Can You Drown a Wasp Nest?

Wasps can be a real nuisance around homes and gardens Their nests seem to pop up overnight, and before you know it, you’re dodging aggressive wasps while trying to enjoy your outdoor space Your first instinct may be to give the nest a good dousing with water or insecticide to get rid of the pests, but is drowning them really effective? Let’s take a closer look at whether you can actually drown a wasp nest.

What Happens When You Pour Water on a Wasp Nest?

Pouring water directly on an active aerial wasp nest will agitate the insects but won’t drown them Here’s why

• Wasps have water-resistant exoskeletons and wings that repel water. They can survive exposure through aerial contact.

• Their nests have multiple layers of water-resistant paper envelopes that shelter the inner cells. It takes time for water to soak through.

• Submerging doesn’t drown them instantly. They can trap air pockets around their bodies and use tiny abdominal tubes called spiracles to breathe.

So while a brief water splash may discourage some wasps from returning, it won’t effectively destroy the nest or colony. The wasps that survive will become more aggressive after such a disturbance.

When Can You Drown Wasp Nests?

There are some situations where drowning can work against wasp nests:

Underground Nests

Drowning is effective for destroying subterranean nests, including those of yellowjackets. Pouring water down the nest entrance floods the underground chambers and can eliminate the queens and larvae. Just be ready to quickly seal off the area after pouring.

Nests in Enclosures

You may be able to drown aerial nests inside enclosures like boxes, jars, or bags. Seal the container fully before submerging to prevent trapped air pockets. Leave submerged for several hours. Caution – escaping wasps will be furious.

After Knockdown Sprays

It’s safest to use a knockdown spray on the nest first, then follow up by pouring water to soak and damage the structure further. The spray disables the wasps prior for safer water application.

During Cool Temperatures

Drowning is more successful when attempted during cooler temperatures below 55°F when wasps are more sluggish and unable to fly well. But they can still survive underwater for quite some time.

Against Dormant Nests

You may be able to drown abandoned wasp nests after the colony has died off at the end of the season. Knock down any remaining wasps first before submerging.

Drowning Risks and Precautions

Before attempting to drown a nest, keep these warnings in mind:

• Agitated, wet wasps will emerge quickly and attack. Never stand in range without protective gear.

• Rapidly escaping wasps can still deliver painful stings even while wet. Treat any nest as highly dangerous.

• Never drown nests near electrical sources, utility lines, or other water risks.

• Only drown nests you can fully submerge and leave no escape route. Wasps will follow trickling water back to the source!

• At night, wasps are more docile but harder to see. Use extreme caution and have assistance.

• Never seal escaping wasps inside your home! Drowning drives them to find any possible exit.

• Check for and knock down any wasps clinging to the nest exterior before submerging.

• When in doubt, call a professional! Improper drowning can make the situation much worse.

Alternative Wasp Nest Removal Methods

Rather than attempting to drown them, there are safer and more effective ways to remove wasp nests:

Insecticidal Dusts

Apply a fine layer of dust around nest entrances. Wasps track it back inside to the nest, where it kills developing larvae.

Wasp Sprays

Insecticide sprays containing pyrethroids can kill wasps on contact while keeping you at a safer distance. Repeat applications may be needed.

Shop Vacuums

Carefully vacuuming nests after dark when wasps are less active can suck them up safely. Just make sure to empty and seal the contents immediately after.

Nest Removal

Removing nests directly works best for smaller, enclosed, or abandoned nests. Wear protective gear and work cautiously.

Professional Extermination

For large, difficult to reach, or highly active nests, hiring a pest control expert may be the safest route. They have specialized tools and training for wasp nest removal.

Can You Drown Wasps in a Pool?

If wasps are plaguing your pool, you may wonder if drowning them in the water will help. While they can survive for short periods, some tips can make your pool less inviting:

• Remove food sources like sweet drinks, fruit, and trash cans that attract wasps.

• Adjust pool chemicals to keep chlorine levels higher to deter wasps from drinking.

• Reduce areas for easy access by fixing gaps in safety covers and enclosing sides.

• Try commercially available string lights, fake predators, or natural repellents to discourage wasps.

• Vacuum the pool regularly to remove fallen insects so they don’t attract more wasps.

Since wasps are persistent, combining exclusion and removal tactics works better than just drowning alone. But taking steps to make your pool less enticing can reduce the number of wasps without harming beneficial species in the area.

Drowning is not the most efficient way to eliminate active wasp nests, especially those constructed above ground. But strategic, careful drowning can help destroy subterranean, enclosed, or previously treated nests. Combine drowning with exclusion methods and nest removal for the best control. And don’t attempt to manage nests near utility lines or other hazards alone. Wasp nests are best handled with extreme care to avoid agonizing stings. If in doubt, contact a pest management professional to inspect and remove the nest safely. With the right precautions, you can reclaim your yard from those pesky wasps. Just don’t expect to eliminate them simply by attempting to drown their intricate nests in every situation.