How to Get Rid of Wasps Outside Your Door
Though sometimes confused with bees, wasps are much more dangerous. Unlike bees, a wasp's stinger doesn't stay hooked in the victim's skin; they can use their stinger multiple times. A sting from a wasp is painful and can cause itching and swelling. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can cause hives and life-threatening respiratory problems. If you have wasps outside your door, it's best to find out where they're originating from. Treating the source of the problem will get rid of the unwanted visitors.
Step 1
Look through a window during daytime, and observe the wasps outside your door. Watch them as they fly around. Find out where the wasp nest is. Common wasp nest locations are in nearby trees, under the eaves and ledges of your home, and under porch roofs.
Step 2
Find the entry point of the nest, where the wasps enter and exit.
Step 3
Wait until nighttime before combating wasps because they're less aggressive and less active at night. During daytime, many wasps may not be in the nest.
- Look through a window during daytime, and observe the wasps outside your door.
- Find out where the wasp nest is.
Step 4
Put on thick gardening gloves and protective clothing, sealed at the collar, wrists and ankles to protect yourself from potential stings.
Step 5
Use wasp insecticide spray according to packaging instructions. Wasp insecticide spray often requires you to stand 15 to 20 feet away from the nest. Aim the nozzle of the can at the opening of the nest. Spray the nest until it's fully saturated. If you use a flashlight, avoid aiming it directly on the nest, because the light may alert the wasps; aim it in the direction of the nest, so you still have sufficient light to see what you are doing.
Step 6
Wait 24 hours and look through the window during daytime to see if there is any wasp activity. If there is, repeat the treatment again at nighttime.
- Put on thick gardening gloves and protective clothing, sealed at the collar, wrists and ankles to protect yourself from potential stings.
- Wait 24 hours and look through the window during daytime to see if there is any wasp activity.
Step 7
Knock down the nest with a broom once all wasps are killed. Seal the nest in a trash bag and discard it in the trash outside. Leaving the nest in place may attract other bugs such as carpet beetles.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- Seal outdoor trash cans with lids to keep them from attracting wasps. Place the trashcans far away from your home.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.
