Dealing With Wasps When You Can’t Find Their Nest

You step outside and suddenly notice there seem to be a lot of wasps flying around Every time you try to enjoy your yard or garden, you get buzzed by the pesky insects The problem is – try as you might, you just can’t locate their nest.

This frustrating scenario is more common than you may think. Keep reading to understand why you may be seeing more wasps without an obvious nest site and what your options are for dealing with them.

Why Are There So Many Wasps Without a Nest?

Wasps are opportunistic feeders, and if there’s a readily available source of nectar or insects in your vicinity, they’ll be drawn to it. Another factor is the breeding season. Even without a visible nest, female wasps might be scouting for suitable locations to lay their eggs.

Here are some of the most likely reasons you’re noticing more wasps around your home or property:

• Food sources – If you have fruit trees, flowers, open compost piles or other easily accessible food, this will attract foraging wasps. They love sweet things like fallen fruit and nectar.

• Water sources – Wasps need water, so features like birdbaths, splash pools or outdoor pet water bowls can draw them in.

• Prey abundance – Gardens and yards with a lot of other insects will attract wasps that feed on them.

• Nest-building – From late summer through fall, queen wasps emerge and look for places to hibernate and build nests. You may see more of them during this time.

• Nearby nest – There could be a hidden nest on your property or a neighboring house. Wasps can travel up to 1/2 mile from their nest.

Are Wasps Dangerous When There’s No Visible Nest?

Rest assured that wasps flying around your yard are not likely to sting unless they feel threatened. However, here are some wise precautions if you want to avoid getting stung:

• Remain calm and move slowly if you have wasps flying nearby.

• Avoid swatting at wasps and making sudden movements.

• Wear light colors like white, tan or yellow. Wasps are less attracted to these hues.

• Don’t wear strong perfumes or scented lotions.

• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors.

• Have a bee/wasp sting treatment kit on hand if needed.

How to Get Rid of Wasps Without Finding a Nest

When you have a significant wasp problem but can’t locate a nest, you have a few options:

Try DIY deterrents – Natural repellents like essential oils or plants like lavender and mint may help deter wasps. Traps can remove some foragers but won’t eliminate the issue.

Call a professional – A licensed exterminator has the expertise to find hidden nests and treat large infestations. This offers the most effective solution.

Seal up food/water sources – Eliminating easy food and water access can sometimes cause wasp numbers to dwindle if nests are off your property.

Wait it out – Wasp activity naturally declines in fall. If it’s late season, you may just have to patiently wait them out.

Protect play areas – Use covers over pools, sandboxes etc. when not in use so wasps aren’t attracted.

Prevent future issues – Prune trees/bushes, install screens, caulk cracks and crevices to make your property less inviting next year.

Signs There May Be a Hidden Wasp Nest on Your Property

Sometimes wasps have cleverly constructed nests in voids, under eaves, or inside sheds, fences and other spots that are difficult to detect. Here are clues a concealed nest may be nearby:

• Wasps flying in and out of a specific spot like under a roof overhang or inside a piece of equipment.

• Evidence of nest building materials like chewed wood fragments or mud blobs appearing in an area.

• Higher wasp activity later in day when they return from foraging trips.

• Seeing the same wasp species repeatedly. If you spot yellowjackets often, they may have a ground nest. More paper wasps indicates a small gray nest.

• Getting stung when working in a certain location like cleaning out a shed. Disturbed wasps will defend nests.

• Buzzing sounds coming from inside walls, under steps, or within enclosed areas.

What to Do if You Find a Nest on Your Property

Locating a wasp nest is the first step in eliminating the problem. Here’s your safest approach if you discover one:

• Leave the area immediately and do not disturb the nest. This will only anger the wasps.

• Mark the location so you can find it again.

• If the nest is in an out-of-the-way spot like high in a tree, you may choose to simply leave it alone.

• Call a professional pest control company to have the nest removed, especially if it’s near high-traffic areas.

• Do not attempt to spray or remove nests yourself. This risks getting stung and will not permanently solve the issue.

• Seal up access points like holes in siding after nest removal to prevent wasps from rebuilding there next year.

When to Call for Professional Help with Wasp Problems

While DIY tricks may work for minor wasp issues, contacting a licensed exterminator is advisable in these cases:

• You are unable to locate nests on your property after careful inspection.

• There are nests in difficult-to-reach spots like high trees, inside walls, or in wall voids.

• Wasps are entering your home’s living spaces.

• Family members have allergies or high risk factors for severe stings.

• You’ve been stung repeatedly or attacked.

• Wasps are threatening pets, livestock, or food producing plants/trees.

• Large, mature nests are present with heavy wasp traffic.

A professional can use special tools and insecticides that typical consumers can’t obtain. This offers the most effective solution when wasp problems become severe.

Preventing Future Wasp Issues

Taking some prevention measures can help avoid wasp headaches down the road:

• Install sturdy screens on windows and doors. Caulk and seal cracks in siding.

• Clean up fallen fruit from trees and keep compost in sealed bins.

• Cover food and drinks when eating outdoors.

• Fill small holes in the ground and remove clutter like piles of rocks, mulch or debris.

• Prune back trees/bushes so nests are more visible.

• Inspect eaves, sheds, vents and other areas wasps like in early spring before nest building begins.

• Apply residual insecticide sprays around foundations in spring to repel queens from nesting nearby.

Having wasps frequently flying around your property but being unable to find their nest can certainly be frustrating and concerning. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the common causes behind this scenario and your options for dealing with unwelcome wasps in an effective yet safe manner. With vigilance and a proactive approach, you can enjoy your yard again free of thosebuzzing pests.