Wasps
Wasp Control Tips
When removing a wasp nest, it is important to be extremely careful since wasps are most aggressive when their nest is being threatened. Wear protective clothing including long pants that are taped closed at the bottom, long sleeves, gloves, and a hat that covers the head and face if possible. It is best to apply insecticide to the nest after dusk when all the wasps are in the nest and activity is low.
Existing Nest: The best way to get rid of a wasp nest is to use an insecticide that contains a freezing agent. PT Wasp and Hornet Killer Freeze, Wasp X Spray, or Bonide Wasp & Hornet Aerosol are good options for nest elimination since the freezing agent keeps the wasps from stinging.
Warning: If you choose an insecticide without a freezing agent to eliminate an existing nest, never spray from a ladder, and use a sprayer that can spray from a distance.
Nest Prevention
The best way to prevent a wasp nest, but you'll probably get stung if you spray a nest directly, is to use a broad spectrum insecticide containing pyrethroids or cypermethrin in areas where you anticipate wasps will build. LambdaStar UltraCap 9.7 and Cyper WSP are good options because these insecticides are labeled for a wide variety of bugs so you can use them again for your next insect problem.
Which ever type of insecticide you choose, spray the nest liberally. If you're using a freezing agent, spray when most of the wasps are home to eliminate the infestation. All of the recommended products continue to work for a long period of time after application, so a second treatment generally isn't needed. If the nest is in a high traffic area, check it again to ensure all wasps are dead. Remove the nest once it can be verified that the wasps are eliminated.
Wasp Problems
There are over 100,000 species of wasps worldwide. The most common species is the paper wasp. Hornets and yellowjackets are also classified as vespid wasps, but some people mistake them for bees. Wasps can nest in a wide range of areas and prefer places like attics, sheds, chimneys, and eaves. One of the biggest threats from wasps is their ability to defend their colony. They will attack and sting when disturbed or their nests are threatened. Unlike bees, they can sting several times without causing harm to themselves. Their stings can lead to serious complications if attacked by a swarm or you have an allergic reaction to their venom. They are most aggressive around nest sites and present the greatest danger when they nest near an entrance to a home or office.
Wasps release pheromones that signal other wasps in the colony to attack when they feel threatened. They can call the entire swarm for help. Hundreds of people die each year from allergic reactions to wasp venom. Hornets are also a problem in beekeeping communities because they can feed on bees and can eliminate a whole colony in a matter of hours.
For more information: Wasp Control