Getting rid of a wasp nest quickly and safely

With the onset of warmer weather comes a period of frequent wasp attacks. They are usually attracted by sweet smells, such as jam or ripe fruit. And seeing a single specimen isn't surprising, but when they appear regularly, and in large numbers, it's a serious reason to start searching for a wasp nest. It needs to be eliminated, but it needs to be done properly, and there are plenty of ways to do so.

Where can I find a nest?

Although wasps don't cause much damage in private gardens, and they cause no harm at all in the city, they sometimes attack people without provocation. Wasps aren't difficult to find; they mostly nest in places that are difficult for humans to reach, such as:

• under the house cladding;
• in the attic;
• under the roof;
• in the pipes.

Less commonly, nests can be found in the ground or thickets. They are easy to recognize; they are usually round, gray, and have a hole at the bottom. If you discover a wasp nest in the attic of your home or on your property, you should dispose of it carefully.

A bite may be harmless, but it often causes an allergic reaction. And multiple bites can be life-threatening.

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Methods for eliminating wasp nests

There are folk methods of dealing with wasp nestsMany people simply burn them, dousing them with gasoline first. However, this is quite dangerous, as it can easily start a fire. However, for above-ground nests, this is perhaps the most effective method.

Of the most effective methods fight against wasp nests Three can be distinguished:

1. Using chemicals or poisons. Chemicals are readily available for this purpose, as any insect control product will do. You can seal off a room and introduce poison. This method is also called smoking out. Of course, all safety precautions must be taken, including clearing the room of people and pets. However, this method is not suitable for nests located outdoors. A more effective method is to use a bag. This also requires safety precautions. Wear thick clothing to prevent the wasp from piercing it with its sting, and wear a protective head net. First, carefully pull the bag over the nest and tie it tightly at the base to prevent the wasps from flying away and attacking. Then, make a small hole and introduce the chemical inside. Wait two to three hours for the poison to take effect and kill all the insects. Then, after ensuring there is no buzzing, simply throw the bag away. However, it is more effective and safer to carefully burn it.
   
2. The second method is also effective, but more dangerous, as a mistake will put the wasps into a defensive mode and cause them to attack anything nearby. Fill a suitably sized container with hot water and lower the nest into it. Alternatively, place the container over the nest to avoid disturbing it. For added safety, place a bag over the nest first, as in the first method, but this time poke several very small holes in it. The boiling water will quickly kill all the insects, after which you can safely dispose of it.
3. Using boric acid and bait. This method is completely safe for humans and is also the cheapest. The easiest way is to dilute the acid in sweet water at a rate of 20 grams of boron per half liter of water and leave it in an open container near the nest. The container can be any size, even a simple bowl or plate, as long as it has wide edges. This will give the wasps the best access. You can use not only water but also various sweet fruits, such as melon slices or overripe apples. The principle is the same: pump boric acid into the fruit and leave it near the nest. Unlike other methods, this one takes longer. It will take about seven to nine days to get rid of all the wasps.

To avoid wasps altogether, you should carefully maintain your property. Harvest fruit promptly, before it starts to spoil and attract insects. Also, regularly check attics and outbuildings, keeping them tidy and clean. This is usually enough to protect you from not only these vicious wasps but also many other pests.