Finding a wasp nest high up in one of your trees can be an unsettling surprise. But while seeing those papery, umbrella-shaped nests hanging from branches may alarm you, don’t panic. With the right precautions, wasp nests can be safely removed from trees without harm.
This article will cover how to identify an active wasp nest in a tree, what steps to take if you find one, and how to remove it in a way that keeps you and the surrounding environment protected. With some basic knowledge and preparation, you can eliminate nuisance tree nests humanely.
What Is a Wasp Nest?
Wasp nests are carefully constructed shelters where wasps live and raise young. They provide protected spaces for wasp larvae to mature and for wasps to rest safely when not foraging.
Different wasp species build different types of nests. Here are some you may encounter in trees:
- Paper wasps create open-comb nests made from chewed wood pulp. These nests have a central stalk with hexagon-shaped cells radiating outwards. Paper wasp nests in trees grow as large as basketballs and dangle from branches.
- Yellowjackets build enclosed papery nests with a small entrance hole at the bottom. Inside are multiple layers of downward-facing stacked combs. Nest exteriors are gray or tan.
- Hornets construct large teardrop-shaped nests up to 3 feet long. Their nests have multiple levels of combs protected by a paper envelope. Hornets affix these sizable nests to high tree branches.
Why Wasps Nest in Trees
Trees provide ideal nesting sites for certain wasp species because they offer:
- Height that deters predators and keeps nests away from human activity
- Protection from harsh weather like rain, wind, or excessive sun
- Convenient access to nectar, sap, and prey that live in trees
- Plenty of small crevices in bark or branches to anchor nests to
Dangers of Tree Nesting Wasps
While wasps normally pose little risk, large nests in trees near human dwellings require removal. Here are some potential dangers:
- Frequent stings if the nest is disturbed, due to more wasps defending it
- Increased safety hazards for tree trimmers or children playing nearby
- Risk of damaging infestations if the nest remains active over multiple seasons
- More headaches for neighbors, pets, and guests from aerial attacks whenever they pass by
Calling a professional for nest removal is recommended, especially if a hive is very high up or poses serious hazards. Never try poking at an active tree nest yourself!
Identifying a Wasp Nest
Before dealing with a suspected wasp nest, confirm that’s really what you’re dealing with. Here are ways to identify one:
Look for:
- A gray, umbrellalike structure hanging from a branch
- Papery material comprising the outer nest layers
- A smooth, rounded nest shape with a bulbous bottom
- AN opening hole at the bottom of the nest
Listen for:
- A low buzz coming from the nest as wasps fly in and out
- High-pitched wasp noises if you approach too closely
Observe:
- Wasps entering and exiting the nest frequently, especially during warmer daytime hours
- Wasps bringing wood pulp or other nesting materials into the nest
- Frantic wasp activity if the nest is disturbed
Where to Find Nests
Inspect these areas thoroughly for possible nesting sites:
- On branches or in branch forks of trees and shrubs
- Under eaves of roofs and structures near trees
- Attached to walls, fences, or exterior structures near vegetation
Scan for nests whenever you’ll be working closely to trees. Catching them early makes removal easier.
What to Do If You Find a Nest
On discovering a wasp nest up in a tree, follow these steps for a safe and effective resolution:
1. Leave the area immediately and warn others away
Don’t disturb the nest. Quickly move indoors or far from the location to avoid provoking defensive wasps. Prevent pets, children, or guests from approaching the tree as well.
2. Call a professional pest control company
Serious nests and hives very high up in trees should be removed by experts. They have equipment to safely access nests and professional-grade insecticides for quicker knockdown. This is the best way to eliminate dangerous tree hives.
3. For small accessible nests on your property, DIY removal is possible
With proper gear and the right products, you can remove some ground-level or lower hanging wasp nests yourself if done carefully. But pest control is still ideal if the nest poses serious hazards.
How to Remove a Wasp Nest From a Tree Safely
If attempting DIY wasp nest removal, exercise extreme caution and follow these steps:
Gather Protective Gear
- A full-body thick beekeeping or pest control suit. Cover all skin.
- Lawn maintenance gloves for hand protection.
- Closed toe shoes or boots.
- A wide-brim hat and mesh face veil. Protect your head and neck.
- Duct tape around glove and suit cuffs to seal gaps.
Choose the Right Pesticides
- Insecticide dusts or aerosol sprays made for wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. Look for fast-acting formulations.
- Soapy water sprayed directly into nest openings also kills wasps effectively but may require multiple applications.
- Only apply pesticides at night when all wasps are in the nest and less active. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids!
Remove the Nest
- Approach quietly in protective gear before dawn or after dusk once wasps are dormant.
- Liberally apply insecticide directly into nest openings first. This kills wasps inside so fewer escape once the nest is dislodged.
- Next, give the exterior of the nest a thorough coating of pesticide. This disables any wasps still inside.
- After 15 minutes, use a rake or pole to dislodge the nest onto a drop cloth and immediately seal it in a trash bag.
- Spray any escaping wasps and destroy the sealed nest bag away from people.
Post-Removal Care
- Monitor the tree for any new nest building. Catch new hives early before they grow.
- Apply exclusion measures like mesh netting or caulk around eaves and branches to discourage re-nesting.
- Report any sightings of queens who escaped the nest to prevent colonies from reforming. Their elimination is key.
With the proper gear, precautions, timing, and pesticides, you can successfully tackle DIY wasp nest removal from trees in lower-risk cases. But when in doubt, hire a professional for dealing with dangerous or challenging nests.
Preventing Wasp Nests in Trees
While nest removal solves immediate issues, prevention deters wasp infestations long-term:
- Prune trees and shrubs so branches don’t overhang roofs, patios, or doorways where nests can drop onto human activity.
- Seal cracks, holes, and crevices in tree bark, branches, and eaves where wasps like to build nests. Caulk or patch gaps.
- Install mesh screens or netting over cavities and contours where wasps tend to nest. This blocks them physically.
- Apply residual insecticide sprays around potential nesting sites early in spring before wasps build nests. This repels them with chemical deterrents.
- Remove fallen logs, tree stumps, and any woody debris around the yard that attracts nest-building wasps. Reduce attractive shelter.
- Install decoy or dummy nests made from paper bags early in the season. Wasps avoid settling near other visible nests.
With vigilance and some simple habitat modifications, you can make your trees and yard less inviting to nuisance wasps looking for nest sites. Combined with prompt nest removal, this keeps wasp problems at bay.
When You Find Wasp Nests in Trees, Act With Care
Wasp nests in trees look dramatic but don’t require panic. With proper protective equipment, removal tactics, timing, and pesticides, even DIY elimination is possible in some circumstances.
But for hives very high up or ones posing serious safety hazards, call on a professional pest control company. They have the tools and experience to remove risky nests safely and effectively.
The main goal is avoiding damage from falling nests, eliminating stinging risks, and discouraging wasps from re-nesting in undesirable areas. With a few sensible precautions, wasp nests in trees can be dealt with strategically and humanely for long-term prevention.
