Signs you need this
- A papery nest under eaves, a deck, a porch ceiling or in a shed
- Insects going in and out of a gap in siding or a hole in the ground
- Buzzing or chewing sounds from inside a wall or ceiling
- Many yellow jackets around trash cans or outdoor meals
- A nest near a doorway, play area, or somewhere a person with a sting allergy spends time
Not a do-it-yourself job
Disturbing a nest can bring many insects out at once, and nests in walls or in the ground are often larger than they look from outside. If anyone in the household is allergic to stings, don't try to deal with a nest yourself.
What the work usually involves
- Identifying the insect and finding the nest and every entrance to it
- Treating the nest, often at a time of day when the insects are less active
- Removing the nest where it can be reached
- For nests inside walls, treating first and sealing the entrance only afterwards
- Advice on keeping new nests from starting in the same spots
Until help arrives
- Keep people and pets away from the nest.
- Don't block or seal an entrance in a wall; insects trapped inside can chew through into the house.
- Don't swat at insects or spray the nest.
- Cover food and drinks outdoors, and keep trash lids closed.
- If someone who was stung has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or feels faint, call 911.