Can You Actually Drown a Wasp Nest? The Surprising Truth

As a homeowner you’ve likely had to deal with wasps nesting on your property at some point. And if you’re like most people, your first instinct was probably to blast those pesky wasps and their papery nests with water from the garden hose. After all, drowning seems like an easy way to get rid of wasps for good right?

Well, not so fast. Drowning a wasp nest may seem logical, but it’s actually pretty ineffective. The truth is, wasps have some clever adaptations that allow them to survive underwater for quite a while.

In this article, we’ll explain why you can’t easily drown a wasp nest and share some safer, more effective ways to remove these unwelcome guests from your yard.

Why Wasps Don’t Drown Easily

To understand why drowning doesn’t work well against wasps, you need to know a bit about their biology. Here are some key reasons why they can withstand water longer than you’d think:

• Waterproof Exoskeletons – A wasp’s outer shell repels water nicely. This allows them to hover above the surface tension for some time.

• Underwater Breathing – Wasp don’t breathe like we do. They have tiny openings called spiracles that allow them to trap oxygen, even while submerged.

• Nest Protection – Their nests have multiple layers of water-resistant paper that take time to soak through. This shelters the inner cells.

• Temporary Swimming – Wasps can use tiny hairs and body movements to trap air pockets around themselves temporarily to “swim.”

So while a quick splash may deter some wasps, it takes quite a while for them to actually drown. And the surviving colony members will be extremely angry after you disrupt their nest!

When Can Drowning Work?

While wasps are well-equipped to handle water. there are a few situations where drowning can be effective

• Underground Nests – Pouring water into ground nests can flood the tunnels and eliminate larvae and queens. Just be ready to seal it off quickly!

• Enclosed Spaces – You may have luck drowning aerial nests inside boxes or other containers by fully submerging them for hours. But escaping wasps will be mad!

• Cool Temperatures – Drowning works better when wasps are sluggish in cooler weather under 55°F. But they can still survive a while underwater.

• After Knockdown Spray – It’s safest to spray nests first with a fast-acting wasp spray, then follow up with water to damage the nest further.

• Against Abandoned Nests – Hose down nests after the colony has died out at season’s end. Check for stragglers first!

Drowning Risks and Precautions

Before you decide to turn the hose on that nuisance wasp nest, keep these warnings in mind:

• Aggressive Response – Soaking a nest will unleash angry, defensive wasps quickly. Always wear protective gear and keep your distance.

• Persistent Stinging – Even saturated wasps can still sting you multiple times and deliver painful venom. Treat them as highly dangerous.

• Electrocution Hazards – Never drown nests near power lines, utility boxes, or other electric sources.

• Possible Escape – Only drown nests you can fully submerge. Wasps will follow water trails back to you if they can escape!

• No Night Vision – Drowning nests after dark seems safer, but makes it harder to detect escaping wasps who will head for any light source.

• Indoor Infestation Risk – Don’t seal waterlogged wasps inside! They will desperately seek any possible indoor exit.

• Missed Wasps – Check the outer nest carefully for any wasps clinging to it before you soak the nest.

When in doubt, call a pest control pro! Improper drowning can make your wasp problem much worse.

More Effective Wasp Nest Removal Methods

Now that you know why drowning is generally ineffective against wasp nests, here are some better ways to get rid of them:

• Dust Insecticides – Dusts containing silica gel or diatomaceous earth will safely dehydrate nests when applied correctly.

• Wasp Sprays – There are several over-the-counter aerosol sprays containing pyrethrins that can kill wasps on contact from a safer distance.

• Vacuuming – Carefully vacuuming nests up after dark when wasps are docile can eliminate many at once, if done properly.

• Nest Removal – Physically removing smaller nests can work if you do it slowly wearing protective clothing.

• Professional Treatment – For large, difficult, or highly active nests, calling a pest control expert may be your safest bet.

Can You Drown Wasp Nests in a Pool?

If your backyard pool has become party central for wasps, you might wonder if holding them underwater will chase them off. While they can survive submerged for a bit, some tips can make your pool less attractive:

• Remove sweet drinks, fruit, and trash that can lure wasps.

• Raise chlorine levels to discourage wasps from drinking pool water.

• Seal gaps in safety covers and fencing where wasps enter easily.

• Install deterrents like fake predators, string lights, or natural repellents.

• Vacuum regularly to eliminate fallen insects that attract more wasps.

Since wasps persist, using combined exclusion and removal methods works better than just drowning. But taking some steps to make your pool less enticing can reduce wasps while protecting other beneficial insects around your yard.

Don’t Attempt Drowning Lightly

While drowning a wasp nest seems like a simple DIY solution, it’s not very effective in most cases. But strategic, careful drowning can help eliminate nests in certain scenarios when combined withexclusion techniques and removal.

Just don’t expect to easily eliminate an active aerial nest by hosing it down in your yard! Handle any nest with extreme care and call in the pros if needed to avoid agonizing stings. With the right precautions, you can reclaim your outdoor space from those pesky wasps.