How to Get Rid of Ground Wasps Safely, According to Experts

If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you know it’s unpleasant. Although ground wasps may be less aggressive than some other wasps, they can still sting and will do so if disturbed.

"Ground wasp" is a common term for different types of stinging insects that build underground nests. Although many wasps fall into this category, the most common ground wasps are yellow jackets, cicada killer wasps, and digger wasps.

Experts say that with some precautions, you can get rid of ground wasps from your yard and restore peace to your surroundings.

Identifying Ground Wasp Nests

Ground wasp nests are not always easy to spot, but some telltale signs are small conical piles of dirt with holes in the center of each mound. You may also see wasps crawling into or out of the holes in the morning or evening hours. 

“To locate ground wasp nests, I recommend inspecting areas around foundations, under decks, near wood piles, and in holes or cracks in the ground,” says Peter Rania, president and CEO of Waltham Pest Control Co. “Look for wasps entering and exiting, and residue like mud around the entrance.”

Ground wasps like sunny, dry locations and are most active during daytime hours, so you may see them leaving their nests in the morning or returning in the evening. They’re particularly active in the autumn months. 

“Fall is a time when wasps and yellow jackets can be especially problematic,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “As plants die back and animals start migrating or going dormant for the fall, yellow jackets quickly find themselves with limited food options at a time when they’re trying to get as many calories as possible to help them survive the winter. This can make them especially aggressive around people and food sources.”

Non-Chemical Methods of Removal

Diatomaceous Earth

Your first line of defense against ground wasps should be natural remedies. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, powdery substance that kills ground wasps and other insects. Apply DE in and around the ground wasps’ nest entrance and reapply after any rainfall. It can take a few days to work, but DE effectively kills ground wasps. 

Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Sugar

Another option is to make traps by combining vinegar, sugar, soap, and water in a container. The sugar attracts wasps to the container, where they eventually drown.

“You can fill a container with equal parts water and white vinegar, add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension, and then add some sugar or other sweet substance to attract the wasps,” says Yamaguchi. “The strong scent of vinegar repels many insects, but the sweetness will draw the wasps in. Once they enter the container, they’ll find it difficult to escape and will eventually drown.”

Nest Flooding

Flooding the nest is another natural technique for getting rid of ground wasps, but it may not eliminate all wasps. This process involves pouring lots of water into the holes leading to wasp nests. 

“While I understand the draw, I do not recommend flooding the nest as a method to kill ground wasps,” says Ngan Nguyen Rawlings, a senior specialist of global controls at ScottsMiracle-Gro with a PhD in entomology. “They will most likely survive it, and you risk angering them and getting stung in the process.”

Chemical Methods of Removal

If natural methods don’t banish ground wasps from your yard, it may be time to turn to chemical solutions.

“If you are looking for something a bit stronger, you can use sprays like Ortho Home Defense Hornet & Wasp Killer, which can span 20 feet for hard-to-reach wasps nests or even deltamethrin, a commonly used insecticide for wasp control,” says Dr. Rawlings.

“To use these insecticides safely, ensure that you follow the instructions on the product label carefully, including safety precautions and application rates.”

Preventive Measures

Maintain Your Outdoor Space

Keeping your garden and yard well-maintained and moist can prevent ground wasps from creating nests. Mow your lawn regularly, and keep plants trimmed and free of debris where wasps might nest. “Perform regular yard maintenance like mowing, raking, and pruning, since wasps prefer overgrown, unmanaged areas,” Rania says. 

Remove Standing Water

Although they like dry ground for nesting, ground wasps seek out standing water and sweet substances for feeding. “Make sure that you reduce standing water and moist areas in the yard, as they can attract wasps seeking water sources,” Dr. Rawlings says. “To prevent ground wasps from returning, routinely seal cracks and holes in walls and screens to prevent wasps from entering structures to build nests.”

Encourage Natural Predators

You can also encourage natural predators like birds by putting bird feeders in your yard. Plant some naturally repellent herbs such as mint, citronella, lemongrass, and thyme to deter ground wasps even further.