Rats, mice, squirrels and raccoons aren’t the only pests known to seek refuge in the dark confines of an attic; wasps frequently build nests and thrive here as well. The problem may initially seem minor with just a couple stray wasps, but their numbers can quickly spiral out of control as the queen lays her eggs without the threat of natural predators.
Remove Standing Water
Wasps, like many other insects, are attracted to water. Even if there’s no water in your attic, you might unknowingly be drawing them into your yard with free-standing pools and puddles of water. And once they are in your yard, they’ll find their way into the attic.
If you haven’t done so already, go around the exterior of your home in search of free-standing water. Things like buckets, cups and jugs will catch rainwater while attracting wasps, mosquitoes and other unwanted insects. You don’t have to necessarily bring these containers inside, but you should at least flip them upside down so they won’t gather water when it rains.
Treat The Infestation
There are a few different ways to treat a wasp infestation in the attic. One of the easiest and safest ways is to bomb it with an insecticide. You can find professional-grade pesticide bombs available for sale either online or at DIY pest control shops. These emit a chemical-based fume into the surrounding air which kills wasps and other the insect pests.
Depending on the severity of your wasp infestation, you may want to hire a professional to remove them before even attempting to enter the attic. This is especially true if your or anyone in your family are allergic to wasps.
Seal Cracks and Openings In The Attic
After treating the wasp infestation, you’ll need to find and close their point of entry to prevent them from returning. With an average size of just 1/2-inch long, wasps are capable of fitting through some pretty small spaces. Inspect your attic for any small cracks, holes, crevasses or opening and fill them with something like expanding polyurethane foam (sold at home improvement stores).
Note: do not seal any vents in the attic. Vents play a key role in reducing mold and mildew, which is why you need them open. If you believe wasps are entering your attic through the vents, install a screen to keep them and other insects out.
