Take Out The Wasps While It Is Easy!

Why Early Intervention is Key for Wasps

Think of a small wasp nest like a minor leak, easy to fix if you catch it early. A larger nest, on the other hand, is like a burst pipe, a much bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive problem.

• Fewer Wasps, Less Risk: A small nest means fewer wasps, which reduces the risk of stings when you attempt removal.
• Easier Access: Smaller nests are often more exposed and haven’t had time to be built into hard-to-reach places like wall voids or attics.
• Less Aggression: Wasps in a smaller colony are generally less defensive and aggressive than those in a well-established, larger nest.
• Eco-Friendly Focus: Addressing nests early often allows for less invasive, more targeted eco-friendly methods.

Identifying Your Calgary Wasps: Yellow Jackets & Bald-Faced Hornets

Here in Calgary, the most common wasps you’ll encounter building nests are:

• Yellow Jacket Wasps: These are perhaps the most well-known, with their distinct yellow and black striped bodies. They often build their nests underground, in wall voids, or in sheltered areas like sheds and attics. Their nests can grow quite large.
• Bald-Faced Hornets: While technically a type of yellow jacket wasp, bald-faced hornets are larger and primarily black with a white face. They construct distinctive, grey, papery, football-shaped nests that are usually suspended from trees or eaves.

Being able to identify the type of wasp can sometimes inform your approach, but the general principles for small nest removal remain similar.

How to Safely Remove Small Wasp Nests

Disclaimer: If you are allergic to wasp stings, or if you feel at all uncomfortable or unsure, do not attempt to remove the nest yourself. Contact a professional eco-friendly pest control service like Grove Eco-friendly Pest Control immediately. Your safety is paramount!

For those who are not allergic and feel brave, here’s how to tackle small wasp nests:

1. Timing is Everything: The best time to approach a wasp nest is at dusk or after dark. Wasps are less active and most of the colony will be inside the nest. Avoid midday when they are out foraging.
2. Gear Up for Safety: Even with a small nest, protection is important. Wear:
   • Thick long-sleeved shirts and pants.
   • Gloves (preferably leather or thick garden gloves).
   • A hat and a face covering (like a scarf or even a clear plastic face shield) to protect your head and face.
3. The “Bag and Snip” Method (for exposed, small nests):
   • This method works well for very small, exposed nests (like those just starting under an eave).
   • Carefully approach the nest.
   • Place a thick, sturdy plastic bag (like a garbage bag) over the entire nest, sealing the opening tightly around its base.
   • Quickly and firmly snip or scrape the nest from its attachment point, ensuring it falls into the bag.
   • Immediately tie the bag shut and double-bag it.
   • Place the sealed bags in an outdoor garbage bin far from your home.
4. Water Hose (for high, inaccessible small nests):
   • If a small nest is just out of reach but still visible, a strong stream of water from a garden hose can sometimes dislodge it. Do this at night.
   • Aim directly at the attachment point to knock the entire nest down.
   • Be prepared for some agitated wasps, so ensure you have a clear escape route.
   • Once the nest is down, you can then deal with it as outlined in the “Bag and Snip” method.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

After dealing with a small wasp nest, take steps to prevent future infestations:

• Seal Entry Points: Repair any cracks, holes, or gaps in your home’s exterior, especially around eaves, vents, and window frames. Wasps love to build nests in sheltered voids.
• Remove Food Sources: Keep outdoor garbage cans sealed, clean up fallen fruit from trees, and cover food when eating outdoors.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically check common wasp nesting spots around your home – under eaves, in sheds, under deck railings, etc. The earlier you spot a new wasp nest, the easier it is to deal with.

By being vigilant and acting quickly when wasp nests are small, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer for your family in Calgary. If you ever feel overwhelmed or the nest is too large to handle yourself, remember that Grove Eco-friendly Pest Control is here to provide safe, effective, and eco-friendly wasp removal services. Don’t let those wasps win – reclaim your outdoor space!