How do we get rid of the wasp nest under our cedar siding??

Question: Wasps have made a nest under the cedar siding of our home. We have tried a variety of sprays, but there is no good way to get most products up and under the siding. We have also tried to caulk the opening, but they just keep coming back. Any suggestions?

Answer: These could possibly be yellow jackets, which are common in many different environments, from residential yards to forests. These insects are predators of flies and caterpillars during the spring and summer. They are also very dangerous, being the most aggressive wasp around.

They are not easily controlled, especially after they have established a large nest under the siding of the house. These nests may contain hundreds of workers and they have the ability (and the attitude!) to sting many times. Control should proceed with caution.

There are a variety of treatments that are available, but it would be something best left to a trained specialist to control these dangerous pests.

Call the local Orkin Branch Office and request that a highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist come to your home and conduct a thorough assessment of the situation.

Your Orkin Pest Specialist can develop a customized (and safe) solution backed by science to help resolve the issue. The specialist will have the correct tools and protective equipment as well as the technical knowledge to tackle this problem. The specialist will treat the nest to kill the wasps that are in and around it using insecticides and equipment that allow for the treatment at a safe distance to prevent stings.

I would recommend you do not try to control these insects by yourself. They are dangerous, and you will probably get stung. If they are yellow jackets, it would be even more dangerous, as they sting repeatedly and use an attack pheromone that will draw other wasps toward you.

Once the wasps have been killed, you will have to get behind the siding in order to remove the nest if it is in the wall or attic of a house. Leaving the nest will attract other insects, such as carpet beetles, moths and other scavengers. Your Pest Specialist will inform you when this is safe to do.