The following regular action can eliminate these pests.
Access reduction
Eliminate potential hiding places
Seal cracks with silicone, steel wool, etc.
Wrap and insulate pipes that produce a lot of condensation
Repair leaky faucets and pipes
Ventilate bathrooms and dehumidify damp areas
Caulk window frames and doors
Fix water leaks and replace rotten wood
Install screens on all windows
Daily cleaning
Clean up spills, grease and grime
Vacuum up food particles and insects (alive and dead)
Take out the garbage and clean empty garbage cans
Clean drip trays
Rinse empty containers before recycling them
Sponge up spilled liquids
Store food properly
Use airtight containers
Tell teachers and children not to store food in desks and lockers at school unless they are placed in sealed containers
Avoid leaving food (especially fruit) uncovered on counters or in cupboards
Eliminating wasps
Various types of wasp traps are available in stores. Often funnel-shaped, they usually contain bait such as jam or a piece of meat, and are designed to catch small quantities of insects. They should be located away from play areas used by children.
We recommend that you entrust nest removal to pest management professionals.
If you decide to take eliminate an aerial wasp nest in an easily accessible location yourself, follow these steps:
Before proceeding, protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved clothing, a net over your head, and gloves. Make sure your shirt sleeves and pant legs are well closed.
Work at dusk, using a flashlight with a red filter (sufficient light without spurring wasp activity), completely enclose the nest in a thick bag then cut off the nest stalk and seal the bag.
Use pesticides as a last resort
Pesticides should always be deemed a last resort, as they come with health and environmental risk. If you do decide to use a pesticide, read the information on the How to use household pesticides page and take the steps needed to protect your health and your family.
Read product labels carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before buying and using a pesticide. Health Canada provides a pesticide label search tool.
Depending on the level of infestation, you may need to call in a pest management professional. If this is the case, useful information can be found on our Hiring a pest management company page.
If you have been exposed to pesticides and do not feel well, call the Poison Control Centre (in French only) immediately at 1 800 463-5060 and follow instructions. If you are seriously ill, go to the emergency room of a hospital and bring the pesticide container label information with you or note the name and registration number of the product to show the triage nurse.