Do You Have Wasps Under Your Deck? Wasps are a major problem in the summertime… They love to nest around our homes and sting us when we are not looking… It is annoying when we are trying to enjoy the yard or even worse when we are grilling or cooking on the back porch… It is even more dangerous if you have children who are allergic to wasps, bees, hornets, or other stinging insects.
These pesky insects can be quite annoying, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in your yard or garden. They tend to build their nests under the eaves of your house, in the basement and garage, or even in water meters and birdhouses.
If you’re tired of being chased by these pests, it’s time to do something about them… Wait until nighttime before starting work on getting rid of the wasp nest under your deck.
This is when they’re most docile and less likely to attack you, so your risk of getting stung is much lower than it would be during the day.
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10 Ways to Get Rid of Wasp Nest Under Your Deck
Wasps tend to build their nests in sheltered places away from the wind and rain, so if your deck has a hollow space under it, you might find that it’s become home to a nest of wasps.
If you have children or pets who play under the deck, it would be best to get rid of the nest as soon as possible. But why spend money on pesticides when there’s a simple solution that doesn’t involve chemicals?
1. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With Soap and Water
Dish soap and water is a simple solution to get rid of a wasps nest under your deck… Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle, and spray the mixture directly onto the nest at night… This will help kill the wasps… According to this article, it works well with everything but hornets.
You need a soapy water solution for this purpose… It needs a little preparation but it’s easy… You only need dishwashing liquid and water for the solution.
The dishwashing liquid is designed to break the surface tension of water, which will make the wasps drown in the solution.
- Prepare warm water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of liquid dish soap to it… Now your mixture is ready to be sprayed on those nests.
- Close all the doors and windows in your house because when you start spraying them on the nest, they will become angry and try to attack you… Keep yourself safe from any possible danger.
- Once everything is secured, start spraying them on the nest until you see them foaming up which means that they are dying one by one.
- If necessary, repeat the process until there is nothing left of them.
Spray the mixture directly on the nest, ensuring that you cover every part of it… The solution needs to get deep into the nest for it to be effective.
Spray it at night when most of them are at home, and it is dark outside so that they cannot see you coming… This is because most bees are very aggressive in daylight hours, and they will attack if they sense danger.
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2. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With Vinegar and Water
Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray the mixture directly on the nest at night… In addition to killing the wasp, the smell should deter any new ones from building another nest on your deck.
To make a mixture of vinegar and water, simply mix equal parts of each together in a bucket or container… Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then spray on the area where you see wasps gathering (under your deck).
You can also use vinegar as a natural way to clean your deck after removing the wasps… Simply wash your deck with a mixture of vinegar and water… This will help to remove any dead wasps that may have fallen off after being sprayed with the mixture!
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3. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With Milk Jug Trap
You can also use a milk jug trap to get rid of the wasp nest under the deck… Fill a milk jug with water and sugar, then place it near the nest… Wasps will be attracted to the sugar and go into the jug… Once they are inside the jug they will fall into the water and drown.
Then you can dispose of them by throwing away the milk jug contents in a trash bag or burying them under the soil so that other wasps could not find them back to their location.
Leave the trap outside overnight so that wasps can find it easily in the morning… The sweet smell coming from inside will attract them and they will enter through the funnel hole and drown in your trap!
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4. How To Get Rid Of Wasps By Drowning Them In a Water Bucket
This is similar to a milk jug trap, but for this, you don’t have to make any trap, just keep a bucket full of water near the wasp nest under the deck or hole where they come from time to time.
Using Boiling Water On Wasp Nest Under Deck
Pouring boiling water on a wasp nest under the deck is an easy way to get rid of it… While this method is effective, you will have to take care while pouring the boiling water as it may splash back on you… Be sure to wear protective clothing before doing this.
Make sure you are out of range of the wasps before pouring the boiling water… This method is perfect for getting rid of mud dauber nests, which are easy to spot.
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5. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With Powdered Sugar and Boric Acid
This method involves mixing powdered sugar with boric acid powder and then sprinkling it over the nest entrance at night… The sugar attracts worker wasps, they consume the sugar which will lead them to die within a few days of ingesting it.
That’s because when it comes into contact with a wasp nest, the sugar sticks to the surface of the nest and prevents the wasps from getting out.
The powder sugar attracts the wasps and boric acid is a natural insecticide that can kill them when they ingest it.
Mix three parts powdered sugar and one part boric acid in a bowl… If you want, add a little water to make the mixture a little bit more liquid so that you can use a syringe or spray bottle to dispense it onto your wasps’ nests.
Spray or squirt the mixture onto an active wasp nest… Do it at night when they are less active and it will be easier to get rid of them… Also, cover up as much of your skin as possible to avoid getting stung.
So if there are any nests on your property that have been built recently or that have not yet hatched their young, you can use powdered sugar on them to prevent them from getting any bigger before they hatch.
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6. How To Get Rid Of Wasps By Spraying Them From Afar Using A Hose
You can make your own spray by filling a tank sprayer with water and insecticide concentrate, or you can buy an aerosol sprayer specifically made for killing wasps and hornet’s nests from afar… Fill it up with water and insecticide concentrate, then spray the nest when you see wasps coming in or out of the nest entrance.
This method is simple and effective because the water removes the wax coating on the wasp’s wings that helps it fly, thereby preventing it from flying away after being sprayed… The method also makes it impossible for humans to get close enough to the hive to be stung by an angry wasp.
To use this method, homeowners must first locate the nest early in the morning or after dark when most of its inhabitants are home and asleep… Next, they must turn on a garden hose with strong water pressure and direct its flow at the nest for about five seconds until the nest falls apart.
The homeowner should then leave the area immediately because the wasps will be looking for a place to rebuild their nests after becoming soaked in water.
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7. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized algae and can be used for a variety of things around the house. It is also an effective way of getting rid of wasps naturally… Just sprinkle DE around your deck or where the nest is located, it will kill the wasps as they walk through it.
Diatomaceous earth is one of the most versatile pest control tools, and many people are not aware of it… It is a naturally occurring substance that is mined from the earth and made up of fossilized algae-like plants called diatoms.
It works by scratching the exoskeletons off of insects and absorbing their body fluids but is completely harmless to humans, pets, and beneficial insects such as honeybees.
Diatomaceous earth is available in a variety of grades for use in many different applications… Two of these grades are food-grade, which can be used around fruits and vegetables… A third grade called pool grade diatomaceous earth is used to filter swimming pools — but it should not be used in gardens or on pets because it has been heated at high temperatures and has added crystalline silica.
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8. How To Get Rid Of Wasps Under The Deck With Peppermint Oil
One of the natural ways to get rid of wasps is by using peppermint oil for your deck railing posts, joinery, and beams… It has a strong minty smell which will discourage wasps from nesting in these places.
Peppermint oil is an excellent way to get rid of wasps because they hate the smell of it… You can mix peppermint oil with water or simply add essential peppermint oil to your soapy water mixture and put it into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the nest.
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9. How To Get Rid Of Wasps With A Shop-Vac
The shop-vac method seems to be the most popular way of removing wasp nests under your deck… The idea is that you attach an extension hose to your shop vac and stick it into the opening where the wasp nest is located.
Then turn on your shop vac on high speed and suck up those pesky insects that are trying to ruin your summer BBQs. How to Keep Horse Flies Away from Your Pool (12 Options)
Here’s what to do:
Set up your shop vac next to the wasp nest… I usually put mine on the highest setting so it sucks in as much air as possible… This also has the effect of creating a strong air current which makes it harder for stray wasps to approach (they don’t like flying into heavy winds).
Next, fire up the hose attachment on your shop vac and get ready to suck up some bugs!
Take aim and start sucking those suckers right off the wall! The more wasps you catch, the easier it gets because they won’t be able to fly away as easily… Keep at it until they’re all gone… And if you have a few survivors, well you can get them with a fly swatter later.
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10. Using Wasp Spray To Get Rid Of Wasps Under Deck
Wasp spray can be used directly on a wasp nest or used around areas where you see them flying around. Some people have reported that spraying insecticide on a nest does not kill the wasps and the nest will remain active for weeks.
When using wasp spray, it is important to know where the nest is located and how large it is… For safety, consider wearing protective clothing and a mask when applying pesticide.
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11. Using Talcum Powder To Get Rid Of Wasps Under Deck
Talcum powder is a great way to get rid of wasps under deck… Talcum powder is easily available in the market at affordable prices… You can also use baby talcum powder which will not harm your pets and children… All you need to do is sprinkle some talcum powder on the wasp nest and the wasps.
This will suffocate them and they will die instantly… The best part about using talcum powder as a method to eliminate wasps is that it is interminable… Moreover, it does not emit any harmful gases or fumes that can prove detrimental to your health.
The whole process can be carried out in just a few minutes… You can also use talcum powder to control the wasp infestation inside your house.
However, make sure that you keep the pets and children away from the area where you have sprinkled talcum powder because it should not be inhaled by them as it can cause respiratory problems in them.
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12. Using Vegetable Oil To Kill Wasps Under Deck
Vegetable oil can also be used to kill wasps under the deck by using the same method as talcum powder… Pour some vegetable oil around the entrance hole and this will prevent them from getting out of the nest and entering it again.
The wasps will not like the smell of vegetable oil… It is best to spray it about 30 minutes before dark when the wasps are all home for the night.
Use a spray bottle to direct a stream of water into the nest opening… Keep spraying until you see no more movement… If you can see through the nest, this will be easier.
If you cannot see through the nest, you will have to keep spraying until you think you have killed all of the wasps that may be inside the nest.
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How to Get Rid of Bee Nest Under Deck
- Identify the type of bees: It’s important to identify the type of bees you are dealing with before proceeding. If the bees are honey bees — it’s generally best to call a professional beekeeper to remove the nest. Honeybees are important pollinators and killing them should be a last resort. If the bees are a different type – such as yellow jackets or hornets, it may be necessary to take more drastic measures to remove the nest.
- Locate the nest: The first step in removing a bee nest is to locate it. Look for the entrance to the nest – which is usually located on the underside of the deck. The entrance will be a small hole surrounded by a cluster of bees.
- Protect yourself: Before attempting to remove the nest — make sure you have the proper protective gear. This includes a beekeeping suit or at least a long-sleeved shirt and pants – as well as a hat and veil to protect your face and head. You should also have a can of insecticide on hand to use as a last resort.
- Remove the nest at night: Bees are less active at night — so this is the best time to remove the nest. Put on your protective gear and approach the nest slowly and cautiously. If the bees become agitated, retreat immediately and try again later.
- Disrupt the nest: Once you have located the nest, you can try to disrupt it by knocking it down or covering the entrance with a piece of fabric or cardboard. This will prevent the bees from returning to the nest and may encourage them to relocate elsewhere.
- Use insecticide as a last resort: If the bees are aggressive or you are unable to remove the nest safely – you may need to use insecticide. There are a number of bee-specific insecticides available — but make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid harming other beneficial insects or animals.
- Repair the damage: After the bees are gone, you will need to repair any damage to your deck caused by the nest. This may include replacing damaged boards or reinforcing areas that have become weak.
Removing a bee nest from under your deck can be a challenging task, but with the right precautions and approach, it can be done safely and effectively. If you are unsure of how to proceed, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.
In summary, fixing a wasp nest is not troublesome… The most significant thing you’ll have to do is ensure that you take the right safety measures before taking care of business… This implies ensuring you wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
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Allan Wilson who in the offline world has an extensive background working in research, analyzing statistics, improving work processes, team leading, and implementing training to improve results and now thanks to more than 3 years dedicated to this site is now also a highly regarded researcher of brands.
Allan has a long history of developing brands online way back before blogging existed creating websites using HTML code in Notepad. Allan established brands in the Info Product Marketing arena such as infoproductmarketing, ebookresellerkit, reprintrightsmarketing, along with many other successful websites (and a few failures along the way). Allan has also authored numerous ebooks, owned and operated membership sites, created eLearning courses, and more.