How to Kill Wasps

Most people's initial reaction when they see a wasp nest is to figure out how to destroy it. However, it is much better to leave the nest alone whenever possible since wasps are beneficial insects. They feed on other insects that damage trees and crops, as well as  houseflies and blowflies.http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb0643/eb0643PrinterFriendly.pdf Here are a couple of instances when you should do nothing:

1. If you discover a nest in the fall, leave it alone. Wasp colonies only last one year and naturally die off in the fall. Only a newly-produced queen, who leaves the nest in the late summer, survives the winter.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html They will not reuse old nests.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html
2. Avoid nests located away from high traffic areas.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef620.asp As long as you don't disturb the wasps, they will usually not bother you.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html
3. If you are allergic to wasps, be safe and call a pest control company.

Although this page gives specific information on how to deal with the different species of wasps, there are some tips that are good to follow no matter what kind you are dealing with.

1. Find the nest.
2. Identify the species of wasp before deciding how to proceed.
3. Treatment is best done at night when wasps are less active.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef620.asphttp://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html
4. Do not shine a light directly at the nest. Since wasps cannot see the color red, cover your flashlight with red cellophane to prevent wasps from being attracted to the light.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html
5. Wear the right clothes. Long sleeves, pants, socks, shoes and gloves will protect your skin from stings. It's also a good idea to wrap your pant legs so the wasps can't get in.http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-kill-wasps
6. It is best to control wasps in June while the colony is still small.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html
7. Always read the label on pesticides carefully before using and follow the directions exactly.
8. Do not allow children or pets near the treated areas until they are completely dry.
9. Never swat a wasp while it is on your skin, because this can prompt the wasp to sting.
10. Do not seal a wasp nest until you are sure there are no surviving wasps inside.

Paper wasps are about 0.7 to 1.0 inch long.http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/pests/g07391.htm They are slimmer than other wasps with a thin "waist." The paper wasp's color varies depending on the species.

The Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is reddish-orange to dark brown in color.

Some, such as the European or Dominulus Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula or dominulus), have black bodies with bright yellow stripes and spots, which makes them look similar to yellow jackets.http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2077.html

Others are a combination of yellow, black, red and brown.

Paper wasps are more easily distinguished by their nests than their appearance.

1. Paper wasps, like hornets and yellow jackets, construct their nests from a mixture of chewed wood and saliva that resembles paper.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef620.asp
2. Paper wasps typically build open-celled, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, overhangs and ledges.http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/pests/g07391.htm
3. European Paper Wasps will nest in the cavities in the sides of building as well as metal gutters, poles, outdoor grills and similar items.
4. Paper wasps will not reuse old nests but may build nests next to older ones.http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb0643/eb0643PrinterFriendly.pdf
5. European Paper Wasps are more aggressive about defending their nests but will rarely attack until the threat is inches from their nest.http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/EuPaperWasp.html

Paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellow jackets and hornets and should only be eliminated if they have made their nest in an area where they pose a threat.http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/pests/g07391.htm This can be done either by spraying the nest with a high-pressure stream of water or by using a commercial wasp spray.http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg348.html

1. Do not stand directly below the nest as it increases your likelihood of being stung.
2. Wait at least a day to ensure the colony is dead before scraping or knocking down the nest.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef620.asp
3. Nests should be removed to prevent problems with carpet beetles, ants and other insects and to prevent other wasps from building a nest there.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef620.asp
4. Most wasp and hornet aerosol sprays contain pyrethroid, which kills the wasps quickly. Aerosol sprays also have residual activity against wasps to ensure complete elimination of the nest.http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/EuPaperWasp.html
5. If nests are located in voids, treat them by blowing insecticidal dusts into the holes.http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/EuPaperWasp.html

Yellow jackets were originally named after their yellow and black striped body markings. Yellow jackets may appear similar to honey bees, but are smaller, brighter colored and lack a hairy body. However, not all yellowjackets are yellow and black, just as not all yellow and black wasps are yellow jackets. In the United States, yellow jacket species fall into one of three groups:

Wasps in the Vespula vulgaris group are generally considered pests because they have large nests (numbering in the thousands) and like to scavenge meat and sweets. This means they often hang around anywhere people are dining outdoors, such as stadiums, theme parks and picnic areas. Dolichovespula yellow jackets and those in the Vespula rufa group are insectivores and are not scavengers.http://wasps.ucr.edu/waspid.html 

Because yellow jackets are considered beneficial, nests should be left alone if at all possible. If it is necessary to remove the nest, it should be done very carefully. Yellow jackets are extremely aggressive when disturbed. They will attack once they sense poison near their nests, and freeze products are not guaranteed to stop them all. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to call a pest control service (exterminator). You should also consider hiring a professional if you are allergic to wasp stings or if the nest is in a wall void, the attic or some other inaccessible area.

If you decide to treat the nest yourself, here is how to do it:

1. Locate the nest during the day, but treat at night.
2. Spray or pour insecticide directly into the nest entrance.
3. Plug the entrance with insecticide-soaked cotton, if possible.
4. Wait several days before removing the nest.

Please note that even treating after dark and standing well away from the nest may still result in stinging incidents. The entrance of underground nests can be a long way from the nest, and the spray might not be able to reach it. Partially intoxicated wasps are more likely to sting, even if encountered away from their nest.

Yellow Jacket Traps

Yellow jacket traps have not shown to be of any value in reducing the number of yellow jackets.http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/horn-yj.htm