subject: Wasps and Safety: It's the Fall That Kills You [print this page] If you have an active wasp nest under the eaves of your home or in another area where the wasps are causing a nuisance, you may decide to go the do-it-yourself route to remove the nest. Most people will suffer only temporary pain from a wasp sting, and you may be willing to take that risk. If you are, keep a couple basic safety issues in mind with aerial nests.
First, you should know that even professionals often get stung in the process of removing wasp nests. Under no circumstances should individuals with wasp allergies or sensitivity attempt to remove a wasp nest. Call a professional exterminator and keep your distance. Period.
Also, while a prepared amateur can remove even a large honey-comb shaped paper wasp nest safely, a large hornet nest really should be left to the pros. Those big grey football-shaped papery nests house large numbers of the highly aggressive hornets. Taking them on will get you stung, probably repeatedly.
Make sure someone knows that you are going to remove a wasp nest. It may be a good idea to have a cell phone with you, and be sure to have some Benadryl or other antihistamines on hand as well.
The most important thing to remember around wasps is to maintain your composure. Move slowly and deliberately. Swatting wildly at wasps and moving quickly will only draw them to you and give them a well-defined target.
Because so many wasp nests are high off the ground, you may very well need to use a ladder to reach the hive to treat or remove the nest. If you use a spray, try to remain on the ground and use an extension pole if necessary to reach the hive. If you do use a ladder, maintaining your composure is especially critical. While even multiple wasp stings are unlikely to kill you, falling off a twenty-foot ladder very well might.
If you are on a ladder and do get stung, remain calm. Again, move slowly and deliberately and descend the ladder safely. Move away from the area, maintaining your composure; the best that you possibly can.
It is important to wear protective clothing and closed-toe shoes when removing a wasp nest. It would be a shame to successfully treat the nest and descend the ladder only to have your feet stung by fallen wasps in their death throes. You may also want to consider wearing gloves (leather is best) as well as a hat or cap to shield your head from any falling wasps. Be sure to position your ladder well to the side of the nest rather than underneath it for that same reason.
Removing wasp nests without an exterminator isn't impossible, but a little planning and taking proper precautions will go a long way to ensuring your success and safety.
