Realizing you have a wasp nest in or near your home can be scary. It’s not fun being chased or stung, and wasps can damage your yard and home. Even worse, an allergic reaction can cause serious injury or death. Most homeowners pay between $212 and $875 for wasp removal, with an average national cost of $385. If the infestation is severe enough, wasp treatment may require monthly visits, which cost an average of $40 to $70, with the initial visit ranging between $150 and $300.
In this article:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by type
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average wasp nest removal costs in 2024
| National average cost | $385 |
| Typical price range | $212 – $875 |
| Extreme low end cost | $120 |
| Extreme high end cost | $1150 |
Wasp removal costs $120 on the extremely low end and $1150 on the extremely high end. But the peace of mind of knowing you and your loved ones are safe is priceless.
Wasp removal costs will depend on the type of wasps, severity or size of the infestation, location of the nest, removal method, and any damage that needs to be repaired due to the location of the nest.
Nests that take less work to access, like those closer to the ground, cost less to remove. If the nest is in a wall, HVAC unit, or deep underground, homeowners can expect to pay at the higher end to rid their property of the infestation.
Make sure the pest control company you choose is licensed and insured. Ask about how long removal will take and if multiple treatments are needed.
Wasp nest removal cost estimator by type
To most of us, a bee is a bee… is a wasp. We can’t tell them apart. But did you know that bees and wasps not only have different physical characteristics, wasps are also more likely to sting you and are more aggressive than bees? If you’ve ever had to remove a beehive, you may be surprised to discover that removing a wasp nest is more expensive. The predatory nature of wasps makes their removal more costly.
Although wasps may all look the same, especially when you’re trying to avoid or run away from them, there are different types. The unique characteristics and behaviors of wasps affect how difficult they are to remove, and subsequently, affect removal costs.
| Type of Wasp | Average Removal Cost |
| Red Wasps | $310 |
| Mud Dauber | $315 |
| Paper Wasp | $385 |
| Hornet | $450 |
| Bald-faced Hornet | $625 |
| Yellow Jacket | $725 |
Red Wasp
Red wasps cost about $310 to remove. They are a rusty red to reddish-brown color with dark wings. They’re about an inch long. They typically don’t sting but will defend their nests, which are umbrella-shaped and look like a honeycomb. Red wasp nests are attached to a structure by one strand.
Mud Daubers
It typically costs an average of $315 to remove this wasp type. There are many species of wasps classified as mud daubers. These wasps build nests from mud. They’re usually black with a metallic shine, slender, and have clear or dark wings.
Mud daubers are not aggressive and typically will not sting. But when they leave their old nests, more dangerous wasps may take over. Mud daubers build nests in attics, sheds, garages, and porch ceilings. They are less dangerous than other species, and it takes less effort to remove them.
Paper Wasp
It will run you about $385 to remove paper wasp nests. Like the mud dauber, the paper wasp’s name reflects the material their nests are built from. If you see a nest shaped like an umbrella and made from a paper-like material, it’s probably infested with paper wasps.
Paper wasps usually don’t attack unless you bother them or their nest. Like most wasps, their color can vary with species. Most have skinny, brown bodies with red or yellow markings and black wings. They build nests in vegetation, trees, and doorways. Because they are more docile than other species, you don’t necessarily have to remove the nests unless they’re in high-traffic areas.
Hornet
Hornets can be aggressive when they’re near their nests, making them riskier and more expensive to remove, at about $450. They have reddish-brown faces and brown bodies with yellow stripes. Their nests can be found in attics, trees, and barns.
Bald-faced hornet
Expect to pay around $625 to remove bald-faced hornets. This variety is about an inch long with a black body and white-gray stripes. They usually don’t attack when away from their nests but will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Because the nests are so high up, located in tree canopies, they are harder to eliminate, and exterminators charge more.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are similar in appearance to hornets. They are the most aggressive and the most dangerous, as they will attack and chase you. They hide their nests underground, making them hard to access. These characteristics make them the most costly to remove. Pest control services usually charge $725 to get rid of yellow jacket nests.
Other factors that affect cost
You’ll want to be aware of all the key factors that are directly and indirectly related to wasp exterminator costs, like carpentry repairs needed after a professional has treated hard-to-reach areas like inside a wall. Let’s look at some of these expenses.
Size
A larger hive is a sign of a more severe infestation, meaning it will be more time-consuming and difficult to remove and clean up. It may even take multiple treatments to completely get rid of the nest. A small hive of about 10 to 50 wasps costs an average of $200 to remove. A larger nest could be about $500 and even go up to as much as $1,110.
Location
Some areas are easier to access than others for removal, affecting the cost. More difficult areas that require repair after the nest is removed will increase costs. Nests in outdoor areas like bushes or trees that are closer to the ground cost about $300 to remove.
| Location | Average Removal Costs |
| Attic | $325 – $450 |
| Wall | $350 – $875 |
| Chimney | $475 – $600 |
Attic
Attics are usually easier to access than other areas of a home. If the attic is harder to reach or the nest is high off the ground, it can cost more. Wasp removal from an attic is typically about $370.
Wall
It typically costs $630 to remove wasps from a wall. An exterminator will have to get inside the drywall to administer treatment, meaning you will need carpentry repair afterward. Repair costs are extra, and can add as much as an additional $950.
Chimney
It costs an average of $540 to treat a chimney. Unless you’re Santa Clause, chimneys are not easily accessible, making it more expensive to remove a wasp infestation from this area.
Location within the chimney can also affect the price. You’ll pay closer to $475 if wasps are closer to the top or bottom of the chimney. You’ll more than likely pay closer to the higher end if they’re in the middle.
Removal method
Wasp removal services use a variety of methods for wasp control, including pesticides and specialized equipment.
| Wasp Extermination Method | Average Cost |
| Aerosol | $125 |
| Dusting | $200 |
| Vacuuming | $250 |
Aerosol
Aerosol sprays work well for paper wasp and bald-faced hornet nest removal. But the tetramethrin and prallethrin chemicals used are poisonous. Be sure to ask your exterminator about safety precautions, like staying away from the treated area long enough to give the air time to clear. Natural options are available but they cost more, starting at $150.
Dusting
Dusting costs an average of $200. If you’re dealing with a nest underground, like those built by yellow jackets, dusting is ideal.
Vacuuming
This method uses a specialized vacuum to get inside crevices and other entry points and is the most expensive, costing about $250. Vacuuming allows exterminators to suck out wasps embedded in walls and other hidden and hard-to-reach areas.
Repairs
As stated above, if the infestation is in the walls, the exterminator will have to get inside the wall. An exterminator will more than likely have to drill a hole to access the nest. A carpenter will then have to come in and repair the damage. Carpenters typically charge $70 an hour. Your costs could be as little as $400, or as much as an average of $1270 on the high end.
Frequency of visits
The severity of the infestation will determine if you need more than one visit. Fortunately, it typically only takes one visit to remove wasps. So the average cost of $385 for removal at one visit may cover it (this single visit usually includes the inspection and treatment).
However, if the infestation is severe enough to warrant monthly treatments, expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial consultation followed by $40 to $70 monthly.
Local vs. national pest control companies
Local companies are more likely to charge less than national companies but may charge you for the first inspection. On the other hand, national companies may charge more for their services but give you a free quote. For example, Orkin and Terminix are national companies and both offer free quotes. Orkin backs its services with a 30-day refund guarantee and typically costs about $705 yearly. Terminix backs its services as well and costs about $600 a year.
When you realize you have a wasp nest, you may wonder if you have other uninvited critters hiding in or around your home. You may be interested in the following services.
- Bee removal
- General pest control
Bee removal
Most homeowners pay $445, with the typical cost of bee removal ranging between $135 and $1,065. Bees are not as aggressive as wasps. But like wasps, bees are stinging insects, people are allergic to them, and bees can cause structural damage. Beehive removal costs depend on bee type, size and location of the hive, and repairs needed after the removal.
General pest control
If you’re already having one pest problem, you may want to kill several birds with one stone, so to speak, and evict any other unwanted ‘guests.’ Pest control services will give you an inspection, so you can be aware of all the issues.
Several factors affect treatment costs, such as the type of critter, severity of infestation, and size of your home. Extreme cases take more than one visit. A one-time visit will include the inspection and treatment and be more than an initial visit with subsequent multiple treatments. If you need more than one visit, it will cost an average of $55 monthly.
The varying factors impacting total cost make it hard to give a one-size-fits-all price, but here is the average cost to treat pests that are more commonly found in homes, like mosquitoes and spiders.
| Pest | Average cost |
| Ants | $100 – $500 |
| Bed bugs | $300 – $5000 |
| Cockroaches | $115 – $350 |
| Fleas | $140 – $365 |
| Mosquitoes | $100 – $500 |
| Moths | $150 – $300 |
| Silverfish | $100 – $300 |
| Spiders | $125 – $200 |
| Termites | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Ticks | $200 – $500 |
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
The nest location and size of the nest are factors to consider when deciding between DIY and calling a professional exterminator. If the nest is small and easily accessible, you may be able to remove it yourself. But if it’s large and not above ground, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Wasp spray | $3 – $20 |
| Wasp killer can | $4 – $7 |
| Beekeeping suit | $50 – $200 |
| Total DIY Cost | $57 – $227 |
Wasp dust is another DIY method you could use instead of wasp spray. Wasp dust costs between $5 to $25.
If you’re interested in safer, more natural alternatives, spraying a mixture of soap and water will also kill wasps. It costs about the same as a chemical spray, between $2 and $20.
While there are sprays and dusts in your local hardware store to remove wasp nests, you want to consider your safety. If you have allergies or don’t want to risk being stung, leave this job to the professionals. Wasp stings can be fatal.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of tackling this project yourself. You may be able to save money if you DIY it, but is it really worth it?
Cost of wasp nest removal by location
Prices will vary per company and per area of the country. Labor costs tend to be higher in urban areas, but companies in rural neighborhoods may charge more because there are fewer pest control companies to meet the demand. Be sure to get at least three quotes before deciding.
FAQ about wasp nest removal
Even if wasps are not attacking you or they belong to a more docile species, you may still want to remove them. First of all, you probably don’t have the necessary expertise to identify the species or wasp type. With that being said, even if you identify them properly and even if they aren’t aggressive, wasps can still attack and sting you. By leaving the nest, you’re risking an allergic reaction if stung. And if you’re not allergic, your guests may be. Remember, wasp stings can be fatal.
If you are averse to removing the nest, there are some times when it may not present the above potential hazards. You may have noticed that there have been no wasps around the nest for a long period. Harsh wind or rainy weather will more than likely eventually disintegrate a nest that has been abandoned. But please remember that in-ground nests are considered very dangerous, and it’s recommended they be removed as soon as possible.
Insecticides typically continue to kill wasps if they return after the nest has been sprayed. Many wasp species will not reuse or build a nest near an empty one. But as was stated earlier, when mud daubers leave their nests, sometimes more dangerous wasps take over. To be on the safe side, dispose of any old nests. Be sure to wait 24 hours to make sure the spray has killed returning wasps.
Since many wasp species won’t build a nest near an established one, you could put up dummy nests. They cost between $10 and $20. You can also set wasp traps, which you can purchase for about $5 to $20.
Here are some other things you can do to make your area less attractive to wasps:
• Tie up trash bags
• Make sure lids are on garbage cans
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors
• Keep the grounds of your property free of leftover food
Final thoughts
Some wasp types are easier to get rid of than others, and you may feel tempted to remove them yourself. Other wasp types may not seem to pose much of a problem, like the paper wasp, and you may be able to leave them alone.
While you could suit up in protective gear and address the problem yourself, why take any chances? A professional exterminator can inspect your entire property, accurately identify the species, and appropriately apply the best technique that will keep you and your loved ones safe.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: PxHere
