How Much Does Wasp Removal Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost to remove wasps from a home falls between $100 and $1,300, with a national average of $375.
• Some of the factors that can impact the total cost include the size of the infestation, the location of the nest, the removal method used, the type of wasp, and the wasp removal company.
• A homeowner or renter may need to consider wasp removal if they notice increased wasp activity, a wasp nest, wood damage, or consistent buzzing noises.
• There are products a homeowner or renter can use to remove a wasp nest themselves, but there’s a high risk of being stung. For that reason, many are happy to pay an experienced pest control professional to remove a wasp nest from their property.

Warm weather is pleasant and inviting, often being used as a great excuse to host a pool party, barbecue, or a family get-together, but humans are not the only ones that enjoy the comfortable temperatures. Dangerous wasps and yellow jacket infestations can cause panic and force people indoors to avoid the risk of wasp stings. European hornets, bald-faced hornets, and paper wasps also typically appear between July and August.

When these common home pests show up, homeowners or renters can attempt to remove the wasp nests or yellow jacket nests with a variety of methods, but without proper protection, skill, and experience, this can be hazardous to their health. A better option is to hire a pest control company that is experienced and knows exactly how to get rid of wasps. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, it can cost between $100 and $1,300, or $375 on average, to hire a pro to handle the wasp infestation or hornet infestation.

Professional pest control services may only require a one-time visit to eliminate the infestation, but depending on the size and location of the nest, the exterminator may conduct an initial visit to inspect the situation, then schedule follow-up visits to remove the nests in eaves, nests in sheds, or nests in vegetation. Homeowners and renters can find out more about wasp removal cost factors with this informative guide.

Factors in Calculating Wasp Removal Cost

Researching the best pest control services (such as Orkin or Terminix) is important for customers when determining the wasp removal cost, but it’s also necessary to consider other factors that can impact the cost of the project, including the size of the infestation, the location of the nest, the removal method, and the type of wasps.

Infestation Size

Wasp nest removal cost can vary depending on the size of the nest. Generally, the larger the nest, the more wasps there will be to remove, leading to increased time and exterminator costs for the project. Small hives may only have about 10 to 50 worker wasps to protect, build, and maintain the nest, so residents can get away with spending about $250 on average for extermination and nest removal.

If the nest was located in a hard-to-see area, like under a deck, then it may grow beyond the size of a small hive before the homeowner notices. Larger hives can have between 50 to 200 wasps protecting and living in the hive, so it may take more than a single visit to handle the infestation. Due to the difficulty and additional time it takes to treat the hive, the average wasp removal cost for a larger hive is typically about $500 on average.

Nest Location

Wasp nests can be found in a variety of locations around the home, including hollow trees, tree canopies, sheds, under the deck, hanging from the gutters, under the lip of an above-ground pool, or even partially concealed inside tree bark. Nests located outside are relatively easy to access, but if there are wasps in the house with a nest inside the attic or the walls of the home, it can cost an additional $500 to $1,400 for construction repairs.

The location and construction of the nest can also be used to help identify the wasp species that’s taken over the yard.

• Paper wasps build nests from wood pulp; these nests are often found hanging like an upside-down umbrella from eaves or trees.
• Yellow jacket nests tend to have a more rounded shape, resembling what many people think of as a traditional beehive. These nests can be inside walls, under the ground, or hanging from a nearby tree.
• Mud daubers create nests from mud, including mud tubes that can extend into sheds, porch ceilings, playhouse roofs, and attics.
• Hornet nests are generally larger than paper wasp nests; they are typically set up in tree branches or tree canopies.

Removal Method

The method of treatment chosen for removing or exterminating the wasps can affect the cost of this service. The most common extermination methods employed by pest control experts include aerosol pesticides, dusting, and vacuuming.

• Aerosol pesticide treatments will generally start at about $125, though the size of the nest, the infestation severity, the type of wasp, and the location can affect the total cost. Pest control experts will typically use a tetramethrin or prallethrin aerosol pesticide to treat paper wasp nests, though there are natural plant-based options, which cost slightly more at about $150 per treatment.
• Dusting for wasps involves pumping a powdered pesticide, such as permethrin, into the entrance of an underground nest. The dusting method is common for yellow jacket removal services because this species of pest tends to build nests in the ground. Costs for dusting start at about $200.
• Vacuuming is the go-to method for removing wasps and similar pests from inside the home. This service starts at about $250 and consists of using a specialized vacuum to reach into tiny crevices and cavities to suck out the wasps. It should be noted, however, that vacuuming is typically paired with another method to ensure the eradication of the nest.

Wasp Type

The cost to remove the wasp nest and exterminate the wasps may differ depending on the type of wasp. Common wasp species and similar pests include bald-faced hornets, mud daubers, hornets, paper wasps, red wasps, and yellow jackets. Each type of wasp tends to have slightly different aggression levels, nest shapes, nest locations, and unique challenges that can affect the cost of the removal project.

On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $100 to $1,300 for wasp removal. Highly aggressive species cost more to treat, with bald-faced hornet treatments costing about $400 to $800, while yellow jacket removal costs between $500 to $1,300 on average. More docile species typically cost less to remove, including mud dauber removal at about $300 to $600, hornet removal at $300 to $400, red wasp removal at $100 to $400, and paper wasp removal ranging from $100 to $200.

Wasp Removal Company

There can be significant variations in cost and services among different pest control companies, so it’s necessary for customers to take the time to research at least three local pest control companies to ensure that they are getting a fair price for the work. Typically, wasp removal costs about $375 on average. These costs can fluctuate based on the size of the nest, the location of the nest, the wasp species, and the severity of the infestation. Removing wasps is typically more affordable than bee removal costs, which average $450.

Depending on the company, the customer may be able to get a free inspection to better determine the situation before a follow-up appointment is scheduled to remove the wasps. They can speak to the pest control expert or the customer service department to get a detailed breakdown of the costs and fees associated with this work so that there aren’t any surprises on the final bill.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Wasp removal services can have several additional cost factors that are not typically involved with a basic, one-time removal, including wasp inspection fees, emergency wasp nest removal fees, repair costs, and additional treatment costs.

Wasp Inspection

Homeowners may need to pay a fee of about $65 to $135 for an initial wasp inspection appointment, though most pest control companies will offer a free inspection with the assumption that the homeowner will hire the company to remove the existing infestation. Before agreeing to an inspection appointment, the customer will want to speak to the customer service staff or the pest control professional to determine whether there will be a fee associated with the inspection or if this service is free.

During the wasp inspection, the exterminator will locate the nest, get a basic estimate of the size and severity of the infestation, and determine the species of wasp that has taken up residence in the home. The exterminator will then discuss wasp nest treatment options and offer expert suggestions for how best to handle the problem.

Emergency Wasp Nest Removal

In most situations, a wasp nest is not considered an emergency. While the wasps do pose a risk to kids, pets, and adults that are in the same general vicinity of the nest, these areas can generally be avoided for a few days until the pest control company comes out to the property. However, there are some cases where an emergency wasp nest removal is required.

For instance, if the homeowner or a resident of the home is allergic to wasp stings or the homeowner suspects the nest is located inside the home, then the pest control company may expedite the wasp nest removal to reduce the risk to their clients. Before playing up the situation to get a faster response time, it’s important for residents to note that this emergency service will typically cost an additional $50 to $100.

Repairs

When the wasp nest is hanging from a tree branch or nestled in the tree canopies, the pest control professionals can remove the nest and exterminate the wasps with no damage to the home or surrounding structures. However, when a wasp or hornet nest is built in a shed, in the attic, or even in the walls of the home, the insects can cause damage to wood beams, drywall, and ceiling tiles.

Additionally, the exterminator may need to cause damage to the property to access the nest, such as cutting open a wall, digging a hole in the yard, or opening up the ceiling. Repairs to the home can range in cost from $500 to $1,400, depending on the severity and extent of the damage.

Treatment Frequency

Generally, wasp nest removal can be wrapped up with a one-time visit from a local pest control company. However, in some cases, the nest may be too big or the infestation may be too severe to handle in just a single visit. In these situations, a follow-up visit will be necessary to eliminate the infestation and remove the nest.

If wasps have built nests in the home or the yard on previous occasions, then it may be in the best interest of the customer to schedule recurring treatments to prevent the wasps from returning. A single visit will typically cost about $375 on average, while monthly or bimonthly visits will cost about $40 to $70 for wasp prevention treatments.

Wasp Removal Cost by Type of Wasp 

The type of wasp species can impact the difficulty of the removal and extermination process. With this in mind, pest control experts typically have varying rates based on the type of wasp or similar pest that needs to be exterminated or removed. Common pests include the bald-faced hornet, hornet, mud dauber, paper wasp, red wasp, and yellow jacket.

Bald-Faced Hornet

Despite the name, bald-faced hornets are actually a species of wasp. These insects build nests high in the tree canopies and don’t typically chase intruders, so in some cases extermination isn’t necessary. It is important to mention, however, that bald-faced hornets will aggressively defend the nest.

Due to this high level of aggression and the difficulty reaching the nests up in the tree canopies, bald-faced hornet treatments will generally cost between $400 to $800. Additionally, bald-faced hornet stings are considered more painful than those of most other insects, so if kids or pets are at risk, then extermination is the best option for dealing with these pests.

Hornet

In some cases, residents may wonder whether they have hornets or wasps. Standard hornets are moderately aggressive insects with a painful sting caused by the large stinger. If hornets are passing through the yard or bobbing around looking for food, they are relatively peaceful and don’t chase after adults, kids, or pets. However, when the hornet nest is nearby, hornets become significantly more aggressive, posing a threat to anyone that is within the same vicinity.

These pests tend to conceal the nest in hollow trees, barns, and attics, making them somewhat more difficult to remove than a nest hanging from a tree branch. Hornet nest removal costs about $300 to $400, though the total cost can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of the nest, and the location of the nest.

Mud Dauber

As expected from the name, mud daubers use mud to build their nests and to create mud tubes for travel. The nests are often located in sheds, barns, attics, porch ceilings, under decks, or even in crawl spaces. On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $300 to $600 for the extermination and removal of a mud dauber nest.

Mud daubers are relatively passive, though they will defend their nests if threatened. The problem with this defensive attitude is that the mud tubes often extend into human territory, like playhouse roofs or storage sheds, so the mud daubers may perceive any nearby human activity as a threat to the nest.

Paper Wasp

Paper wasp removal is the most affordable service, ranging from just $100 to $200 on average. The reason paper wasp removal is less expensive is because these wasps are not typically aggressive and don’t tend to attack, even when people are near the nest. Some homeowners may choose to use DIY methods to tackle a paper wasp nest or even leave the nest alone if the wasps are not causing harm to anyone or damage to the property.

Paper wasps choose to nest in tree branches and overhangs, such as house eaves. They can be removed by a pro, treated by a DIYer, or left alone if the nest is not located in a high-traffic location. However, if the nest is in an area where kids and pets play, or if someone in the home is allergic to wasp stings, then it’s necessary to eliminate and remove the nests for the safety of the home’s residents.

Red Wasp

Red wasps are not as common as the other species mentioned on this list. They measure about an inch in length and have black wings with red bodies. A red wasp nest is built similar to a paper wasp nest, with a honeycomb structure and an umbrella shape. The nests are often built in dark, indoor spaces, which increases the chance of an encounter with humans.

Red wasps are one of the most aggressive wasp species when humans are near the nest, though only female red wasps have the ability to sting. Customers will want to set aside about $100 to $400 for red wasp nest extermination and removal services.

Yellow Jacket

Yellow jackets are highly aggressive to adults, kids, and pets. Not only will they attack a human, but they will also chase the human away, repeatedly stinging the target. These pests build nests in a wide variety of locations, including tree branches, tree canopies, inside sheds, inside walls, in attics, and even underground.

Due to the potential danger involved with exterminating and treating a yellow jacket nest, the cost to remove these pests averages about $500 to $1,300. Yellow jackets will also target beneficial insects, like honeybees, so it’s recommended for a customer to hire a pest control expert to eliminate yellow jacket infestations as soon as possible to limit the danger to homeowner, residents, pets, and any nearby beneficial insect populations.

Do I Need Wasp Removal?

Seeing a single wasp outside during a barbecue isn’t necessarily cause for concern. These insects often fly far from their nests in search of food and may just be passing through the yard. However, when there is a significant increase in wasp activity, loud buzzing noises, wood damage, or a visible wasp nest, then it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control company to assess the situation and suggest steps to deal with a potential infestation.

Wasp Activity

A few wasps here and there doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a wasp nest nearby, but when there is frequent wasp activity outside the home, then there is a high chance that a colony of wasps has moved in. Paper wasps measure only about ⅝ inch to ¾ inch in size and typically have a narrow body that is dark brown with yellow markings.

Yellow jackets are slightly smaller than paper wasps but have a brilliant black-and-yellow body. These pests are highly aggressive and will chase humans away from the nest, so residents will want to take appropriate precautions before following yellow jackets back to the nest. Hornets look like yellow jackets but measure about 1 inch in size. If a resident notices a lot of wasp activity, it’s recommended that they determine where the wasps seem to gather and look for any signs that may indicate the presence of a wasp nest.

Wasp Nest

Wasp nests are the most obvious sign that one needs to contact a professional pest control company for wasp removal services. If someone sees a wasp nest on the property, there is a good chance that they are dealing with an active infestation. Paper wasp nests are generally gray with an upside-down umbrella shape and a paper-like appearance.

Yellow jacket nests are more rounded and may be built underground, so residents will want to be careful where they step when looking for nests in the yard. Mud dauber nests are easier to spot because these pests build mud tubes for additional protection, while hornet nests have an egg-shaped design and are usually found under the eaves of buildings or hanging from tree branches.

Wood Damage

Many species of wasps create nests using chewed wood fiber and saliva. This means that these pests chew holes in wood siding, framework, decking, and other wood material around and inside the home. If a resident notices small holes in trees, fences, firewood piles, decks, or in the exterior of the home, then this could indicate that there is an active infestation in the area.

Residents will want to consult with a local pest control expert to locate the wasp nest and determine how best to handle the situation. They’ll need to keep in mind that the longer the nest goes untreated, the more damage the wasps will cause to the home and surrounding property.

Buzzing Noises

Wasps, bees, and other flying insects produce a buzzing noise when they fly or rapidly move their wings. For anyone who has had a bee or wasp fly past their ear, this sound should be familiar. If a resident can hear ongoing or intermittent buzzing sounds from the walls, attic, or any locations outside the home, then there is a chance that wasps, bees, or other buzzing insects have moved into the area. In this case, the resident will want to look into how to get rid of hornets and how to get rid of ground bees as well as wasps so they can make a plan for removal. If the issue is bees, residents can research the best bee removal services to ensure the insects are removed safely and humanely.

Depending on the type of wasp and the location of the nest, residents may also hear a tapping sound as wasps construct nests in the wall cavities or attic spaces of the home. They’ll want to hire a pest control professional to locate the wasp nest, exterminate the wasps, and remove the nest.

Wasp Removal: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

DIY wasp removal is possible using various wasp treatment methods, such as one of the best wasp traps, aerosol sprays, and pesticidal powders, though there is a significant risk that the DIYer will get stung during the removal of the nest. Before attempting this project, it’s necessary for a resident to have the appropriate personal protective equipment to stay safe from wasp stings, and it’s also recommended that they spend time researching the type of wasp, treatments, and disposal methods.

On average, professional wasp removal costs about $375. DIYers can save about $260 on this project after investing about $115 for the pesticide treatment and protective clothing. However, if the home has a large nest with 50 or more wasps, or the nest is located inside the home, then it’s best that they leave this job to a trained professional. Pest control experts have knowledge, experience, and the best protective gear to safely eliminate the wasps and remove the nest, while mitigating the damage caused to the home.

How to Save Money on Wasp Removal Cost

The cost of wasp removal can range significantly from just $100 to $1,300, depending on the size of the nest, location of the nest, severity of the infestation, wasp species, treatment frequency, and repair costs. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to find ways to save on this service so you can get rid of the wasps without emptying your wallet.

• Get multiple quotes. Before hiring an exterminator, it’s recommended to research at least three reputable pest control companies to get a better idea of the local rates and services available.
• Don’t keep putting off the wasp nest removal. The longer a wasp nest is allowed to exist inside or outside the home, the more wasps there will be to exterminate and the larger the nest will grow. More severe wasp infestations also cause more damage to the home, increasing the amount spent on repairs.
• Finish the extermination and removal process. One visit may not be enough to completely eliminate the wasp infestation. Make sure to book a follow-up appointment as soon as possible to complete the extermination process. Otherwise, the wasp population may return, requiring additional visits to handle the infestation.
• DIY small wasp nests. Smaller wasp nests with less than 50 worker wasps may be able to be dealt with by an experienced DIYer armed with one of the best wasp sprays. This is especially true for more docile wasp species, like paper wasps, that don’t pose the same threat as more aggressive pests, like yellow jackets.

Questions to Ask About Wasp Removal

Whether the nest is located out in the yard or buried in the walls of the home, it’s important for residents to know what to expect during the wasp removal process. Before hiring a pest control company, it’s recommended that they speak to the customer service staff or a pest control professional to get more information about the company, the workers, the wasp removal process, and the chemicals involved with this work. Customers can consider these key questions to ask before, during, and after the wasp removal appointment.

• Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How much experience do your technicians have with wasps?
• Will you provide a written estimate?
• Do you honor your estimates?
• Can you identify the location of the wasp nest or colony?
• Are the products you use safe for pets and/or children?
• Are the pesticides toxic to plants?
• Do you offer a guarantee?
• How long does the guarantee last?
• Do you have any testimonials or online reviews?
• How do you decide what treatments are needed?
• How serious is the infestation?
• How long will it take to remove the nest?
• Will follow-up visits be required?
• Do you offer a free inspection? Is this a common pest in the area?
• Is there any damage to the home?
• Where and how extensive is the damage?
• Will the wasps return?
• How can I prevent the wasps from returning?
• How frequently should an exterminator come to my house?

FAQs

Wasp nest removal can be dangerous, so it’s recommended that residents learn more about the wasp removal process, wasp species, and the risks associated with this work to stay safe around wasp nests and to better understand the cost factors involved with wasp nest removal. They can consider the answers to the frequently asked questions about wasp removal listed below.

Q. Can you permanently get rid of wasps?

With proper extermination and removal treatments, it is possible to permanently get rid of wasps. While DIY methods may not keep the pests away, semi-regular visits from an exterminator can ensure that the wasps don’t return.

Q. Will wasps return to a sprayed nest?

Wasps will not typically return to a treated nest. The nest will be abandoned, and any surviving wasps will move to a new location to build a new nest. Some people even leave the old nest where it is as a deterrent against repeat infestations. This can be effective due to the territorial nature of wasps that encourages them to avoid existing nests—even empty ones.

Q. How long does it take to get rid of wasps?

Wasp removal will generally take between 1 and 2 days to complete, though it depends on the removal method, the size of the nest, the severity of the infestation, and the wasp species.

Q. Is there a natural deterrent for wasps?

For those who prefer to avoid using harmful pesticide products, there are some natural methods for deterring wasps, including soapy water, wasp traps, and dummy nests. A simple 1:4 soap and water mixture can kill wasps on contact. Wasp traps detain nearby wasps, allowing you to keep specific areas around the home clear of these pests. Dummy nests fool wasps into thinking that the area is already home to an established colony, deterring new colonies from moving in.

Q. What is the difference between a wasp and a hornet?

Hornets and wasps are often seen as two distinct insects, but in reality, hornets are actually a type of wasp. Hornet wasp species tend to have long and lean bodies, wide heads, and dangling legs. Other types of wasps have a rounder body shape, small heads, and a larger build.

Q. What time of year are wasps most active?

Like humans, wasps tend to prefer the warmer months of the year, so you can expect these insects to be more active from July to August or September. In warmer areas of the country, they may be active for a longer period of time.

Q. Does WD-40 repel wasps?

If you don’t have a commercial pesticide or a natural wasp-killing solution on hand, then WD-40 can be used to kill wasps and prevent them from nesting in the area. Simply spray the WD-40 where you have spotted wasps gathering to kill any present wasps and repel any other wasps in the area.

Q. Why am I getting so many wasps?

There are several reasons wasps may be drawn to your home. Accessible food sources, like an open garbage bin, can attract wasp populations. Similarly, sources of moisture, like standing water, can provide for larger wasp nests. Wasps may build nests in or around the home as a way of seeking shelter from rain, wind, sleet, and sun. They may also be drawn to flowers and floral fragrances inside or outside the home.

Q. What smell do wasps hate?

Wasps can be repelled using one of several scents that they hate. Common options include mint, lemon, orange, peppermint oil, and citronella oil. These natural scents are also highly effective against other types of pests, like mosquitoes and flies.

Q. What is the life cycle of a wasp?

Wasps have four life cycle stages, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A queen wasp will mate, then fly off to start a new colony. After building a small nest, the queen captures caterpillars, chews them up, stuffs the chewed-up caterpillars into a cell in the nest, and lays an egg on the cell. When the egg hatches into a larva, it emerges to feed on the caterpillars.

The larva enters the pupa stage about 2 weeks later. It spins a cocoon in the cell and remains encased in the cocoon for about 1 week. The wasp then emerges from the cell as an adult worker ready to enlarge the nest and hunt food for the new larvae.

Q. How do you find and remove a wasp nest?

To locate the wasp nest, it’s recommended to research the wasp species that you have seen around the house to get a better idea of the nesting habits, then inspect the inside and outside of the home for any signs of a wasp nest.

After locating the nest, you can attempt to eliminate the wasps and remove the nest by treating the infestation with a pesticide spray, pesticide dust, soapy water mixture, or even a few buckets of boiling water. Just make sure that you have the appropriate protective equipment before attempting to destroy the nest; otherwise you will be subjected to potentially hundreds of wasp stings.

The easiest way to find and remove wasps is to call a pest control company to inspect the home, exterminate the wasps, and remove the nest.

Q. What is the best thing to catch wasps?

For homes that have minor wasp issues, wasp traps may be all that is required to keep the home’s residents and pets safe from wasp stings. You can purchase commercial wasp traps or craft a homemade wasp trap made out of a 2-liter soda bottle.

Simply cut the top off a 2-liter soda bottle just under the neck, then invert the top portion of the bottle to serve as a funnel. Slide the top half of the bottle into the bottom half of the bottle and tape the two pieces together. You can poke holes in either side of the bottle to attach a piece of string for a makeshift handle.

When the bottle trap is ready, fill the bottom half of the bottle with water, dish soap, and a fatty or sugary lure, like grease or jam. Hang the bottle trap up off the ground and watch as wasps fly into the funnel and become trapped in the bottom half of the bottle.

Q. What part of the day are wasps most active?

Wasps tend to be more active when it is warmest, so you can expect to see them buzzing around during the middle of day. They will become less active as the sun starts to set.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, LawnStarter, Architectural Digest