Remove the wasp's nest yourself? 10 home remedies to drive away wasps

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Drive wasp nest - title

table of contents

  • Reasons for removal
  • Where do wasp nests hang?
  • prevention
  • time
  • Privacy screen
  • Odors against wasps
  • Natural corners
  • Work on the lawn
  • Falling
  • smoke
  • Relocate
  • frequently asked Questions

Removing a wasp's nest yourself is only possible under the right conditions. However, a solution that is gentle can be found through home remedies and other measures.

In a nutshell

  • Keeping sufficient distance from wasp nests is crucial
  • Removal is only possible under certain conditions and with prior application
  • the nests are only used by some species for one year
  • simply enclosing the nest is not enough
  • Differentiation of the species is hardly possible for many laypeople

Reasons for removal

When wasps build a nest, they use cellulose and saliva to do so. The cellulose can be obtained from various sources. For example:

  • (rotten) wood
  • paper
  • cardboard
  • bark

So plants and furniture are just as unsafe from them as beams, strips and insulation. They scrape it off layer by layer with their mouthparts. In the long run, this can cause considerable damage.


That in itself is a good reason to remove it yourself. Another crucial cause is the risk of stings. The following are particularly at risk:

  • Allergies
  • Pets
  • children
Wasp nest
Wasp's nest with an excursion hole and air pockets

Where do wasp nests hang?

  • on or under bars, for example in the attic
  • in the earth, for example on the race
  • Hedges or bushes
  • Hollow spaces in walls and walls
  • in or under roller shutter boxes
  • under gutters and roof tiles

Note: Be careful with wasp nests indoors, such as the attic or tool shed. Because the insects do not disappear into the winter quarters even in cold weather, but only stay in the wasp's nest for a very long time.

prevention

Better than any home remedy is to prevent the building of a wasp nest or to offer the animals a better alternative. When preventing wasp nests in the garden, in or around the house, it is important to remove any building material and nesting sites. Pay attention to the following points:

  • do not leave any windfalls lying around
  • Treat wooden furniture
  • do not leave food standing
  • do not use wood polish
  • Remove rotten wood or store in a secluded corner
  • carry out regular checks
  • Seal leaks

Tip: As soon as the first signs of building a new wasp's nest are noticed, sweeping it with a broom is usually sufficient. It is important that no animals are present and that there is only a base but not a whole nest.

Fruit basket can attract fruit flies

time

You shouldn't remove the wasp nest yourself from April to October. During this time, the possibility that it will be inhabited is very high. If the nest is in a very unfavorable place, relocation may be possible. However, this should be left to experts.

Privacy screen

An alternative to direct removal is the attachment of a privacy screen. For example, an old sheet can be hung around or in front of the nest. This procedure is recommended whenever the wasp's nest is positioned in a heavily frequented location. This includes, for example, the house and balcony door or a window.
The movements of people and pets could make the insects aggressive. If they can no longer see them, the risk is reduced.

Odors against wasps

Plants and essential oils help to prevent the construction of a wasp nest or to ensure that the inhabitants can move away from it more quickly and the nest can be removed. This makes it uncomfortable for the insects in their home and they look for something new.
Among others, the following are suitable:

  • Citronella
  • lavender
  • peppermint
  • tomatoes
  • Lemon balm
Dry lemon balm

Planting these plants in the garden will help prevent a nest from being built.
The application of concentrated oils or the targeted placement of the plants in the direct vicinity of the wasp's nest has a deterrent effect.

Natural corners

Wasps are useful animals. They eliminate pests such as:

  • Aphids
  • To fly
  • Mosquitoes
  • be crazy

They also remove carrion and other waste. Instead of fighting them, it can be worthwhile to offer other positions for the nest. Areas in the garden that are as natural as possible with tall grass, piles of wood and compost attract a large number of beneficial insects.

Work on the lawn

Wasp species that build their nests underground can be a danger, especially for pets and children who play. However, if you regularly mow, blast and scarify the lawn, you can prevent it from being built. Then the lawn is uninteresting or unsuitable for the insects. If there is already a nest, keep a distance from it. However, by continuing to water it becomes possible to make it uncomfortable for the wasps. If necessary, they leave the nest more quickly.

Falling

Traps are widely used but have potential drawbacks. For one thing, the wasps are killed in the process. Not all of them, however, just the weak animals. Healthy and strong specimens can escape from it again.
On the other hand, wasps are really attracted by the traps and other animals can be in them.

Fill the fly trap

smoke

Again and again it is recommended to drive the wasps out of their nest or from the dining table with smoke. For example, burning coffee powder is a common tip. However, this is neither gentle nor sensible. Because this makes the wasps aggressive. You will leave the nest as a result, but the situation can quickly escalate.

Relocate

Even if this is not a home remedy in the true sense, this can be a valid option. The animals are not harmed and the nest can still be removed. However, this measure should only be carried out by experienced experts who can protect themselves accordingly.

frequently asked Questions

Why do many species of wasps only inhabit the nest for one year?

For evolutionary reasons, this makes sense to prevent the spread of germs and parasites. Even if a wasp's nest is often an architectural masterpiece and requires a lot of effort to build, it is usually abandoned in early autumn.

Can I remove a wasp's nest myself?

This is possible as long as it is not inhabited or if it is dangerous. In any case, it is advisable to ask the nature conservation association or the municipality beforehand, for example. An exterminator can also help.

Why is it better to get professional help?

Because removing a wasp's nest yourself is dangerous. On the one hand, an important habitat for an endangered wasp species can be destroyed. On the other hand, there is a risk of stings if the nest is still inhabited.