Get Rid of a Wasp Nest in Shed

Wasps are common visitors in sheds in Toronto, especially during the late part of the year when the queen is getting ready to hibernate. During winter, queens find sheds to be irresistible for hibernation, making them the perfect spot for a nest in spring.

The most common type of wasps that build their nests in sheds is the Vespula Germanica. They are known for building huge nests in sheds that are a potential sting threat to anyone close by. Wasps love building their nests in sheds for one reason; they are easy to enter. Also, they are less likely to be disturbed in the shed, and the warm and sunlight in the shed offer perfect conditions for brooding.

Are wasps in sheds dangerous?

Most times, a wasp in a shed will start off discreetly since the queen is normally building the nest alone. A wasp nest that is smaller than an apple can be easily exterminated with a can of wasp killer spray. However, three months later into July, your wasp nest will have grown in number and could contain about 3000 wasps. A wasp nest in a shed that has been built close to the door is dangerous. As the colony grows, the wasps will extend their wasp nest to the shed door, when it is opened, you could split or disturb the nest, and they will swarm you.  While most of the wasp nests in a shed are built to the ceiling, they often have a habit of building nests inside stored items, making it a great challenge to use your shed.

Get rid of wasp in the shed

The best possible way to get rid of wasps in the shed is prevention. Wasps often buzz in and out of people’s sheds and will often decide to form nests in any opportune spots herein. It’s important to keep away any unwanted food, clear trash and ensure all entry points into your shed are sealed. It’s also important to note that wasps are attracted by sweet smelling fragrances and lotions. Check for broken structures, and repair them, these are usually ideal locations for wasp nests in your shed.

If you are currently dealing with a wasp nest and you want to get rid of it, make sure you have some protective equipment, first. Wasps will sting when they feel threatened. Get some gardening gloves, pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a net to cover your head. You should also plan to get rid of the nest when it is dark out because that is when all the wasps will be inside.

Purchase an insecticide from your local hardware store or pest control expert, and make sure that it is formulated for wasps specifically. Wait until dark, then put on your protective clothing and spray the nest with the insecticide. If the nest is hard to reach, do not use a ladder and call a pest control company instead. Be generous with your spray and leave the nest alone.

The insecticide you used will continue to work after you applied it, so give the process a few days to work. If you feel that the wasps survived, repeat the process after a few days. You can knock the nest down after a few weeks of inactivity, or in the fall when the temperature drops. Be carefully that you do not knock it down prematurely because it will anger the wasps that are inside. For removal you can count on, call a pest control company like The Exterminators.

How to Get Rid of Small Wasp Nest in Shed

Wasp nests grow with time, so if there is a small on in your shed, it will probably get worse. Wasps build their nests in the spring, which begin at the size of a golf ball. Then, as the hive grows larger, the nest will expand. If the nest on your property is small, it is unlikely that you are dealing with a different species. You simply have a wasp nest on your hands that is getting larger with time.

To get rid of a small nest, approach it the same way you would a large one. Wear protective clothing and wait until nightfall before applying any pesticides. The wasps will be inside the nest while it is dark. Use one that is designed specifically for wasps and follow its instructions carefully. Spray the product generously onto the nest and wait a few days for it to work.

Resist the temptation to remove the nest immediately. There may still be wasps inside and removing the nest will anger them. Angry wasps will not hesitate to sting you. Reapply the insecticide after a day, if you suspect that the wasps are still alive. Then, wait until wasp activity stops. You can then leave the nest where it is or scrape it off. If you’re still unsure, wait until the temperature freezes outside. Wasps generally do not survive the winter.

Keep in mind that professionals will happily get rid of a wasp nest for you, no matter the size. A licensed technician will use high quality pesticides that work well and that will keep wasps from building more nests this season.

Get rid of wasp in a shed by growing repelling plants

You could grow plants around your shed that are known to keep of wasps. This is a cheap and easy way to keep them from attacking your shed and nesting. Plants such as spearmint, eucalyptus, and wormwood serve as natural wasp deterrents. You can grow them in your garden and around your shed. Apart from just chasing away wasps, they give your shed a facelift.

Peppermint oil

Wasps stay away from spearmint; they apparently don’t seem to like any type of mint, this is why peppermint oil can be such an effective oil that can be used to keep them away. Apart from growing this plant around your shed and in your property, you could add a few drops of peppermint in a cotton ball and place it in strategic places.

Pesticides

This is perhaps the most preferential and quickest means of getting rid of wasps in a shed. It’s important that you seek the help of a professional before embarking on this task. If you are going to spray pesticide inside your shed, ensure that the area is off children for at least 24 hours. Clean any remains of the wasp including dead wasps and nest and store them in a sealed plastic bag for disposal.

Keep Wasps Out of Shed

If you want to keep wasps out of the shed, be sure to maintain it on a regular basis. Seal up cracks and holes in the sides of the shed to prevent the insects from getting inside. Make sure that the door is secure. If there is an overhang on the roof of you shed, screw in a mesh or some strings of wire to prevent wasps from building a nest.

Remove old nests from the shed and clean the area to remove scent trails. Scrub it with hot, soapy water or vinegar. Then, try hanging a fake one to deter wasps. You can also hang a wasp trap or two from the overhang to trap any wasps that come exploring the shed. Avoid leaving any food around the shed and store nearby garbage in lidded bins. Wash the bins clean every now and then so they do not smell appealing.

In case all of the above methods fail to work, call in your local wasp removal company and have them help you get rid of a wasp nest in your shed. They have the experience and are in a much better position to help you get rid of wasps in the shed for good.

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