Summertime has all sorts of benefits. Wasps aren’t one of them.
Difficult and dangerous to deal with every summer, wasps can find corners and crevices in nearly any location to build nests. And with July and August being two of the most active months for wasps, nests will pop up across all of Delaware in the coming weeks.
Wasps have some positive environmental effects, such as population control for invasive species like the spotted lanternfly. But, while they can be left alone in remote areas, their nests are often found in populated areas — and on front porches or back decks — and can cause problems, including painful stings or allergic reactions.
Wasps helping control invasive species:University of Delaware researchers may have found a way to get rid of damaging lanternflies
That said, here are some ways to get rid of wasps this summer:
A new, viral trend
One recent viral TikTok trend has garnered a lot of attention.
The method suggests filling a mason jar or glass with a few inches of gasoline and pressing the mouth of the container against the ceiling or roof the wasp nest is on, enclosing the entire nest.
Within seconds, fumes will suffocate the wasps and they will fall into the gasoline. This method is cheap and can be used in any sort of weather.
However, taking precautions is necessary if you plan to try this at home. Gasoline must be handled with care to prevent any spillage. Gasoline also should be kept away from open flames or heat sources, such as grills or candles. And be sure to keep children and pets away from both the nest and the gas.
The used gasoline should be taken to a waste disposal center.
Wasps are least active during the early mornings and evenings, so the best time to kill them and prevent stings is at those times. Nests should be removed in the wintertime after all wasps are completely dead, according to USA Today.
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As it is possible to get stung while employing this method, here are other alternatives:
Insecticides and sprays to use on wasps
One of the most common ways to combat wasp nests is to use insecticides and commercial wasp and hornet killer sprays. They are designed to kill insects on contact and can be very effective.
Raid’s wasp spray can spray up to 22 feet and can kill the wasps within minutes, the company says. Wearing a mask is a great option to limit any contact with the chemicals.
As with any chemical spray, it’s important to pay attention to the product’s labels and instructions. And all insecticides and sprays should be kept away from children and pets and should not be sprayed indoors or in unventilated areas.
Hire an exterminator
If a nest is larger in size, appears dangerous to remove, is inaccessible or you have insect sting allergies, it is best to call an exterminator trained to deal with such problems.
Delaware has several exterminators, including Delaware Pest Control, Viking Pest Control and Terminix.
It may put a hole in your pocket, but there’s no price on a sting-free summer.
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Wasp prevention
The best way to dispose of wasp nests is never to have any in the first place.
Wasps are attracted to sugary foods like fruit, open soda bottles, honey and jam, according to Natran Green Pest Control, so keeping those foods indoors can help prevent any wasps from making themselves a home.
To keep any wasps from making a nest in a trash or recycling can, make sure to close the bins at all times.
