Experts Reveal the Safest Way to Remove a Wasp's Nest

Plus, how to identify the types of wasps you have and prevent them from returning.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:30pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a wasp in shades of neon yellow, orange, and blue, conceptually representing the aggressive and territorial nature of these pests.Wasps may be a common backyard nuisance, but this bold, pop art-inspired illustration captures the aggressive and territorial nature of these stinging insects.Kansas City Today

Wasps can be aggressive and their stings can be painful, so it's important to know how to safely remove a wasp's nest. Experts share the best DIY methods, like using a wasp spray or a soapy water solution, as well as when to call in a professional. They also provide tips on how to identify different types of wasps and prevent them from building nests in your yard.

Why it matters

Wasps can pose a serious threat, especially for those with allergies, so it's crucial to know how to properly and safely remove a nest. Improper removal can lead to multiple stings and put people at risk. This advice helps homeowners address wasp infestations while minimizing danger.

The details

There are two main categories of wasps: social wasps that live in nests together, and solitary wasps that are rarely dangerous. Social wasps like paper wasps, yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets are the most aggressive and likely to sting. Their nests can be found in various locations around the home, from porch ceilings to gutters. Experts recommend using a wasp spray that can be applied from a distance, or a DIY soapy water solution, to treat the nest. Larger nests, like those of bald-faced hornets, are best left to professionals. After treating the nest, it should be removed while wearing protective clothing in case any wasps remain. Cleaning the area can also help prevent wasps from returning.

  • Wasp aggression peaks between August and October.

The players

Alexander Gray

The district manager of the Kansas City–based Trutech Wildlife Service.

Bryan McGee

The grounds manager of pest control for SSC Services for Education, which provides grounds management services for K-12 and higher education institutions across the U.S.

Dan 'The Bug Man' Latini

The owner of Dan Can Home Services in New Jersey, whose main service is pest control.

Joe Malinowski

The vice president of pest management at Pest Authority and Mosquito Authority.

Aldo Ceja

A home expert at Thumbtack.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest concern is the stings. Simply passing too close to a wasp nest can trigger an attack as the pests are very aggressive.”

— Alexander Gray, district manager

“Yellowjackets, especially when they're burrowed in the ground, are usually best left to professionals to treat.”

— Dan 'The Bug Man' Latini, pest control expert

“Because bald-faced hornet nests are so large, and it's not likely you can spray into them, you'll need to call in a professional to get rid of this wasp's nest.”

— Joe Malinowski, vice president of pest management

What’s next

If you discover a large wasp nest between August and October, when their aggression peaks, it's best to call in a professional exterminator to safely remove it.

The takeaway

Properly identifying the type of wasp and the size of the nest is crucial to determining the safest removal method. DIY solutions can work for smaller nests, but larger or more aggressive wasp colonies are best left to the experts to avoid the risk of multiple stings.