How to Get Rid of Paper Wasps in the Big Horn Basin
Paper wasps are a common issue for homeowners in Wyoming's Big Horn Basin. These insects are known for building nests under eaves, in attics, and other sheltered locations. While they can control caterpillars and aid pollination, their stings and territorial behavior make them unwelcome guests.
If you're dealing with a paper wasp problem, here’s how to safely and effectively manage them.
Key Takeaways
Umbrella-shaped nests near homes signal paper wasps, requiring safety precautions or professional pest control assistance.
Protective gear, mild solutions, and wasp sprays help with small nests, but large ones need professionals.
Treated nests should be monitored for inactivity before safe removal, with entry points sealed to stop re-infestation.
Clean spaces, natural repellents, decoy nests, and inspections deter wasps, with professionals handling challenging infestations.
1. Prepare for Safe Nest Removal
Before tackling any wasp activity, make sure you’re prepared.
Protective clothing like long sleeves, gloves, and a face covering can reduce your chances of being stung. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to deal with nests since wasps are less active.
If you plan to address the nest yourself, have tools ready, such as a spray bottle with a mild solution or a wasp-specific product. However, always prioritize safety.
2. Be Cautious with DIY Methods
For small paper wasp nests, some homeowners carefully use wasp sprays and aerosols or mild DIY solutions like a dish soap-water mixture to slow down wasp activity.
While these methods may work, we do not encourage them as they require extreme caution and careful application to ensure your safety.
If the wasps seem aggressive or the nest is large, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional.
3. Monitor and Prevent Return
Once these flying insects have calmed or left, monitor the nest for a day or two to make sure all activity has stopped.
Leaving the nest undisturbed during this period helps any returning wasps come into contact with residual products.
When you're confident the wasps are no longer active, you can leave the nest alone or hire a professional to remove it safely.
4. Seal Entry Points
Finally, inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or other places wasps might use to get inside or build a new nest. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these areas. Blocking these potential nesting sites will go a long way in preventing future infestations.
How to Identify Paper Wasps and Their Nests
Paper wasps have slender bodies with yellow markings and are often mistaken for yellow jackets or hornets. Their nests, composed of chewed wood fibers, are open and reveal hexagonal cells.
Common nesting sites include:
Eaves and overhangs
Attics and entry points near ceilings
Fences, sheds, or porch ceilings
If you notice increased activity from this type of wasp near your home, you’re likely close to a nesting site.
How to Prevent Paper Wasps from Returning
Preventing these stingers from building nests around your home is easier than dealing with an active infestation.
A few simple steps can make your property less appealing to these pests.
Minimize Food Sources: Cover trash bins and clean up sugary spills.
Repellents: Peppermint oil or other natural repellents can discourage nesting.
Decoy Nests: Hang paper bags or wasp traps to simulate occupied spaces.
Regular Inspections: Monitor eaves, attics, and overhangs during early spring when new queens establish nests.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If you’re dealing with an infestation in a crawl space, attic, or inside a wall void, professional exterminators can apply targeted, transferrable products that spread within the colony.
At Kodiak Pest Control, we take pride in offering personalized pest control solutions across the Big Horn Basin. Our team uses advanced techniques to eliminate pests while protecting beneficial insects like honeybees safely. Plus, our thorough follow-ups ensure lasting peace of mind.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our pest prevention plans.
