How do you get rid of wasps nests?

Question

They are literally hiding in the FRAME of my BBQ - the nest that was in the BBQ that we could burn them out we did already. Now they're spreading to other parts of the deck, very visable.

A friend told me that they are territorial, and will leave if they see another wasp nest in the close vicinity - hang a plastic bag with some water in it for looks. Dunno if that'll work, but I'm terrified of bee's/wasps and don't want to get any closer then that. :-S I have a friend who wants to burn them (WD40 lighter aimed at hive area) but I'm scared they'll come out and attack him/me.

So ... Suggestions? :-S

Answer 1

spray them with any ordinary wasp killer you can pick up at a supermarket. however, wait till nighttime to spray them. in their sleepy state the wasps won't attack

Answer 2

Hornet/Wasp spray will shoot about 15 to 20 feet and the kill is fairly quick.  I've used a variety of brands and all seemed to work well.  A local hardware store or home improvement store will have it.

Answer 3

get a spray can of wasp/hornet killer. then spray away.

my brother often does the lighter fluid/lighter method of burning them out. but i'd suggest not doing it around the house or any flammable materials such as wood. unless of course you want the whole place to go up on in flames. try explaining that to the insurance company!

Answer 4

Store bought wasp spray comes in a can that allows you to spray from a safe distance. But I'd sat to be on the safe side, wear jeans, long sleeves, and something thin over your face so you don't get stung. You could also whack it down with a broomstick and douse it with gasoline.

Answer 5

you could buy a fake wasp nest they sell them at hardware stores and they really work.

Answer 6

Well, how aggressive are they? Wasp colonies vary greatly in their aggressiveness, and for the most part are very mellow. They are an extremely beneficial insect who is most definitely on our side in our fight for survival, they destroy all sorts of pests. Little God sent armed insect police to protect our fruit and vegetables from those what would harm them. So if you have  a mellow colony, my first suggestion would be to try and live with them. :)

I've also heard that they are very responsive to human moods, and generally won't even nest where angry/unhappy/disturbed people live. So that it's a good sign if they choose your yard to live in. That's folklore though, take it as you will.

However, if for whatever reason, you can't have them around, wasp sprays do work fine, I've never known anyone to get stung while using one. Follow the  directions  very carefully. I'd try the fake wasp nest or other such first though.