Cost of Wasp Extermination: What to Know

Wasps can be a real problem, particularly if you have an allergy to their venom. If you’re dealing with a wasp infestation, you may be wondering how much it will cost to get rid of them. 

The cost of wasp extermination can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area that needs to be treated. 

In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of what you can expect to pay for wasp extermination services.

Key Takeaways

• In most cases, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for professional wasp removal services.
• There are a few different ways to get rid of wasps. The most common method is to use an insecticide spray.
• The most expensive—but also most effective—option is to hire a professional exterminator. Depending on the size of your property and the severity of the infestation, this can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. 

How Do I Identify a Wasp Infestation?

If you think you might have a wasp infestation, there are a few things you can look for. Wasps are often attracted to sweet smells, so check for wasp nests near large sources of food or water. 

You should also be on the lookout for swarms of wasps near doorways or windows. If you see wasps flying in and out of an opening, that’s a good sign that there’s a nest nearby. 

Finally, listen for the sound of buzzing. Wasps are very noisy creatures, and their nests can be quite loud. 

What Factors Will Impact the Cost of Wasp Extermination?

The cost of wasp extermination can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area that needs to be treated. If you have a small infestation, you may be able to get rid of the wasps yourself with over-the-counter products. 

However, if you have a large infestation or you’re allergic to wasp venom, it’s best to hire a professional exterminator. 

Frequency of Service

Frequency of service can have a big impact on extermination costs, so it’s important to choose the right option for your needs.

Initial visit	$150-$300*
Bimonthly service	$20-$60
Monthly	$40-$70
Quarterly	$100-$500
Annual	$300-$500

Type of Wasp

If you have wasps on your property, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to get rid of them. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of wasp you’re dealing with.

Sawfly	The sawfly is a type of non-stinging wasp that is closely related to bees and ants. Sawflies are plant eaters, and their larvae can cause serious damage to crops and gardens. While they aren’t known to sting humans, they can deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened. Because sawflies don’t sting, they are relatively easy to get rid of. You can use a variety of methods, including insecticidal spray, to get rid of them. It should cost less than $100 to get rid of these wasps.
Paper Wasp	The European paper wasp is a stinging wasp that is native to Europe but can now be found in North America. These wasps are about the same size as a honeybee and are yellow and black in color. They build their nests out of chewed up wood pulp, which is why they are sometimes also called “wooden-hornet.” European paper wasps will sting if they feel threatened, so it’s important to call a professional if you have these wasps on your property. The cost of extermination will depend on the size and location of the nest but typically starts around $100.
Mud Dauber	The mud dauber wasp gets its name from the mud nests that it builds. Mud daubers are long and slender with a black or blue body and yellow stripes. They are not aggressive and rarely sting humans unless they feel threatened. Because they aren’t aggressive, mud daubers are fairly easy to get rid of on your own with insecticidal spray or another over-the-counter method. If you have a large infestation, you may need to call a professional exterminator which will likely start around $200-$300.
Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp	Eastern cicada killer wasps are one of the largest species of solitary wasps in North America. Adults can grow up to 2 inches in length and are dark brown or black in color with yellow stripes on their abdomen. These wasps get their name from their habit of killing cicadas, which they then drag back to their nests as food for their larvae. While females can sting humans if threatened, males cannot because they lack stingers altogether. Eastern cicada killer wasps aren’t aggressive so they can typically be removed without calling a professional exterminator. If you do have a large infestation or someone in your household is allergic to bee stings, however, it’s best to call an exterminator which will likely start around $200-$300 depending on the size and location of the nest(s).
Hornet	Hornets are large, aggressive stinging insects that can grow up to 2 inches in length. They are dark brown or black in color with white or yellow markings on their abdomen. Hornets build paper nests that hang from tree branches or other structures and can house hundreds of hornets at a time. Hornets will attack humans if they feel threatened, so it’s important to exercise caution if you see one on your property. These wasps can cost between $400 and $800 to get rid of.
Yellowjacket	Yellowjackets are small stinging insects that measure about 1/2 inch in length. They are black with yellow markings on their faces and abdomens and build nests out of paper materials like leaves or twigs chewed up with saliva. Yellowjackets live in colonies that can consist of thousands of insects, so it’s important to exercise caution if you come across one while outside. These insects will sting humans if they feel threatened, so it’s best not to approach them directly. It can cost up to $500 or more to remove these wasps.

Infestation Severity

The size and scope of the wasp problem will help to determine how much it costs to exterminate them. If you have a small problem, you may be able to get rid of them on your own. If the problem is more severe, you will need to enlist the help of a professional. 

Small Infestation 

If you only have a few wasps or yellow jackets around your home, you may be able to get rid of them with some do-it-yourself methods. You can try using a wasp spray or setting out some traps. These methods may require multiple treatments, so be patient and keep at it until they’re gone. 

Medium Infestation 

When the number of wasps or yellow jackets starts to increase, that’s when you know you have a medium infestation,  stronger methods and products to get rid of. There are also more health risks associated with a medium infestation because there is an increased chance of getting stung. We recommend calling a professional to take care of this for you.  

Severe Infestation 

A severe infestation is when the nest is close to your home or there are multiple nests on your property. This is very dangerous because you and your family are at risk of being stung multiple times. It’s important to call a professional as soon as possible so they can deal with the nest(s) safely and effectively. 

Removal Method

There are a few different ways to remove wasps from your home, each with its own set of pros and cons. The type of removal method you use to get rid of the wasps will also have an impact on the overall cost.

Traps

The most common type of trap is the bait trap. These traps use a sweet bait to lure in wasps and then trap them inside. The average cost for bait traps is $10-$20. 

Light Modification

Light modification is another type of trap that uses light to attract wasps. These traps typically have a yellow or ultraviolet light that attracts the wasps into a chamber where they cannot escape. The average cost for light modification traps is $30-$40. 

Mechanical and Insecticidal Control

Mechanical and insecticidal control are two more types of traps that use chemicals to kill wasps. These traps typically have baits that contain insecticides or other chemicals that kill the wasps upon contact. The average cost for mechanical and insecticidal control traps is $50-$60. 

Physical Removal

Physical removal is the last type of trap we’ll be discussing. Physical removal involves removing the nests of wasps manually. This can be done by spraying the nest with water or using a vacuum cleaner with an attachment specifically designed for removing wasps’ nests. The average cost for physical removal is $70-$80. 

Where the Infestation Is Located

If you’ve ever dealt with a wasp infestation, you know how difficult and costly it can be to get rid of them. The location of the infestation will have a big impact on the cost of extermination. Here is a breakdown of the average costs you can expect to pay based on where the infestation is located. 

Ground Level – Average Cost: $10-$400

If the infestation is ground level, the average cost of extermination will be $10-$400. This includes wasps that are nesting in bushes or in cracks in the foundation. 

Inside Tree/Bush – Average Cost: $200-$600

If the infestation is inside a tree or bush, the average cost of extermination will be $200-$600. This includes wasps that are nesting in trees or bushes near your home. 

Second Story – Average Cost: $300-$700

If the infestation is on the second story of your home, the average cost of extermination will be $300-$700. This includes wasps that are nesting on your porch or balcony. 

In an Attic – Average Cost: $400-$800

If the infestation is in your attic, the average cost of extermination will be $400-$800. This includes wasps that are nesting in your attic or rafters. 

Chimney – Average Cost: $500-$900 

If the infestation is in your chimney, the average cost of extermination will be $500-$900. This includes wasps that are nesting in your chimney or flue pipe. 

Wall – Average Cost: $600-$1,000 

If the infestation is in your wall, the average cost of extermination will be $600-$1,000. This includes wasps that are nesting behind your wallpaper or in cracks in your walls. 

DIY Wasp Extermination – Should I Do It?

If you’re tired of dealing with wasps, you may be wondering if it’s time to call an exterminator. However, before you pick up the phone, you may want to consider doing your own wasp extermination. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of taking this DIY approach.

Vinegar

The cost of vinegar is very low and you probably already have it in your kitchen. Vinegar is also environmentally friendly and won’t harm other insects or animals that may come into contact with it. However, vinegar is not very effective in killing wasps and is only a temporary solution at best. 

Sprays

There are many different types of extermination sprays available on the market today. Some of these sprays are designed to kill wasps on contact while others are designed to keep them away from your home altogether. The cost of these sprays can vary depending on the brand and the size of the bottle. However, they are generally more expensive than vinegar. 

Soap and Water

Soap and water won’t actually kill wasps, but it will remove their protective outer layer, which will cause them to drown when they try to fly away. The cost of soap and water is very low since you probably already have both of these things in your home. However, it’s important to Note that this method will only work if you can spray the wasp directly with soapy water. 

Homemade Traps

You can make your own traps using sugar water or meat as bait. The cost of this method will depend on what you use for bait. Sugar water is much cheaper than meat, but it may not be as effective in attracting wasps. Once the wasps enter the trap, they will be unable to escape and will eventually die. 

Prevention

Remove Sources of Food 

Wasps are attracted to food sources, so one of the best things you can do to prevent them from coming around is to remove any potential sources of food. This means keeping your garbage cans sealed tight and taking out the trash regularly. If you’re having an outdoor party, be sure to keep all the food covered as well. 

Keep Doors and Windows Shut

Another way to prevent wasps from getting into your home is by keeping doors and windows shut. This is especially important in the warmer months when wasps are most active. If you have any cracks or holes in your doors or windows, make sure to seal them up so that wasps can’t get in. 

Regularly Check for Nests

One of the best ways to prevent a wasp problem is by regularly checking for nests. Wasps are most active in the summer months, so be sure to check for nests at least once a month during this time. If you find a nest, call a professional to have it removed safely. 

Conclusion

When hiring a professional exterminator, be sure to ask about their experience treating wasps and whether they offer a warranty on their services. Also, ask for a written estimate so that you know exactly how much the service will cost. Be sure to ask about follow-up visits when you’re getting an estimate so that you can plan for the additional cost.  

Once the exterminator arrives, they will inspect the affected area and recommend a course of treatment. After the treatment is complete, the exterminator will usually follow up with another visit to make sure that the wasps are gone for good. 

If you’re dealing with a wasp infestation, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. The cost of wasp extermination can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of the area that needs to be treated. 

Ultimately, hiring an exterminator to deal with your wasp probably will probably be with the expense—so consider doing so ASAP.

Questions Others Are Asking 

How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of wasps? 

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the size of the nest and the type of wasp. In general, however, it usually takes a few hours for an exterminator to remove a wasp nest. If the nest is large or difficult to reach, it may take longer. 

Is it worth getting an exterminator for wasps? 

While this can be an effective way to get rid of wasps, it can also be expensive. If you have a small infestation, you may be able to get rid of the wasps yourself with some basic pest control measures. However, if the problem is more severe, it may be worth the expense of hiring an exterminator.

When should you call an exterminator for wasps?  

If you have wasps on your property, it’s important to take action right away. An exterminator can help to get rid of them quickly and safely. In general, you should call an exterminator for wasps if you have more than a handful of them on your property.