How to Get Rid of Wasps & Hornets
Updated 2026-06-07
Wasp and hornet nests turn most aggressive in late summer, and removing one is genuinely risky — stings can be dangerous and some species swarm to defend the nest. The safe approach: treat the nest after dark, when wasps are inside and sluggish, from a distance, with the right product — or, for big, hidden or high nests (and if anyone’s allergic), leave it to a pro. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Identify the nest
Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and railings. Yellowjackets nest hidden in the ground or in wall voids and are the most aggressive. Hornets build large, enclosed papery nests in trees and on eaves.
Where and what the nest is decides how (and whether) you treat it yourself.
2. Treat the nest after dark
Wasps return to the nest at night and are calm and slow then — the safest time to treat. Use a jet wasp-and-hornet spray that reaches 15–20 feet so you can stand well back, aim for the nest opening, and have a clear exit path. Don’t shine a flashlight straight at the nest (it can draw them) — cover it with red film if you need light.
For a void or ground nest, treat the entry hole. Check for activity the next day and re-treat if needed before removing the nest.
3. Cut foraging with traps
Hanging baited wasp traps won’t eliminate a nest, but they reduce the foraging wasps and yellowjackets buzzing around patios, bins and outdoor meals through the season.
4. Remove the nest and seal the spot
Once you’ve confirmed the nest is dead, knock down and bag a paper nest, and seal the gap or void so it isn’t re-colonized next year. Wasps often reuse good sites.
When to call a pro
Ground or wall yellowjacket nests, large or high hornet nests, nests inside walls, or anyone in the home being allergic — these are jobs for a professional. The sting risk isn’t worth it; get a free quote instead of taking a chance.
Dealing with a bigger pest problem than fruit flies? Get free quotes from licensed local pest pros — no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to spray a wasp nest?
After dark. Wasps are back in the nest and sluggish at night, which is far safer than daytime when they’re active and defensive.
Do wasp traps actually work?
They reduce foraging wasps around your yard and patio, which helps — but they don’t kill the nest. Pair them with treating the nest itself if that’s the source.
What attracts wasps to my yard?
Sugary food and drinks, ripe fruit, protein (meat) in late summer, open trash, and existing nest sites. Keeping food covered and bins sealed reduces them.
Should I remove a wasp nest myself?
A small, accessible paper-wasp nest can be a careful DIY job after dark. Ground/wall yellowjacket nests, high hornet nests, or any allergy risk should go to a pro.