how to get rid of large paper hornet/wasp nest in attic?

[Rob]

There is a very large paper wasp or hornets nest inside my attic, attached to the interior of the gable attic vent. It was active last summer, but I don't see any activity now, so it may be abandoned. The temperature here has been between 35-55 degrees. Never a hard freeze yet. However, these things just freak me out, and I don't want to chance waking up a dormant hive.

The nest is actually built up against the wall, not just hanging like a tear drop, so I would have to scrape it off the wall or something.

I want to insulate my attic and also install a bathroom fan, so I'd like to get rid of the nest first.

What is the best way to remove it without getting stung?

Rob

[Oren]

Keep it in the family, so to speak?

[Steve Barker]

If there's no activity on it, just scrape it into a ziplock and head out to the trash.

s

[Meat Plow]

LOL!

[waterboy]

Go to the hardware store and get the can of wasp killer that will shoot about 30 feet. Put on a mask before you spray, have a quick exit plan. The spray is very accurate and you should have no problem hitting the nest. It will kill all wasp. They do sleep so spraying at night is best. Remove the next day. Use a visual to see if there are any still flying before removing. Been there, done that.

[Phisherman]

Use hornet/wasp spray to soak it. Hornets/wasps don't fly in the dark or dim light. Next day, knock it down.

[Cshenk]

"Rob" wrote

..

I'd be spooked too.

Idea? See if others find this useful or have better ideas?

If you can 'seal' the attic temporarily with plastic taped down around any exterior side openings (a large trashbag over the gable vent?), then be able to vacate the house for several hours (pets too!), you may be able to just toss several bugboms up there. Ones that say they kill wasps etc?

Have a incest company come in and do it .

[Bob F]

You say it was active last summer. Do you mean this summer, or the one before? If the one before, and no activity this summer, just scrape it off.

Bob

[Bagley]

The best way to do it, without getting stung, is to have your MIL do it. Once she's in the attic, block the exit so she can't get out. You'll be killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

[rwnelson39]

I mean this summer.

Rob

[ds549]

after a couple hard frosts they are toast,,not alive . i have them in cedar trees here in ky and after a frost or two they die. lucas

[Cshenk]

ARGH! Typo alert .

[saychris2]

A few years ago I discovered a large nest filling a joist bay in my attic space. Basically a 12" high x 16" wide x 2' deep nest. I waited until the temp was 40 degrees or so. Dressed in several layers of bulky clothing, I entered the attic space with a small light, long metal rod and spray. I cut a long gash into the nest and hosed down the inside of the nest with spray. I didn't notice much reaction from them as I high-tailed it out of there. I closed up the attic for a day or two before reentering to view the carnage. There were no survivors. I easily extracted the nest and made sure to seal their entry point from the outside into the attic. What an adrenaline rush! Good luck.

[franz frippl]

If it is last season's nest, most likely it's been abandoned. I don't believe paper wasps reuse their nests.

[alvinamorey]

I have removed them outdoors at night. My understanding is that they either can not see at night, or they are asleep (not sure which). I went up to the eaves armed with a can of insect spray just in case, and used a dim flashlight. I never had any problems doing it.

Or just wait another week or two till it gets below freezing.... You should also find the place they are getting in, and fix it or they will be back next year.

[hallerb]

I had one on my rear window and was able to watch them grow their young, it was fascinating.

after a hard freeze I removed the nest they never returned.

I just steered clear of the area, which was easy to do at the time.

now the window is replaced by a door to our deck which gets used at most once a year. Its nice but was a waste of money and effort.

too hot, too cold, too buggy, rain, etc etc etc.

nearly as long as a list of why women dont want sex:)

[Harry K]

I am probably wrong and am too lazy this mornign to google it but...

I think that the only wasp that overwinters is the queen who starts a new nest in the spring, lays eggs and thus starts a new colony. I get those critters around here every year and have never seen an old nest re-used. That does not apply to the other types of wasps.

Harry K