How To Get Rid Of Wasps In Trees

If you’ve noticed a buzzing cloud around a tree in your yard, you’re likely dealing with a wasp nest and wondering how to get rid of wasps in trees. This common problem needs a careful approach to ensure everyone’s safety, including your own. The good news is that with the right knowledge and timing, you can remove these stinging insects effectively. This guide will walk you through safe, practical methods to reclaim your outdoor space.

First, let’s talk about why wasps choose trees. Trees offer excellent shelter and anchoring points for nests. The branches provide protection from rain and some predators. Wasps also have easy access to materials like chewed wood fiber for building their papery homes. Understanding this helps us choose the best removal strategy.

Before you take any action, proper preparation is the key to a safe removal. Rushing in can lead to painful stings and a failed attempt.

Step 1: Identify the Wasps and Assess the Nest

Not all wasps are equally aggressive, and nest sizes vary greatly. Take time to observe from a safe distance.

Paper Wasps: Build open, umbrella-shaped nests often under branches. They are less aggressive but will defend their nest.
Yellowjackets: Build enclosed, football-shaped nests, often in tree cavities or hanging from branches. They are highly defensive.
Hornets: Build large, enclosed, pear-shaped nests, usually high in trees. They can be very aggressive.

Note the nest’s size, location, and the wasps’ flight path. A small, early-season nest is much easier to handle than a large, established one in late summer.

Step 2: Gather Your Safety Gear

Never attempt removal without proper protection. A single sting can be dangerous for those with allergies.

Wear thick, long-sleeved clothing, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes.
Tuck pants into socks and sleeves into gloves.
Use a bee veil or hat with a mesh face guard.
Have an escape route planned to a sealed building or vehicle.

Step 3: Choose the Right Time

Timing is everything. Wasps are least active and most of the colony is present at night. Dusk or just before dawn is ideal. Avoid windy or rainy days, as this can make spray applications less effective and wasps more irritable. Cooler temperatures also slow them down.

Step 4: Select Your Removal Method

The best method depends on the nest type, its location, and your comfort level. Here are the most effective options.

Using Commercial Wasp Spray

This is a common method for accessible, hanging nests. Look for sprays that shoot a jet stream up to 20 feet.

Read the product label carefully before you begin.
Approach the nest quietly at night with a flashlight covered in red cellophane (wasps see red light poorly).
Shake the can and spray the nest entrance thoroughly from a safe distance, saturating it.
Leave the area immediately and wait at least 24 hours before checking the nest. Do not disturb it during this time.
Once no activity is seen for a day, knock down the nest with a long pole and dispose of it in a sealed bag.

Dust Insecticides for Cavity Nests

If the nest is inside a tree hollow, spray may not reach the queen. An insecticidal dust is better.

Products like carbaryl or diatomaceous earth dust can be puffed into the entrance hole at night.
The wasps track the dust into the nest, gradually eliminating the colony.
This method works slower but is very effective for hidden nests. You’ll need to seal the hole after confirmed elimination to prevent re-use.

The Soap and Water Solution

For smaller, more accessible nests, a simple mixture can suffocate wasps. This is a more natural approach but requires you to be closer to the nest.

Mix a generous amount of liquid dish soap with water in a hose-end sprayer or large spray bottle.
At night, thoroughly drench the nest. The soap coats their wings and bodies, preventing them from flying and blocking their breathing pores.
The nest should drop or can be removed after confirming all wasps are dead.

Trapping to Reduce Numbers

Traps don’t remove an active nest but can help control wandering foragers and prevent new queens from establishing nearby. Place commercial or homemade traps (using sugar water or meat as bait) at the perimeter of your yard, away from gathering areas.

Step 5: Prevent Future Nests

After removal, take steps to discourage wasps from returning next season.

In early spring, conduct regular inspections of tree branches, eaves, and sheds.
Knock down any tiny, starter nests you see (they are usually the size of a golf ball) during the day when the queen is out foraging.
Seal potential nesting cavities in trees with caulk or expanding foam after ensuring they are empty.
Keep trash cans tightly sealed and avoid leaving fallen fruit from trees on the ground.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

Your safety is paramount. Call a pro if:

The nest is extremely large or has been active for months.
It’s located dangerously high in a tree or near a main doorway.
You or a family member is allergic to stings.
You are unsure of the wasp species (some, like bald-faced hornets, are particularly aggressive).
Your initial removal attempt was unsuccessful.

Professionals have the equipment, experience, and stronger insecticides to handle difficult situations safely. The cost is worth the peace of mind.

Natural Deterrents and Myths

Some gardeners prefer to try natural repellents first. While results can vary, these options may help deter wasps from building in specific spots.

Hang a fake wasp nest. Wasps are territorial and may avoid areas they think are already colonized.
Plant repellent herbs like spearmint, thyme, and eucalyptus near sitting areas.
Avoid using strong floral or sweet perfumes and lotions when spending time in the yard.

Be wary of common myths. “Burning the nest” is extremely dangerous and can cause wildfires. “Knocking it down with a stick” will only anger the colony. There’s no instant, completely passive solution for an established nest.

What to Do If You Get Stung

Even with precautions, stings can happen. Here’s how to respond:

Move away from the nest area calmly but quickly.
Scrape the stinger out sideways with a fingernail or credit card if present (wasps can sting repeatedly, but sometimes the stinger gets lodged).
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain.
Use antihistamine cream or take an oral antihistamine for itching.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. Multiple stings (dozens or more) also warrant a call to a doctor.

FAQs on Wasp Removal in Trees

What time of year is best for removing a wasp nest?

Early spring or late summer is ideal. In spring, nests are small with just the queen. In late summer, after the first hard frost, the colony dies naturally except for new queens, making removal safer. Avoid mid-summer when colonies are at their peak strength.

Will wasps return to the same nest every year?

No, wasps do not reuse old nests. However, new queens may be attracted to the same favorable location. That’s why its important to remove the old nest and seal cavities to discourage new construction.

Are wasps beneficial for anything?

Yes, they are important predators of many garden pests like caterpillars and flies. If a nest is out of the way and not a threat, consider leaving it be until the colony dies in the fall. They provide free pest control.

What’s the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets?

Bees are fuzzy, vegetarian pollinators that usually only sting once. Wasps and hornets have smooth, slender bodies, are carnivorous or scavengers, and can sting repeatedly. Hornets are a specific type of social wasp, often larger and more aggressive.

Can I just plug the hole to a nest in a tree?

Never seal an active nest entrance. The wasps will find or chew another way out, often into your home’s interior if the tree is near a structure. This can create a much more dangerous situation. Always eliminate the colony first.

Dealing with wasps in trees requires a blend of courage, caution, and the right technique. By correctly identifying the problem, gearing up properly, and choosing a method suited to the nest, you can solve it. Remember, there is no shame in calling a professional for help with a large or dangerous infestation. Your goal is a safe yard for you, your family, and your pets to enjoy all season long. With these steps, you can manage the situation effectively and prevent future problems.