Paper wasps, belonging primarily to the genus Polistes, are common social insects known for constructing distinctive nests from a paper-like material, which they create by mixing chewed wood fibers with saliva. These nests are typically gray or brown and feature an open, umbrella-shaped comb with visible hexagonal cells attached to a single stalk, or petiole, often found under eaves or on tree branches. The objective of removing such a nest without resorting to lethal methods is to safely relocate the colony. This approach recognizes the paper wasp’s ecological role as a predator of garden pests, like caterpillars, and as a pollinator. The success of this humane relocation depends entirely on careful preparation, precise timing, and the use of non-aggressive techniques.
Identifying the Nest and Ideal Timing
Correctly identifying the nest is crucial, as paper wasp nests differ structurally from those of more aggressive species. Yellow jackets typically build concealed nests underground or within wall voids, while hornets construct large, fully enclosed paper structures. In contrast, the paper wasp nest is characterized by its small, exposed comb where the individual brood cells are visible from below.
Timing is the most important factor for a safe, non-lethal outcome. The ideal window for approaching the nest is late evening, after dark, or in the very early morning before sunrise. During these cooler hours, ideally below 50°F (10°C), worker wasps return to the nest and become sluggish and docile due to a reduced metabolic rate. This clustering makes them significantly less likely to fly or sting if disturbed. Attempting removal during the day, when workers are actively foraging, would result in a swarm of agitated wasps. While early spring offers the lowest risk, humane relocation can be performed on a mature nest by strictly adhering to these inactive hours.
Personal Safety Gear and Precautions
Before approaching any active paper wasp nest, the operator must be fully protected to prevent stings. A full-body suit is recommended, but at a minimum, one should wear thick, long-sleeved clothing, such as a heavy jacket and pants, with all cuffs sealed using tape or rubber bands to prevent entry. The head and neck must be shielded by a beekeeper’s veil or a tightly secured hat and scarf, as wasps tend to target the face.
Goggles or safety glasses are necessary to protect the eyes from any defensive spray or accidental contact. Thick leather gloves or specialized beekeeping gloves should be worn, covering the wrists and extending over the jacket sleeves. Moving slowly, quietly, and deliberately is a non-physical precaution, as sudden movements or vibrations can signal a threat, triggering a defensive response from the colony. It is also advisable to have a clear escape route planned and to inform someone else of the removal attempt’s time and location.
Methods for Humane Relocation
Non-lethal removal involves either encouraging the wasps to abandon the site or physically relocating the entire nest. For a non-physical approach, wasps are highly sensitive to certain scents that make a nesting location undesirable. Applying non-toxic, strong-smelling essential oils, such as peppermint, spearmint, or citronella, to the immediate area surrounding the nest attachment point can encourage the colony to leave.
Physical Relocation
The primary method for physical removal is to wait until the wasps are clustered and docile during the cool, dark hours. The most effective tool is a large, clear, sealable container, such as a plastic bin or jar, which can be carefully placed over the entire nest. The container should be gently maneuvered to separate the petiole, the stalk connecting the nest to the structure, using a long, thin tool like a spatula or putty knife.
Once the nest is inside the container, the lid must be secured immediately to trap both the comb and the clustered wasps. The container should have small, pre-drilled ventilation holes covered with fine mesh to allow air exchange without letting the wasps escape. The entire sealed container must then be transported at least one to two miles away from the initial location. This distance is necessary because paper wasps, like many social insects, possess a strong homing instinct and will attempt to return to their original site if relocated too close. The chosen relocation site should be a protected area, such as a wooded edge or an outbuilding, far from human activity, where the container can be opened to allow the wasps to re-establish their colony naturally.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
After a successful humane relocation, steps must be taken to ensure the wasps do not return to build a new nest in the same spot or nearby. The most effective long-term deterrent is to eliminate the sheltered spaces that paper wasps prefer for nesting. This involves sealing all structural gaps, cracks, and crevices in eaves, soffits, and around window frames with caulk or expanding foam.
Hanging a decoy wasp nest, often made of paper or fabric, in the previous nesting location can trick a scouting queen into believing the territory is already claimed by a rival colony. Paper wasps are territorial and will typically avoid building a new nest within about 200 feet of an existing one. This visual deterrent can be highly effective, particularly in the early spring when queens are actively searching for new sites.
Regularly applying natural deterrents to the former nest site and surrounding areas also helps to maintain the area’s undesirability. A spray mixture of water and a few drops of strong essential oils, such as lemongrass or clove, can be misted onto overhangs and porch ceilings. The lingering scent repels the wasps and discourages the queen from initiating a new paper comb.