How can I get rid of wasps?
Given their beneficial role in nature, try to tolerate small populations of wasps. Use preventive practices to stop them from becoming intolerable. Learn to tell the difference between harmful social wasps and the solitary ones that are mostly harmless and beneficial.

Prevention
Before wasps become a problem, inspect your yard and home surroundings in early summer, looking for any wasp activity or paper nests taking shape. It is easier to discourage a single queen wasp from establishing too close to your home than handle a full-sized nest later in the season.
Physical control

• Since wasps hunt for high-protein food like insects for their larvae, make sure you don’t leave moist pet food or picnic leftovers in the open.
• Because they are also attracted to sweet food and strong scents, avoid leaving food or drink uncovered when eating outside.
• Don’t wear scented products like perfume and hair spray.
• Keep all garbage covered in tightly closed containers until it can be thrown out.
• Avoid walking barefoot on lawns or other grassy areas, especially in late summer when wasps are more abundant and active.

Traps
You can find different commercial traps at garden centers and department stores. Food bait can be used with these traps to increase their effectiveness. Try to use protein foods (like dog food) instead of sweet foods so that bees are not trapped.
Be aware that there may be more wasp activity around baited traps, so they should not be placed close to play areas or other places of human activity. These traps can be useful in the short term during outdoor events where wasps can be drawn away from food-serving areas.

Nest removal
If the location of the nest does not present a health hazard, it’s best to leave the nest until November or December. Once it has been abandoned, you can remove the nest and dispose of it with little risk.
If the nest must be removed when the wasps are active, it should be done in the evening when wasps are least active. Nest removal can be dangerous and extreme caution must be used because of the risk of attack by a large group of wasps. Although a homeowner (with enough protection) can remove a nest, professional help is recommended.
Depending on the location and structure of the nest, removal can be as simple as enclosing the nest in a plastic bag and detaching the single anchoring stalk from the supporting tree branch or structure. To dispose of the active nest, place in a freezer for at least 48 hours. Remember to always wear protective clothing, including a head net.

Products Important!
If you use a pesticide to control your pest problem, read the label to make sure you are choosing the right product for the right pest. Follow all label directions and warnings carefully. Always look for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number on the label so you know the product has been approved by Health Canada. See Use pesticides safely for more information on using pesticides safely.
Treating the nest with an insecticide is an effective way to control wasps. Spraying after nightfall is recommended because wasps are less active at night. Do not use a light directly on the nest because this will alarm the wasps and increase their activity. Use a red filter over your flashlight to provide visibility without increasing wasp activity. Always wear appropriate protective clothing when using pesticides.

​If you have allergens with any stinging insects. Do not take any risks.
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