Last Updated on March 9, 2023
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of getting stung by a wasp, then you know how painful and irritating they can be. Not only are they painful, but wasps can also be quite dangerous. They’re known to sting humans and animals without provocation, and their stings can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.
If you have a wasp problem, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. Wasps can quickly become a nuisance, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve taken up residence in your home.
Thankfully, getting rid of wasps under your deck is relatively easy with the right tools and knowledge. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get rid of wasps under deck safely and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Wasps under Deck Safely & Effectively?
Wasps are one of the most feared pests because of their ability to sting. Decks are attractive to wasps because they offer a dark, sheltered place to build their nests. However, they’re also fairly hard to get rid of, as they build their nests in hard-to-reach places.
If you have wasps living under your deck, you’ll need to take special care to get rid of them safely and effectively. For the best results in controlling wasps under the deck, you should follow a few steps:
Step 1: Gather Protective Gear and Clothing
In order to safely and effectively eliminate wasps in your deck, you will need to gather some protective gear and clothing. Wasps can be aggressive, and they can sting multiple times, so it’s important to be well-protected before attempting to remove them. You will need a long-sleeved shirt, pants, socks, shoes, and gloves. A hat or other head covering is also a good idea.
It’s also important to have a plan before you begin. Decide where you will start and how you will move through the space. Make sure you have all of the supplies you need within reach so that you don’t have to search for them in the middle of the job. With the right preparation, getting rid of wasps can be a quick and easy process.
Step 2: Inspect the area
Now that you have gathered the necessary protective gear and clothing, it is time to inspect the area for wasps. This will give you a better understanding of the scope of the problem and allow you to develop a plan of attack. Make sure you re-check protection when inspecting the nest. In addition, keep a can of wasp spray on hand in case you need to defend yourself.
First, check out the size of the nest. If it’s small, you may be able to remove it yourself with some wasp spray. But if the nest is large or located in a difficult-to-reach spot, it’s best to call a professional. Second, identify the type of wasp that’s nesting under your deck. This will help you determine the best way to get rid of it.
You must take special precautions to avoid harming honeybees, for example. Finally, make sure there are no other nests nearby. If there are, you’ll need to treat them as well.
Step 3: Choose your method of removal
The moment you have inspected the nest and surrounding area, it is time to decide how to remove it. There are a few different methods you can use to remove wasps from under your deck, and the best option for you will depend on how big the nest is and the number of wasps present.
If the nest is small and there are only a few wasps, you might be able to simply brush them away with a broom or vacuum them up with a handheld vacuum. A larger nest may require an insecticide spray or dust to kill the wasps. Be sure to read and follow the label directions carefully when using any pesticide products.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to act quickly when you have wasps under your deck. Otherwise, they will continue to build their nest and make your life miserable.
Step 4: Take Actions for Each Type of Wasp
Once you have identified the type of wasp present, you can take specific actions for that species.
For example, if you have a paper wasp, you can try to remove the nest at night when they are less active. Use a flashlight to find the nest and then use a long pole to knock it down. The nest may not be large, but it is possible for you to vacuum it up.
Use Vacuum for Smaller Types of Wasp:
If you have a small number of wasps under your deck, then you can get rid of them using a vacuum cleaner. First, check to make sure that the vacuum hose is securely attached to the vacuum cleaner.
Then, put on a pair of gloves and place the vacuum cleaner nozzle over the opening where the wasps are entering and exiting. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and wait for the wasps to be sucked into the hose.
Once all of the wasps have been removed, seal the opening with tape or caulk to prevent more from getting in.
Use an Insecticide for Larger Types of Wasp:
If the nest is larger, you may need to use an insecticide to kill the wasps. Any pesticide product should be read and followed according to the directions on the label. There are a variety of insecticide sprays and dust available to kill wasps. Choose one that is specifically labeled for wasps.
To do this, you will need to purchase a peroxide and a pump sprayer. Read the instructions on the back of the container before using the spray. Once you have mixed the correct amount of insecticide, pump the sprayer a few times to get the correct amount of pressure. Aim the nozzle at the wasp nest and spray liberally. The wasps should die within minutes.
Use Soapy Water for Carpenter Bees:
If you have carpenter bees, mix a solution of one part dish soap with ten parts water. Fill a pump sprayer with the solution and spray the bees whenever you see them. The soap will kill the bees in contact. You can also use a sponge to apply the soapy water to the nest opening. This will kill any bees inside of the nest as well.
Step 5: Take Action to Prevent Future Infestations
Once you have removed the wasps from under your deck, take steps to prevent future infestations. Preventing future wasp infestations is vital to keeping your deck (and your yard) wasp-free. There are a few things you can do to discourage Wasps from taking up residence under your deck:
- Trim back any overhanging branches or bushes near the deck. Wasps love dark, sheltered spots, and by reducing the amount of cover near the deck you make it less attractive to them.
- Keep your deck clean and free of food debris. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells, so if you’re eating on the deck make sure to clean up afterward. Even crumbs can attract wasps looking for a meal.
- You can also try using wasp traps. These can be purchased commercially or made at home, and they work by luring Wasps in with a sweet scent and then trapping them inside. Placing a few traps near the deck can help to reduce the number of Wasps in the area.
- Be sure to seal up any cracks or holes in the deck. Wasps can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces, so it’s important that you seal any openings that they can get through.
By taking these simple steps, you can deter Wasps from setting up shop under your deck and enjoy your outdoor space worry-free.
Understand Why Wasps Build Nests under Decks
Most people think of wasps as pests, and for good reason. They can be aggressive, and their stings can be painful. However, wasps are also important pollinators, and they play a vital role in many ecosystems. So, why do they build nests under decks?
It turns out that wasps are attracted to the same features that make decks appealing to humans. Decks are typically built in shady, sheltered spots that offer protection from the elements. This makes them ideal locations for wasps to build their nests. In addition, decks are often made of wood, which provides the perfect material for wasps to construct their nests.
As you can see, there are a number of reasons for wasps to build nests under decks. Understanding these reasons can help you coexist peacefully with these important insects.
Identify Signs That There Is a Wasp Nest under Your Deck
When you have wasp problems, it’s likely that you have a nest on your property. Though wasps will build their nests just about anywhere, they are especially fond of dark, secluded places like under decks. If you think you may have a nest at your home, there are a few signs to look for.
First, check for piles of wood shavings or other debris. This is a telltale sign that wasps are present. Second, listen to the sound of buzzing. Wasps are very active, and their nests can be quite loud. Finally, take a look at the entry points to your deck.
Wasps typically build their nests near doorways or windows, so if you see wasps flying in and out of a particular area, it’s likely that there is a nest nearby. If you find any of these signs, it’s time to take action.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get rid of wasps under deck, you can rest easy knowing that your family and friends are safe from these pests. The most important thing is to be vigilant and take action as soon as you see wasps near your home. Remember to keep an eye out for their nests and destroy them as quickly as possible.
With a little effort, you can keep your outdoor space free of wasps and enjoy your summertime activities without worry. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you have found the information you were looking for.
