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Close up of a wasp on a flower

Despite some of their beneficial roles, many people may want to remove wasps to reduce the risk of being stung, and to protect the home.

Protecting the home from wasps

K-State entomologist explains how to safely remove nests

July 14, 2023

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A common problem many homeowners face is wasps taking up residence in their walls. Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd says, however, that not all wasps are harmful.

“Wasps are beneficial, and they are part of the ecosystem,” Cloyd said. “They are predators to pest caterpillars and are docile overall. They will usually only sting if agitated.”

Mud daubers and paper wasps are some of the most common wasps seen around homes and will generally not attack people. Yellow jackets are wasps known for attacking people.

Despite some wasps’ beneficial roles, many people may want to remove wasps to remove the possibility of being stung completely, or to protect their home. If seeking to remove wasp nests, Cloyd advises taking into consideration whether the nest is new or mature.

“If the home has a history of getting wasps, such as in late spring or early summer, just knock down the nest as soon as you see them being built,” Cloyd said.

New nests can be removed without much risk of being stung, since there will be fewer wasps around. Wasps generally don’t rebuild nests in the same location, so this can be an effective preventative measure.

Spraying nests with an insecticide should be done at night while the wasps are in the nest, Cloyd said.

If the nest is large, mature, and has been around a while, Cloyd recommends contacting a pest management professional.

“In order to avoid getting stung, it is best to contact a pest management professional,” he said.

Cloyd said correctly identifying wasps is critical to removal. He recommends contacting your local K-State Research and Extension office and either describing the insect over the phone, or sending pictures via email.

At a glance

K-State entomologist Raymond Cloyd gives tips on how best to remove wasps and their nests from the home.

Website

K-State Department of Entomology

Notable quote

“In order to avoid getting stung, it is best to contact a pest management professional.”

— Raymond Cloyd, entomologist, K-State Research and Extension

Source

Raymond Cloyd

785-532-4750
rcloyd@ksu.edu

 

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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.