Safely Removing Grass Carrying Wasp Nests from Your Property

Grass carrying wasps, also known as potter wasps, are a common sight in yards and gardens across North America. While generally docile, their mud nests attached to walls or eaves can be a nuisance for homeowners. This article provides key information on identifying grass carrying wasps, understanding when their nests need removal, and safe, effective methods to get rid of grass carrying wasp nests on your property.

What are Grass Carrying Wasps?

Grass carrying wasps are solitary wasps that build nests out of mud or clay and line them with grass and plant fibers They are named for their habit of cutting sections of grass to construct their vase-shaped nests

These wasps are medium-sized measuring around 1 inch long and typically have black and brown or black and yellow striped bodies. Unlike social wasps such as yellowjackets that live in colonies, grass carrying wasps live and operate alone.

The female wasp builds the nest hunts caterpillars and other insects to stock the nest and lays a single egg inside before sealing off each cell. The wasp larvae hatch within the nest and feed on the paralyzed insects left for them.

Are Grass Carrying Wasp Nests Dangerous?

While grass carrying wasps can sting, they are not aggressive insects. They do not actively defend their nests through swarming or repeated stinging as other social wasps do.

However, nests built in locations like eaves, windowsills, or door frames can pose a hazard for a few reasons:

• The nest structure can detach and fall, possibly hitting someone below.

• Active nests may attract other unwanted pests like spiders, ants, or mice looking to feed on larvae or insects within the nest.

• Nest building activity left unchecked can encourage more wasps to build nests on a property.

So while grass carrying wasp nests require removal in some cases, the wasps themselves do not represent a major stinging threat to people or pets.

When Should You Remove a Grass Carrying Wasp Nest?

Here are some situations that call for removing grass carrying wasp nests:

• If a nest is built in a high-traffic area like a front porch, doorway, garage entrance, or kids’ play area.

• If a nest is blocking an entry, window, or walkway on the property.

• If a nest has fallen and needs to be cleaned up. Fallen nests may attract scavengers.

• If there are multiple nests on the property, removal can help limit further nest building.

However, if a nest is out of the way in a bush, tree, or underground, it can be left alone. Grass carrying wasps are beneficial predators and pollinators.

How to Get Rid of Grass Carrying Wasp Nests

When removal is necessary, here are some safe, effective methods:

Remove at Night

Grass carrying wasps are less active at night. Wear protective clothing and head out with a flashlight covered with red cellophane to limit attraction. Spray nests with an insecticide labeled for wasps or inject an insecticide dust into the nest openings. Wait a day or two before carefully removing and discarding the empty nests.

Use a Power Washer

A power washer is an effective way to remove mud nests from eaves, walls, and ceilings from a safe distance. Wait until night and wear protective gear in case any remaining wasps become agitated. Once removed, dispose of the debris.

Call a Professional Exterminator

For large infestations or nests in hard to reach spots, calling a professional pest control service may be the safest option. They have specialized tools and protective equipment to remove nests while minimizing stings or falls.

Seal Up Entry Points

After removal, seal cracks, crevices, holes, or overhangs wasps may have used to access the nest site. This can help prevent future nests in the same locations. Use caulk, expandable foam sealant, wood, metal plates, or other materials depending on the entry point.

Natural Wasp Deterrents

For mild infestations, natural remedies can also encourage wasps to abandon nests and discourage them from rebuilding. Some options include:

• Spray nests with a vinegar water mixture. The acidity repels wasps.

• Apply essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, or tea tree oil around nests. Wasps dislike the strong scent.

• Introduce natural predators like birds or parasitoid wasps near grass carrying wasp nests.

• Install fake wasp nests made of paper bags or decoys. Wasps avoid areas seeming already occupied.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Wasp Nests

Removing nests is just one part of the equation. Preventing them in the first place through exclusion is key:

• Seal any gaps, cracks, or holes on the exterior of your home so wasps can’t enter and build nests in sheltered overhangs.

• Keep lawns mowed and prune back vegetation touching buildings. This removes moist areas wasps prefer.

• Clean up wood piles, fallen branches, and other debris wasps use for nest building.

• Install screens on vents, chimneys, and open windows to block wasp entry.

• Inspect the exterior of your home monthly for the first signs of new nests and remove before they expand.

When to Call a Professional for Wasp Control

In some cases, expert help is the best option:

• If there are multiple large nests on your property.

• If nests are built in tricky spots like roof eaves, tall trees, or crawl spaces.

• If nests contain large swarming populations of wasps.

• If you are allergic to wasp stings.

Licensed exterminators have specialized tools, equipment, and insecticides allowing them to remove nests in hard to reach areas while protecting themselves from stings.

Coexisting Peacefully with Grass Carrying Wasps

Grass carrying wasps are not major pests warranting extensive pesticide use in most cases. Their nest removal only becomes necessary when built in problem locations on a property. With some vigilance and exclusion tactics, you can often peacefully coexist with these solitary native wasps and enjoy their pest control benefits in the garden.