Tried DIY Wasp Removal? Read This Before You Make the Same Mistake

It was a warm Sunday afternoon in Andover.
A homeowner spotted a wasp nest under the back deck.
Instead of calling for help, they grabbed a can of spray, waited until dusk, and hit the nest from a distance.
The next day? 

The wasps were back. And they were angry. 

By the end of the week, the family had two stings, a swollen hand, and a much bigger problem.
This happens more often than you’d think — in Andover, Massachusetts and right here in Andover. 

🧯 The Problem With DIY Wasp Control 

We get it — you want to solve the problem quickly and avoid a service call. But when it comes to yellowjackets and wasps, DIY often does more harm than good. 

Here’s why: 

  • Store-bought sprays only reach surface-level wasps, not the queen or the full nest

  • Nests in siding or walls can’t be treated from the outside

  • Spraying a nest can provoke swarming, especially if you don’t retreat fast enough

  • DIY treatments rarely solve the root issue, and the colony rebuilds in days
     

We've had homeowners call us after being chased indoors, stung while mowing, or watching wasps return just 48 hours later. 

🛑 Real Risks, Especially in Summer 

In July and August, wasp colonies are at their largest and most aggressive. 

That’s when: 

  • Nests can hold hundreds, sometimes thousands of stinging insects

  • Yellowjackets become more territorial and defend their nests with little provocation

  • People are most likely to get stung during outdoor projects, gardening, or grilling

  • One wrong move can turn a quick fix into a painful emergency. 

✅ What You Should Do Instead 

If you see a nest: 

  • Don’t spray it unless you know exactly what you’re dealing with

  • Avoid disturbing the area (even with vibration or loud noise)

  • Call in a licensed professional trained to handle it safely

Why APC is Different 

At Andover Pest Control, we don’t just remove nests — we: 

  • Inspect the area for secondary nests and hidden colonies

  • Use targeted, non-invasive treatments to eliminate wasps at the source

  • Ensure it’s safe for your kids, pets, and outdoor space

  • Offer prevention strategies so you’re not dealing with the same issue next month
     

Call Andover Pest Control ASAP 

Before you risk a trip to urgent care or a full-blown wasp invasion,
Call Andover Pest Control ASAP — and let the professionals handle it right the first time. 

Because no one should have to learn the hard way.


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Are Yellowjackets a Danger to Kids and Pets? What Andover Families Should Know

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🏚️ Wasps in the Walls? How They Sneak Into Andover Homes — and How to Stop Them