary native wasps like mud daubers buzzing around, but no one’s happy when aggressive wasps invade their property.
Wasp nests can be dangerous and difficult to remove, but we have heaps of tricks and tips for anyone who wants to try! But if you’re allergic to wasp stings, dealing with a major pest infestation, or just don’t want to risk a painful sting, then leave wasp nest removal to The Local Guys!
Where do Wasps Nest?
Anyone who’s dealt with wasps nesting on their property will tell you that they have a bad habit of choosing the most inconvenient or hard-to-reach places!
- Air vents
- Backyards
- Doorways
- Electrical boxes
- Fenceposts
- Lampposts
- Roof eaves
- Retaining walls
- Postboxes
- Sheds
- Tree branches
- Tree hollows
- Underground
- Wall cavities
Common Types of Wasps:
Native Wasps:
Most of these wasps are solitary, not aggressive, and aren’t usually a nuisance.
- Mud Daubers: Build mud nests in sheltered areas.
- Native Paper Wasps: Build papery nests out of plant and wood fibres.
- Sand Wasps: Build nests in sandy soil.
- Spider Wasps: Build nests using mud and plant material.
Invasive Wasps:
These social wasps are pests, behave aggressively, and build bigger nests. They pose a threat to native insects and negatively impact local wildfire and vegetation.
- Asian Paper Wasps: Aggressive when provoked, territorial of their papery nests.
- European Wasps: Highly aggressive, form large colonies, usually build underground nests.
8 Great Ways to Keep Wasps Away
Wasps are attracted to homes and gardens because they provide easy food sources and attractive nesting options. Leftover food and open soft drink cans are instant lures for wasps, especially in the summer months!
Keep wasps away using 8 preventative measures:
- Dispose of fallen fruit in the garden or backyard
- Don’t leave pet food, sweet foods or sweet drinks out
- Keep recycling bins and rubbish bins closed
- Close compost bins and cover compost piles
- Keep swimming pools covered
- Use a repellent spray (vinegar is a natural wasp repellent!)
- Set up wasp traps
- Organise a professional wasp pest control treatment
How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests
Is it safe to remove a wasp nest by yourself?
It is not safe to remove a wasp nest by yourself if you have a major wasp infestation or you are allergic to wasp stings. Minor allergies to insect stings are fairly common, but a severe allergic reaction to wasp stings can send people into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis from wasp stings can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
The best way to guarantee safe wasp nest removal is to contact pest control professionals like The Local Guys! But if you’d like to try your hand at getting rid of wasp nests, then we have some quick tips for you.
Remove a Wasp Nest in 7 Steps:
1. Locate the wasp nest: If the nest is hidden or partially concealed, wait until later in the day when the wasps are returning to the nest. They’ll be easier to track down that way!
2. Decide which methods to use: Get prepared by selecting an insecticide, making your own wasp spray, creating a wasp trap.
3. Select a time: Your best chance to get near the wasp nest is in the early morning and late evening.
4. Wear protective clothing: Proper clothing can protect you from painful stings!
- Long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants
- Gloves (covering or tucked into your sleeves)
- Safety goggles or glasses
- A face shield or mask
- Long socks (covering or tucked into your pantlegs)
- Enclosed shoes
5. Use your pest control method:
Set traps, deploy bait stations, or spray. Be thorough to ensure the best results.
6. Repeat the treatment as needed: Reset your wasp traps or spray again if necessary. You may need to repeat your pest control treatment multiple times for the best results.
7. Get rid of the wasp nest completely: Make sure the wasp nest is removed entirely, otherwise the wasps will return and rebuild!
8. Seal off the area (if possible): If the nest was in a wall void or other cavity, make sure it’s sealed up to block access for wasps!
Why Call The Local Guys?
The Local Guys provide professional pest control treatments covered by warranties! So if the same type of wasps come back to your property during that time, our pest control experts will return to eliminate them at no additional cost! Internal treatments and indoor wasp removals have a warranty of 3 months. Combined wasp pest control treatments (internal and external) have a warrant of 6 months.
Our professional pest controllers:
- Have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If wasps reappear during the warranty period, our pest controllers will complete another treatment at no extra cost!
- Are fully-licensed and trained to deliver wasp control services
- Hold an average rating of 4.5 stars
- Hold $20,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- Undergo regular Police Clearance checks
- Require a Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Have a First Aid Certificate
- Donate $5 to World Vision Australia with every job. Terms and Conditions apply to this donation.
DIY Pest Control Products
Remove a Wasp Nest in 7 Steps:
You don’t need a specialised insecticide spray to get rid of wasp nests!
Fill a spray bottle with:
- 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap
- 1 cup of water
This DIY wasp spray is quick, simple, and perfect for killing wasps buzzing around your property! Soapy solutions can suffocate wasps quickly by blocking the pores (spiracles) that wasps use to breathe.
If you’re trying to get rid of the wasp nest entirely, then make a double or triple-batch of wasp spray! You don’t want to run out of wasp killer halfway through the job and leave yourself vulnerable to nasty stings.
Early morning or late evening is the best time to spray a wasp nest! These are times when the wasps are the least active, which will make it easier to approach the nest. Since wasps return to their nest at night, you have a better chance of eliminating every single wasp in the area.
Does fly spray kill wasps?
Remember: fly spray might not kill wasps instantly, so you should still wear protective clothing and keep your distance.
How to Make a Wasp Trap:
Wasp traps are a great way to eliminate wasps without having to get close to the nest!
Homemade Wasp Bait:
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap
- 1/4 cup of water
Don’t use honey in your wasp trap: Honey can lure bees to the trap and you don’t want to take out your local honeybee colonies!
How to Use a Wasp Trap:
- Prepare the wasp bait
- Pour the bait into your plastic bottle trap
- Place the trap close to the wasp nest (but away from windows/doors)
- Check on the wasp trap every 2-3 days
- Clean out the dead wasps
- Continue setting the trap until you’re satisfied the paper wasps are gone
Take care when emptying the wasp trap: Make sure the paper wasps are dead before disposing of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to dispose of a wasp nest:
Use your preferred wasp control method: Kill the wasps using bait, sprays, etc.
Check the wasps are dead: Trying to dismantle an active wasp nest is an open invitation for painful stings.
Remove the entire nest: If you don’t remove the entire nest, the pests will return!
Seal the area: Block any access for wasps so they can’t rebuild the nest.
How much does it cost to remove a wasp nest in Sydney?
Does vinegar really kill wasps?
Plain vinegar is not the most effective wasp killer and is more likely to irritate them. You’d be better off using vinegar as an ingredient in a DIY wasp trap or as a deterrent spray. Wasps hate the smell of white vinegar, so if you spray it on common nesting areas like porch ceilings, roof eaves, or window openings, the vinegar can help repel wasps.
Are European wasps dangerous?
European wasps and paper wasps are some of the most aggressive types in Australia. They are territorial insects and are credited with most aggressive wasp attacks on humans. Remember: you should always maintain a safe distance from European wasp nests and paper wasp nests!
How do I get rid of a wasp nest fast?
Call the pest experts at The Local Guys! Our pest controllers offer safe and effective methods of wasp control for clients across Australia.
Top Tips for Safe Wasp Nest Prevention and RemovalKey Takeaways
Wasp nests are a common pest problem in Australia, especially in the warmer months! You can take preventative measures to help keep wasps away from your property. Using DIY wasp sprays and wasp traps can also help you take control of wasp issues. Removing wasp nests can be difficult and risky, and you should never attempt it on your own if you are allergic to wasp stings.
For safe and effective wasp nest removal, you can trust professional pest controllers from The Local Guys! We offer professional wasp control services with 3–6 month warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For fast, reliable wasp control in Australia, contact The Local Guys!
The Local Guys Pest Control offers pest management services and specialise in comprehensive pest control solutions. Offering thorough inspections for infestations, advice on preventive measures, treatment plans tailored to your needs, and extermination services for various pests. Reach out to The Local Guys Pest Control for more details.
Disclaimer: The information presented on this webpage provides general knowledge about pests and potential treatments. It is important to note that this content is not meant to serve as medical advice. In the case of a medical emergency, please dial 000 promptly and adhere to the provided guidance.
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Jarrad has been working in the service industry for more than 10 years and has managed clients from very small hair dressers to national clients. Over the decade, Jarrad has proudly won and managed many large tenders with government bodies and commercial businesses nationally. Additionally, Jarrad has trained and supported many franchise partners over the years.
