Can you tell me how to get rid of yellow jackets nesting on the porch? I want to kill these wasps without getting stung, then I want them to stay away from my house. Thank you for your help.
Judi Robertson, El Paso
Wasps are definitely a nuisance, especially if they make their home right by yours. Accordingly, here is an article that shows you how to get rid of yellow jackets and keep them out of your yard: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-keep-yellow-jackets-away/. Now let’s go over the highlights so you can get started removing these pests right away.
First, I have to tell you that it can be quite dangerous to take on wasp nest removal by yourself. It’s really better if you call a professional for killing yellow jackets, as they can be quite aggressive if disturbed. Always call a pro or a dependable friend to take care of this task for you if you are allergic to bees.
But if you prefer trying these steps, be sure to wear protective clothing and plan out an escape route. And, try these methods at night since the yellow jackets are slower to react in the dark.
Next, you have a few choices as to how to handle nest removal. You can smoke them out using a barbeque grill placed below them and letting the smoke slow and kill them. Knock down the nest with a long stick. Spray any remaining yellow jackets with a solution of dish soap and warm water.
Otherwise, you can carefully cover the nest with a cloth bag, then submerge the bag in a bucket of water. Be sure to weigh down the bag with something heavy so it stays underwater.
You can also drown the wasps and kill a hornets nest in the ground using soapy water, then boiling water. Again, prepare your route ahead of time to run away quickly, wear long sleeves and pants, and complete this process at night when the insects are not as active.
As you can see, it’s a tricky business to remove a nest. But once it’s gone, you can prevent yellow jackets from coming back. Plant thyme, eucalyptus, lemongrass, pennyroyal, or mint near your house to repel wasps naturally.
Also, it’s easy to make an anti-wasp spray with a few drops of peppermint essential oil in water. Spritz areas where wasps tend to gather, like near your porch or patio and in the eaves of the house. Keep a bottle on hand when you are outside, just in case.
These are all natural repellents that won’t poison you or beneficial insects. I hope you stay safe and wasp-free in the future.
Joan