Dealing with wasps in the ground can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of them humanely and prevent them from coming back. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eliminating underground wasp nests.
What Are Ground-Nesting Wasps?
There are a few different species of stinging insects that build nests underground, including yellowjackets, hornets, and solitary wasps Yellowjackets and hornets are social wasps that live in colonies, while solitary wasps live alone
Some of the most common ground-nesting species include:
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Yellowjackets – Black and yellow striped wasps that build paper nests underground. Aggressive when disturbed
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Cicada killer wasps – Large solitary wasps that dig holes in the ground to lay eggs, Generally docile
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Digger wasps – Mostly black solitary wasps that burrow holes in the ground. Not aggressive.
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Hornets – Larger than yellowjackets with brown or black bodies and whitish markings. Highly aggressive.
Ground-nesting wasps dig holes in lawns, fields, or under shrubs and trees to build their nests. The holes may be surrounded by small mounds of dirt that the wasps have excavated. Nests can contain just a single wasp or thousands of wasps depending on the species.
Signs of Underground Wasp Nests
Watch for these common signs that wasps may have built nests on your property:
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Small 1-2 inch holes in the ground surrounded by bare dirt patches or mounds.
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Increased wasp activity low to the ground or wasps flying in and out of holes.
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Dirt pellets the size of peppercorns around holes (a sign of active digging).
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Wasps angrily swarming when the lawn is mowed or the ground is disturbed.
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Dead insects or bits of old nest materials around holes.
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Rapidly increasing number of wasps in areas of the yard.
Finding and treating nests early before they become large colonies is ideal. Be cautious when investigating potential nests sights.
Dangers of Ground Nests
Underground wasp nests pose a few risks:
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Stings – Getting swarmed by stinging insects can cause painful stings and serious injury. People allergic to stings can go into anaphylactic shock.
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Lawn Damage – Extensive underground nests can damage lawn root systems and lead to dead patches.
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Pets and Children – Pets or curious children who unknowingly disturb a nest in the yard could be attacked.
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Structural Damage – Nests built under patios, sheds, or house foundations can damage the structure.
If you discover an underground nest on your property, it’s best to act quickly to get rid of it before the risks above become issues.
How to Get Rid of Ground Wasps Naturally
For small nests, there are several natural ways to get rid of ground wasps without pesticides:
Pour Boiling Water
Boiling water instantly kills wasps on contact. Wait until evening when wasps are dormant in their nest then slowly pour boiling water directly into entry holes. This works best for controlling nests with just a few entry points.
Use Insecticidal Dust
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral dust that kills insects by absorbing the oils in their bodies and dehydrating them. Apply a light dusting of DE into nest holes in the evening. The wasps will track the fine dust into the nest which will kill them within 48 hours.
Encourage Predators
Attract birds, spiders, lizards, and other predator insects that feed on wasps. Things like bird houses, nectar plants, and mulch beds provide habitat for natural predators. A diverse ecosystem keeps wasp populations in control.
Deter with Strong Scents
Wasps hate the strong smells of herbs like mint, cloves, garlic, and lavender. Crush some fresh mint leaves and cloves into water to make a natural wasp-repelling spray. Apply liberally around nest holes.
Remove Food Sources
Eliminate anything that attracts wasps like open compost piles, fallen fruit from trees, and garbage cans without tight fitting lids. Cleaning up food debris minimizes what is attracting them to your yard.
Maintain Healthy Lawn
A lush, healthy lawn helps discourage ground nests. Wasps prefer building in dry, bare, sandy patches. Water and fertilize your lawn regularly to make it less inviting for wasps.
How to Remove Established Nests
For larger nests that have become well-established, stronger control measures are needed:
Insecticide Dusts – Products like Sevin dust contain fast-acting ingredients that kill wasps inside the nest within a day. Puff dust into all entry holes using a hand duster. Be sure to follow label directions carefully.
Liquid Insecticide – Liquid insecticides are pushed directly into the nest to eliminate the entire colony. Wait until after dark then use an extension wand to insert the nozzle down into the holes and apply insecticide.
Nest Removal – Using proper protective clothing, you can dig out smaller nests and physically remove them. Completely seal up the hole afterwards so wasps can’t recolonize it.
Professional Extermination – For very large hives with thousands of wasps, your best and safest bet is to hire a licensed exterminator. Professionals have commercial-grade insecticides, proper safety equipment, and the skills to fully eliminate the nest.
Preventing Wasps from Returning
After getting rid of wasps, make sure they don’t come back by taking these proactive steps:
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Seal up any holes and tunnels with cement, soil, or rocks so they can’t re-establish nests.
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Apply residual sprays like fipronil around previous nest sites. This keeps killing wasps for up to 3 months as they return.
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Install low-voltage electroshock devices near old nests. Zappers deter wasps from rebuilding.
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Maintain soil moisture and fill in bare patches in your lawn where wasps like to dig.
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Trim back bushes and vegetation that provide cover for nest sites.
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Keep the yard free of garbage, fallen fruit, and wood piles where wasps congregate.
With diligence and a combination of mechanical, natural and chemical control methods, you can get rid of that annoying underground wasp nest and keep it from returning. Carefully monitor your lawn for signs of fresh digging, be proactive, and act swiftly when you spot early invaders before they proliferate!
Natural Methods to Get Rid of Ground Wasps
Before you decide to eliminate the nest, decide whether its truly necessary. Is the nest in a place that disturbs your garden? Are you at risk of accidentally stepping on the nest? If so, the risks outweigh the benefits for your garden.
However, if youve spotted these dirt piles scattered across your garden, and elimination is the best plan, here are five ways to get rid of ground wasp nests.
To avoid an unwanted run-in with a wasp, take action in the evening or at night. At this time, the wasps are less likely to be active and, therefore, less likely to sting.
Keep your yard moist
Ground wasps prefer dry soil because its easier for them to dig. If you keep your yard moist throughout late spring and early summer, when theyre most likely to nest, you may be able to prevent them from forming nests in your yard.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Jacket / Ground Wasp Nest With ONE STEP!
FAQ
How do you kill wasps in the ground?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, powdery substance that kills ground wasps and other insects.
What time of day do you kill ground wasps?
… out foraging for food when it’s warm, so it’s best to spray nests at cooler times, like early morning, late evening and when the weather dips below 50 degreesJul 18, 2024
How to get rid of yellow jackets in the ground?
- Application: Apply dust insecticides (like carbaryl or permethrin) directly into the nest entrance, preferably when yellow jackets are less active, like early morning or after dark.
- How it works: The dust adheres to the yellow jackets and is carried into the nest, killing the colony.
- Important: Follow the product instructions carefully.
Are ground wasps harmful?
Are Ground Wasps Dangerous? Ground wasps can be considered dangerous due to their aggressive behavior and ability to sting multiple times.