small wasp nest- how to handle?

[Anonymous]

Its in a bad location- the cover for the power outlet that is on outside our garage and it faces our backyard and garden area. There is a plug in it to power a pump in a pond. So the cover is kind of propped open, thus making it very inviting, apparently.

I would use spray but its in a place that other animals would easily come into contact with. Plus moisture around an open outlet is not the best idea.

I considered taping plastic over it with maybe some boric acid powder. I would have to move quickly.

Any other options? I feel like boric acid is the answer but delivery mechanism is unclear.

[Anonymous]

You don't handle at all. You spray from a safe distance at dusk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't handle at all. You spray from a safe distance at dusk.

Hmm. THat is not possible here. To get under the cover, I _have_ to get close.

[Anonymous]

Call your exterminator. Don't try to do this yourself.

[Anonymous]

If its these guys, call a professional. They will track you down by your breath and sting the s out of you.

[Anonymous]

Call a professional.
I got stung on the arms by a swarm of yellow jackets after accidentally disturbing their nest while gardening. It took two days for the swelling to go down before I could drive. I seriously thought the world was ending during the attack, they were so relentless.
If you are allergic it can be much worse.

[Anonymous]

Water Hose. Done and done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Water Hose. Done and done.

Its exactly over an outlet. Water is not an option.

However, because it is right by a door we can place one good squirt right in there and get back into the house before they have a chance to sting us. And if we do this at dusk as suggested then overnight we are safe.

If it was a bigger nest I would be more inclined to call for help. But when its 1.5 x 1.5 inches it seems expensive given the remedy described.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

If its these guys, call a professional. They will track you down by your breath and sting the s out of you.

No, these are ordinary yellow and black ones.

[Anonymous]

These guys with an umbrella type nest? Paper wasp.

[Anonymous]

OP here: I think so. Its a papery nest like this, only about 1/4 the size.


Against everyones advie I got close to inspect and wrapped the area in cling wrap. So at least now they cant get out. Maybe this will slow them down overnight and I can think of the next step.

I tried to upload a photo but couldnt. Its a very bizarre placement which made what I did easy and possible without harm. But lifting the cover to pull out the plug, THAT would have disturbed them greatly.

[Anonymous]

Well they dont seem to have cared that I did what I did, which is fine by me. I think now that I know they cant get out easily and attack me I may spray around the area where they would try to get out and then they will make contact with the toxins at that time.

Thanks for the dusk time spraying advice! And for all the advice in general.

[Anonymous]

I would wear long pants, socks, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat, and knock the nest off with a long broom handle, very early in the morning.

[Anonymous]

Take one of those extra thick garbage bags (like the ones for yard waste), cover the nest at night (at least 10pm, so that they are dormant), duct tape the edges to the wall. Take a garden spade or other metal implement and smack the nest crushing it. Leave it be. The next night, again around 10pm, take the bag, untape the edges, gather the bag neck together so that there is only a small opening and spray wasp killing spray into the bag, then tie the neck shut. Dump the bag into the trash can for pickup.

[Anonymous]

Paper wasps are not aggressive, in my experience.