How to get rid of wasps in San Diego County
San Diego's long dry season gives wasps months to build nests under eaves, in wall voids, and along fence lines before the colony peaks in late summer. Warm inland valleys push nest activity even earlier than the coast.
What you're dealing with
Western yellow jackets and European paper wasps are the two species behind most San Diego County nest calls.
How to get rid of wasps: step by step
- Identify the nest type from a distancePaper wasp nests are open, umbrella-shaped combs under eaves, while yellow jackets often nest in ground holes or wall voids, which changes the safe approach.
- Treat only small, exposed paper wasp nestsA nest smaller than a golf ball with a handful of wasps can sometimes be sprayed at night with an aerosol wasp product from a safe distance.
- Seal small gaps in siding and eavesCaulk small cracks and gaps where wasps could start a new nest, but only after confirming no nest is already active inside.
- Remove food and drink attractantsKeep trash cans sealed and cover sugary drinks outdoors, since exposed food draws foraging yellow jackets close to the house.
- Mark and avoid ground nestsIf you find a hole in the lawn with wasp traffic, flag it and keep mowers and foot traffic away rather than approaching it.
When to call a pro
A nest larger than a fist, one built inside a wall or attic void, or any ground nest of yellow jackets is not a DIY job. Anyone with a wasp allergy in the house should skip DIY entirely and call a pro for even a small nest.
Check wasps & bees cost, or read the signs of wasps first.
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Common questions
How much does wasp nest removal cost in San Diego County?
A standard wasp or bee nest removal runs $149 to $249 depending on nest size, location, and how accessible it is.
Is it safe to spray a wasp nest myself in San Diego?
Only for small, exposed paper wasp nests sprayed at night from a safe distance; ground nests, wall-void nests, and anything larger than a fist should go to a pro.
Why do I see more wasps in San Diego County in late summer?
Wasp colonies peak in population from August through September as the nest reaches its largest size before the season winds down.
Want wasps gone for good?
Call for a free inspection and a flat-rate quote across San Diego County.