What Do I Do With The Empty Wasp Nest in My Yard?

Picture this: You’re enjoying a serene stroll through your yard, admiring the last days of fall. Suddenly, you spot an abandoned wasp nest dangling like a lonely piñata from a tree branch.

Before you bring out the hockey stick and start swatting away at the empty shell, take a second to consider the fate of this nest.

Is it really an abandoned ghost town, or could it turn your yard into a wasp playground again in a few months? And how do you safely remove it? Let’s find out!

Do You Need to Remove a Wasp Nest?

From the fiery risks of papery tinderboxes to turning your yard into a critter Airbnb, the reasons to wave goodbye to old nests are too many to ignore.

Safety Concerns

Walking around a yard with an old wasp nest hanging there can be a little…disconcerting. Think of the contractors or workers who might find their work zone a bit too crowded for comfort.

These seemingly abandoned nests can pose unexpected threats if not fully vacated or if they crumble due to the activities in their vicinity.

Lingering wasps put the workers at risk of stings and allergic reactions. Ensuring the safety of everyone around, particularly in work areas, often means removing these nests to prevent any surprise encounters with late tenants or new squatters.

Potential for New Pests

While the wasp nests might be empty in the winter, their sturdy paper-mâché construction can become the winter retreat of choice for other critters. An empty nest can quickly turn into cozy housing for other opportunistic pests.

Spiders, small rodents, and many other invasive species are out seeking shelter from the cold. These new residents can create additional problems, from health risks to further infestations.

Fire Hazard

The wasp nest’s construction, while fascinating, is primarily built from wood fibres, making it highly flammable. Positioned under eaves or attached to wooden structures, these nests can pose a significant fire risk, especially during dry conditions.

The risk increases if the nest is near outdoor lighting or electrical installations that could ignite the dry, papery material. Removing these nests not only tidies up your yard but also mitigates a potential fire hazard, keeping your home safe from unexpected flare-ups.

Aesthetic and Space Concerns

An empty wasp nest might add a touch of wild charm to your yard, but not everyone appreciates it as part of their ambiance. Besides being an eyesore, these nests can take up valuable space, particularly in areas slated for renovation or redecoration.

Whether it’s hanging boldly from your porch or tucked away in a corner, considering its removal might be worthwhile to maintain the aesthetics of your yard. After all, a wasp nest dangling in the view can be quite the conversation starter… or stopper!

Where Do Wasps Go in Winter?

As the chill of winter sets in and wasps wrap up their bustling activities, but where do they buzz off to? Well, once the cold weather begins, the dynamic within the wasp colony changes dramatically.

The only survivors of the winter are the newly mated queens. Unlike their counterparts in the hive, these queens don’t huddle together or reuse their old nests. Instead, they seek shelter in protected spots like under bark, in rotting logs, or even within human structures to hibernate.

During this hibernation period, the rest of the colony (including the old queen, male wasps, and all the workers) meet their demise with the onset of freezing temperatures. This natural decline is due to the wasps' inability to withstand the cold and the lack of food sources available during winter.

The survival of the species is completely dependent on the queens who appear in spring, revitalized and ready to start anew. They start their season by constructing new nests in locations completely different from their last.

Fascinating, isn’t it? This cycle shows us why, despite seeing a bustling nest one year, you may find an empty one the next.

How to Remove an Empty Nest

You want to approach this task responsibly to ensure the safe removal of the wasp nest.

Checking for Activity or Rather, Inactivity

Before you touch the nest, check it during different times of the day to confirm there's no wasp activity. Look for any signs of wasps entering or exiting the nest.

Make sure to wear protective clothing during the inspection. This way, you're prepared in case there are any rogue wasps still hanging around (ones who forgot they were evicted). It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Safely Removing the Nest

• Choose early morning or late evening for removal when wasps are less active, and temperatures are cooler, reducing the risk of agitating the nest.
• Goes without saying, but go in prepared. Wear protective gear such as gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and eye protection.
• Equip yourself with an aerosol insecticide designed for wasps. Aim the spray from a safe distance and follow label instructions carefully.
• When removing the nest, move slowly and steadily to avoid startling the insects, even if the nest is presumed empty.
• If the nest is within reach, and small, you can use a long stick or tool to detach it from its hanging spot.
• For nests that are higher up or in difficult-to-reach areas, consider using a ladder securely or tools with extended handles.
• Place the detached nest in a sealed bag and dispose of it in a covered trash bin to prevent any scavengers from dragging it back out.
• After removing the nest, clean the area with soap and water to remove any pheromones that might attract other wasps (yep, that can happen!).
• Cover the previous attachment point with mesh or repair any holes to prevent new nests from forming in the same location.

• Keep an eye on former nest areas and potential new sites to catch signs of new nest formations early.
• Consider natural deterrents like planting wasp-repelling plants or setting up decoy nests to make your yard less inviting for future wasp infestations.
• Getting professional interventions like our BuzzShield® Insect package can be an effective way to discourage wasps from returning. We set your yard up with an invisible barrier that deters new colonies from establishing near your home.

Read our post on What Not to Do During Wasp Nest Removals.

Don't Let Wasp Nests Buzzkill Your Peace of Mind

Let's face it, finding an old wasp nest in your yard isn't exactly winning the wildlife lottery. It might not be buzzing with activity, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a buzzkill.

If the DIY approach to wasp nest removal sounds about as appealing as a root canal, why not call in the pros?

Our BuzzAttack® Wasp package is great for nest removals, while the BuzzShield® Insect package offers comprehensive protection that keeps wasps at bay all year long.

Available across various cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Okanagan, our expert team is just a consultation away.

Ready to make your outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable? Contact us today for an assessment and take the first step toward a wasp-free yard!