How To Get Rid Of Wasps In Bushes

Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests among dense shrub branches, making them difficult to spot until you disturb the foliage. If you have been wondering how to get rid of wasps in bushes, the answer involves a mix of timing, the right sprays, and a few natural deterrents. You don’t need to call an exterminator for every small nest, but you do need a clear plan before you start poking around.

Wasps in bushes are a common problem because shrubs offer shelter from the sun and rain. They also keep the nest hidden from predators like birds. The key is to find the nest early, usually in late spring, when the colony is still small. A nest the size of a golf ball is much easier to handle than one the size of a dinner plate.

Before you do anything, make sure you are not allergic to stings. If you are, stop reading and call a professional. For everyone else, here is a safe, step-by-step approach to reclaiming your hedges and shrubs.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from identifying the type of wasp to preventing them from coming back next season. You will learn about chemical sprays, natural soap solutions, and the best time of day to attack the nest. Let’s get started with the most important step: preparation.

Step 1: Identify The Wasp Type

Not all wasps are the same. Yellowjackets build nests in the ground or in wall cavities, while paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests. Hornets build large, football-shaped nests that are usually high up. In bushes, you are most likely dealing with paper wasps or yellowjackets.

Paper Wasps: Long legs, slender body, brown with yellow markings. Nests look like open honeycombs.
Yellowjackets: Shorter, stouter, bright yellow and black. Nests are enclosed and papery.
Mud Daubers: Very thin, black or metallic blue. They build tube-shaped mud nests, but rarely sting.

If you see a single wasp flying in and out of the same spot in the bush, that is where the entrance is. Watch from a safe distance for a few minutes to confirm the location. Do not stand directly over the bush while you are looking.

Step 2: Choose The Right Time Of Day

Wasps are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They are also more aggressive when the sun is up. The best time to treat a nest is at dusk or dawn. At these times, most of the workers are back inside the nest, and they are sluggish because of the cooler temperatures.

Night time is also effective, but you need a good flashlight. Cover the flashlight with red cellophane or use a red light. Wasps cannot see red light well, so you are less likely to trigger a defensive response. Never use a white light directly on the nest, as it will alert them to your presence.

Step 3: Wear Protective Clothing

Even with the best spray, there is always a chance of a stray wasp flying out. You need to cover every inch of your skin. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, thick pants, and tuck your pants into your socks. Wear gloves and a hat. Use a scarf or a bandana to cover your neck and face, leaving only your eyes exposed.

If you have safety goggles, use them. They are better than regular glasses because they seal around your eyes. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes that wasps can get trapped under. The goal is to create a barrier between you and the stingers.

Step 4: Use A Commercial Wasp Spray

This is the most effective method for getting rid of wasps in bushes. Buy a spray that is specifically designed for wasps and hornets. These sprays shoot a long stream of insecticide, up to 20 feet, so you do not have to get close to the nest.

Stand as far away from the bush as the spray allows.
Locate the nest opening. If it is hidden, spray the entire area where you saw the wasps enter.
Spray the nest thoroughly, saturating it completely. Do not just spray the outside; try to get the liquid inside the paper cells.
Back away slowly and wait 24 hours.
Check the nest for activity. If you still see wasps, repeat the treatment.

Do not use a spray that is meant for ants or roaches. These are not formulated to kill wasps quickly and may just make them angry. Also, avoid using a water hose, as water will not kill them and will cause them to swarm.

Step 5: Use A Soap And Water Solution

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, a simple solution of dish soap and water works surprisingly well. The soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing it to stick to the wasps’ bodies. This suffocates them quickly. It is not as fast as commercial spray, but it is effective and safe for your plants.

Mix two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water in a spray bottle. Use a bottle that has a strong stream setting, not a fine mist. You need to hit the wasps directly with the solution. This method works best on small nests with only a few wasps.

Wait until dusk.
Approach the bush slowly.
Spray the nest directly and heavily.
Keep spraying until the wasps stop moving.
Knock the nest down with a long stick and dispose of it in a sealed bag.

You may need to repeat this process for a few days, as some wasps may be out foraging when you spray. The soap solution is a good option if you have children or pets that play near the bushes.

Step 6: Use Essential Oils As A Repellent

Wasps hate the smell of certain essential oils. Peppermint oil, clove oil, and lemongrass oil are all natural deterrents. While they do not kill wasps, they will make your bushes less attractive to them. This is a great preventative measure, but it is not a solution for an active nest.

Mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with two cups of water and a splash of dish soap. Spray this mixture on the leaves and branches of your bushes. You will need to reapply this after rain or heavy watering. This is a good way to keep wasps from building a new nest, but it will not get rid of an established one.

Step 7: Use A Vacuum For Hard To Reach Nests

If the nest is deep inside a thorny bush or in a spot you cannot reach with a spray, a shop vacuum can be a clever tool. This is a slightly unusual method, but it works well. You will need a long extension hose and a shop vac with a dry filter.

Fill the vacuum canister with a few inches of soapy water.
Attach the hose to the vacuum.
At dusk, place the end of the hose near the nest entrance.
Turn on the vacuum and hold the hose steady for about 10 minutes.
Turn off the vacuum and seal the hose immediately.
Leave the vacuum outside for a day to ensure all wasps are dead.

This method is very effective because it sucks the wasps directly into the soapy water, killing them instantly. Just be careful when you empty the canister. Make sure you dump the contents into a sealed trash bag.

Step 8: Remove The Nest After Treatment

Once you are sure the wasps are dead, you need to remove the nest. If you leave it, new wasps may move in later in the season, or it may attract other pests. Use a long stick or a broom handle to knock the nest down. Do not use your hands, even if you are wearing gloves.

Place the nest in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash. Clean the area where the nest was attached. Wasps leave a pheromone trail that can attract other wasps. Wipe the branch with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove the scent.

Preventing Wasps From Returning

Once you have dealt with the current infestation, you need to take steps to prevent them from coming back. Wasps are territorial, but they will build new nests in the same area if the conditions are right. Here is how to make your bushes less inviting.

Trim Your Bushes Regularly

Wasps prefer dense, overgrown foliage because it provides shelter. Keep your bushes trimmed and well-aerated. This allows sunlight and air to reach the inner branches, making it less attractive for nesting. Prune back any branches that are touching your house or fence, as these provide easy access.

Remove Food Sources

Wasps are attracted to protein and sweets. If you have fruit trees, pick up fallen fruit immediately. Keep trash cans covered and clean. If you have a compost pile, make sure it is not too close to your bushes. Pet food left outside is also a major attractant.

Use Decoy Nests

Wasps are territorial and will avoid building a nest near another colony. You can buy fake wasp nests at most hardware stores, or you can make your own by crumpling up a brown paper bag. Hang these decoys around your yard, especially near your bushes. This is a cheap and effective deterrent.

Seal Cracks And Holes

While wasps in bushes are the main issue, they often travel from other areas. Check your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Seal them with caulk or expanding foam. This prevents wasps from nesting in your walls or under your siding, which can lead to them entering your home.

When To Call A Professional

There are times when you should not attempt to handle a wasp nest yourself. If the nest is very large, or if it is located high up in a tree or under the eaves of a two-story house, call a professional. Also, if you have a known allergy to stings, never attempt to remove a nest on your own.

If you have tried the methods above and the wasps keep coming back, there may be a larger nest nearby that you cannot see. A professional exterminator has the equipment and protective gear to handle any situation safely. It is worth the cost to avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Vinegar Kill Wasps In Bushes?

Vinegar is a good repellent, but it does not kill wasps. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray it on your bushes to keep wasps away. However, if you have an active nest, you will need to use a soap solution or a commercial spray to kill them.

Can I Just Cut Off The Branch With The Wasp Nest?

You can, but it is not recommended. Cutting the branch will agitate the wasps and cause them to swarm. If you are going to remove the branch, you must first kill the wasps with an insecticide spray. Wait 24 hours, then cut the branch and dispose of it.

Why Do Wasps Keep Building Nests In My Bushes?

Wasps build nests in bushes because they offer protection from the elements and predators. Dense shrubs provide a dark, sheltered spot that is close to food sources. To prevent this, keep your bushes trimmed and use a peppermint oil spray as a deterrent.

Is It Safe To Use A Wasp Spray On My Plants?

Most commercial wasp sprays are oil-based and can damage your plants. They may cause the leaves to wilt or turn brown. If you are worried about your plants, use the soap and water solution instead. It is safe for most plants and will not leave a toxic residue.

What Happens If I Get Stung While Removing A Nest?

If you get stung, move away from the area immediately. Wash the sting site with soap and water and apply a cold compress. Take an antihistamine to reduce swelling. If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat, seek emergency medical help right away.

Dealing with wasps in your bushes is a task you can handle with the right approach. Always prioritize your safety by wearing protective clothing and working at dusk. Start with a simple soap spray for small nests, and move up to commercial sprays for larger colonies. Remember to remove the nest afterward and take preventative steps to keep them from coming back. With a little patience and the right tools, you can enjoy your garden without the fear of being stung. The key is to act early and stay consistent with your prevention efforts. Your bushes can be a safe, wasp-free zone again.