The gutter protects your home from rainwater. Like most installations, it needs a fair share of maintenance to get the job done.
Perhaps the most basic of all is regular cleaning from debris and other wastes. Otherwise, your gutter may attract insects, like wasps and bees.
If that’s already your problem, then you may be wondering how to get rid of a wasp nest in your gutter.
Luckily, we got you covered! In the next sections, we’ll dive into a step-by-step method to eliminate the issue.
How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest in Your Gutter Step-by-Step
Wasps sting. Most people will experience mild discomfort from the swelling, itching, pain, and burning sensation of the affected area.
However, wasps can cause more serious and life-threatening allergic reactions.
That said, you should plan ahead if you ever decide to get rid of the wasp nest on your own.
Take note, as well, that the best time to eliminate the colony is in spring. During this season, their numbers are just starting to grow.
In the winter, wasps die naturally, except for fertilized queens.
Now that we’ve got that out, here are the steps you need to take to eliminate wasps in your gutter:
1 – Scout the Nest
Scouting the nest is a key step to completing the task successfully.
First of all, it gives you an idea of the location’s accessibility.
If the nest is too far to reach, you may be setting yourself up for an accident. The same is true if you already have a severe wasp problem. Better to ask for professional assistance if it proves too risky.
Secondly, knowing the location helps you plan out an escape route in case things go south. If you’ll be using a ladder, for instance, make sure it’s well-anchored and stable.
Lastly, you get a look at the nest’s appearance. Some nests have exposed hexagonal combs like that of paper wasps, which makes them easier to treat.
Others, however, are fully enclosed, as in social wasps. Hence, you need to get the solution inside for it to be effective.
Remember, when you scout the nest, do it at night or before sunrise. This is safer since wasps are less active during these hours.
2 – Prepare the Things You Need
After scouting the nest, you may now have a plan in your head. The next step, then, is to prepare the following protective equipment:
- Safety goggles
- Face shield or mask
- Gloves
- Boots
- Light-colored long sleeves
Remember not to wear dark colors. These can easily warn off wasps, as they’re associated with predators.
As an added precaution, always use an extra layer of clothing. The sting is then less likely to penetrate your skin and cause harm.
The next thing you need to prepare is the nest spray. For this purpose, you can buy insecticides designed to kill wasps. You can also make your own solution using dishwashing liquid mixed in water.
For the application, be ready with a spray bottle, preferably one with a long nozzle. This way, you won’t need to be too close to the nest.
On top of that, you need a sturdy step ladder and some strong ropes or harnesses.
3 – Spray the Nest
The following night, you can set out and spray the nest. Make sure you wear your protective equipment tightly tucked or without gaps. After all, wasps can become aggressive when threatened.
Another advantage of doing this in the evening is that most of the wasps have already returned. As such, you have a higher chance of killing more.
You may need to repeat the process a few times, however, before you totally eliminate the colony. Check for signs of activity on the nest daily, so you have an idea.
Once you’re sure there’s none, you can sweep off the nest and clean the gutters.
How to Prevent Wasp Nests in Gutters
Knowing how to keep wasps away is just as important as knowing how to get rid of them.
There are a few things that attract wasps to your gutter. This includes a combination of debris and water.
If leaves, twigs, stems, and other debris accumulates in your gutter, it can cause clogging. Hence, water doesn’t constantly flow and instead may become stagnant.
This environment makes a perfect home for wasps to settle in. Not only will they use the stagnant water for hydration purposes, but they’ll use it to build their nests, along with the wood pulp.
Even more, the structure of the gutter serves as a support for the nest. The piles of debris can act as cover too, so they’re less exposed.
To eliminate the factors that draw wasps into your gutter system, clean it regularly.
Do Bees Nest in Gutters?
Just like wasps, bees are also attracted to gutter systems for the same reasons. Additionally, bees find unpainted raw wood appealing.
In the case of your gutter, nesting can indicate a more serious problem. They may bore holes into fascia boards and can go higher into the roof systems.
Similarly, thorough and routine cleaning can steer bees away from your gutter.
Final Thoughts
We’ve discussed a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of wasp nests in gutters.
First, scout the location. This way, you can create an action plan.
The next step is to prepare protective equipment for safety measures. Lastly, spray the nest with wasp insecticide or a dishwashing liquid solution.
For more severe pest activities, you can seek professional assistance.
As a final reminder, regularly clean your gutter. Such basic maintenance keeps it long-lasting. Plus, you deter unwanted settlers like wasps and bees.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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