Relocating a wasp nest without causing harm is a specialized and potentially hazardous undertaking, often chosen by individuals concerned with the ecological role of these insects. Wasps are predators and occasional pollinators, contributing to the natural control of many garden pests, making their preservation a worthwhile goal when possible. This non-lethal method focuses on moving the entire colony, including the queen and brood, to a location far enough away that the wasps will not immediately return to the original site. Attempting this task requires careful preparation, an understanding of wasp behavior, and respect for the insects’ defensive nature. Successful humane removal depends on correctly identifying the species and assessing the nest’s accessibility and size.
Identifying the Wasp Species and Nest Type
The possibility of successful, non-lethal relocation depends on accurately identifying the species that built the nest. Three common types of social wasps frequently build nests near human dwellings: Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Hornets. Paper Wasps construct small, open, umbrella-shaped nests, often found hanging from eaves or porch ceilings, and the comb cells are typically visible from below. These nests are generally the most manageable for a humane relocation attempt, especially when they are newly established and small in size.
Yellow Jackets are compact and stocky, known for building large, fully enclosed nests concealed within cavities. These nests are commonly located underground in old rodent burrows or inside wall voids, which makes them highly difficult and dangerous to access for relocation. Hornets, such as the Bald-faced Hornet, create large, enclosed, football-shaped paper nests that hang in trees or on structures. Like Yellow Jackets, their colonies are large and their defensive behavior is intense, rendering humane DIY relocation virtually impossible and extremely risky.
Assessing the Practicality of DIY Relocation
Before attempting to physically move a nest, a rigorous assessment of the risks and practicality is necessary to ensure safety. Only small, exposed Paper Wasp nests, typically smaller than a baseball, should be considered for DIY relocation. Any nest that is subterranean, concealed within a structure, or larger than a grapefruit requires the expertise of a professional pest control service specializing in live removal.
The procedure must be timed for late evening or very early morning, as these are the hours when the entire colony is inside the nest and the wasps are at their most docile state due to cooler temperatures. Full protective gear is mandatory, including a thick bee suit, gloves, and a veil, as disturbed wasps will sting to defend their home. The inherent danger of multiple stings, especially to individuals with known allergies, means that any uncertainty about safety should immediately lead to abandoning the DIY effort.
Humane Relocation Strategies
Physical Removal
For small, exposed Paper Wasp nests, physical relocation involves capturing the entire colony intact and transporting it a significant distance away. The goal is to separate the nest from its attachment point without damaging the delicate paper structure. This is achieved by gently covering the nest with a plastic container and sliding a piece of stiff cardboard or thin plastic between the nest and the surface to detach the small pedicel, or stalk, it hangs from.
Once secured, the nest must be transported at least two to three miles from the original site to prevent foraging wasps from returning to the former location. Upon arrival at the new, undisturbed location, the container should be placed on a secure surface and carefully opened to allow the colony to reorient itself. This physical removal is generally the most direct method for small, accessible nests, but it carries the highest risk of provoking a defensive swarm.
Non-Contact Methods
Non-contact encouragement methods can sometimes prompt a colony to abandon an undesirable location naturally. Applying a fine mist of water to the nest area over several days may encourage wasps to relocate, as they prefer a dry environment for their paper nests. Certain scents are also known to be disliked by wasps; applying a mild repellent, such as a solution containing peppermint oil, near the nest entrance may encourage the queen to seek a more secluded spot. This approach is less immediate than physical removal, but it reduces the direct risk to the person. For Yellow Jackets or Hornets, non-lethal attempts are generally limited to non-contact encouragement or hiring a specialized professional.
Discouraging Future Nest Building
After a nest has been successfully relocated or the wasps have moved on, taking preventative steps is the most effective long-term solution. Wasps are territorial, and a simple, non-toxic strategy is to hang a decoy nest, such as a blown-up brown paper bag, near the spot where a new nest might be started. This visual deterrent tricks a scouting queen into believing the territory is already claimed by a rival colony, leading her to nest elsewhere.
Eliminating attractants discourages new colonies from forming near the home. Wasps are drawn to sweet substances and protein, so ensure all outdoor garbage bins have tight-fitting lids. Fallen fruit beneath trees should be raked up promptly, and pet food should not be left outdoors, especially during late summer when wasps focus on scavenging.
Sealing potential entry points prevents wasps from building concealed nests inside structures. Inspecting and sealing cracks, crevices, and vents around the home’s exterior with caulk or mesh prevents queens from finding protected voids to begin a new colony in the spring. Planting herbs with strong aromas, such as mint, basil, or lemon balm, near outdoor seating areas can also create an unappealing environment.