Wasps: Getting to know them and getting rid of wasp nests

Less hairy and more slender than a bee, a wasp can be recognized by its distinct yellow and black stripes. It can sting multiple times when it feels threatened, unlike a bee, which stings only once before dying.

The search for food is the main reason for their presence near homes. They feed on sugary foods, such as nectar and honeydew, a substance produced by aphids and other insects. They’re also drawn to ripe fruit, meat, and food scraps found in compost bins and garbage cans.

In Quebec, the type of nest varies depending on the wasp species that builds it. Their shape, size, and location can help identify the main varieties found near homes:

• Small open umbrella-shaped nest: About the size of a hand, it often houses 15 to 200 paper wasps, a species that’s generally not very aggressive.
• Hidden nest: Built underground, in a dark spot, or in a cavity, it can house Vespula wasps, which can become more aggressive when they feel threatened.
• Large enclosed nest: Able to house up to 5,000 wasps, this type of nest is often found in eaves, porches, or trees. It can be home to Vespula or Dolichovespula wasps, which tend to be less aggressive.

To limit the presence of wasps near your home, start by reducing what attracts them. A few simple habits can help keep your outdoor living areas more pleasant.

• When eating outdoors, keep food in closed containers. Dispose of food scraps quickly in a sealable garbage can.
• Place natural repellents near your table: citrus fruit studded with cloves, mint plants or bouquets, citronella (as a plant or essential oil), or a small dish of lightly smouldering ground coffee to give off smoke that can keep them away.
• Avoid funnel-shaped traps. Even set away from your table, their bait attracts insects.
• Regularly wash your recycling bin and rinse out wine, juice, or soft drink bottles that could attract wasps. Keep them well away from activity areas, especially those used by children.

Results are mixed. Some sources suggest they can have a deterrent effect in early spring, when queens are looking for a place to build their nest. Fake nests can therefore be used as a complementary measure, but they don’t replace good practices for keeping wasps away.

How you deal with a wasp nest mainly depends on its location and size. If the nest is in a low-traffic area and doesn’t pose a danger, leave it in place. The colony will usually be abandoned in the fall, in November or December. You can then remove the nest and throw it out with the garbage or compost.

If you choose to deal with it yourself, do so with caution, ideally at dusk, when wasps are less active:

• For a single wasp or a very small, accessible nest, mix 1 part dish soap with 3 parts water and spray it on using a spray bottle.
• For a larger nest that’s still accessible, fully cover it with a plastic bag before detaching it, then seal it immediately. Reinforce it with a second bag and submerge the whole thing in a bucket of water. Then poke small holes in the bag to neutralize any remaining wasps.

Tip: To avoid getting stung, wear a long-sleeved sweater, long pants, and a head net.

Ground wasp nests can be harder to spot and carry a higher risk of stings.

• If the nest isn’t causing any problems, leave it in place: It will usually be abandoned in the fall.
• Avoid digging around the nest, pouring gasoline into it, or trying to destroy it yourself.
• Don’t mow the lawn or walk near the nest entrance.

Good to know: No matter where it’s located, a nest discovered in spring is usually smaller and easier to get rid of than one found in late summer.

Call an exterminator if the wasp nest is large, hard to reach, located underground, or near a door, a deck, or a play area. CAA-Quebec’s Residential Advisory Services can recommend a reliable contractor.

The cost of having a wasp nest removed varies depending on several factors: location, size and species of wasp, and accessibility. A nest located near a house or in a hard-to-reach spot may require a more complex procedure. For an exact cost, ask an exterminator for a quote.

Avoid unnecessarily walking near a wasp nest, especially in late summer. If a wasp is circling you or lands on you, avoid any sudden movements. Gently brush it away, since it could sting you if it feels threatened. As well, a crushed wasp releases a chemical alarm signal that “calls” other wasps to come and help.

If you get stung, wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes and avoid scratching. If needed, take an antihistamine or a pain reliever to relieve symptoms. If you experience difficulty breathing, see a doctor.

What to do if your dog gets stung by a wasp

Monitor your dog’s reaction and contact a veterinarian if worrisome signs appear, such as significant swelling, breathing problems, or a sting inside the mouth.

Good to know: CAA-Quebec Home Insurance policyholders can speak with a technician or veterinarian at no cost through The Assistant for pet health.

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