Should I Block a Wasp Nest? Read This Before It’s Too Late!

It’s a common thought—wasps are flying in and out of a hole in your home, and your first instinct might be to block that entrance. If you block the hole, the wasps can’t get back in, right? Unfortunately, this well-intentioned move could lead to a much bigger problem than you anticipated. In fact, blocking a wasp nest entrance can make the situation significantly worse, potentially leading to wasps entering your home through unintended—and much more dangerous—routes.

What Happens When You Block a Wasp Nest Entrance?

It seems logical that blocking the entrance to a wasp nest would stop them from coming and going, but it’s crucial to understand how wasps behave. Wasps are persistent creatures and won’t simply give up if they find their usual entry point blocked. Not all wasps are out flying at the same time, and many wasps will be in the nest when the entrance is blocked. The wasps still in the nest will look for another way out. This could mean chewing through materials like plasterboard to escape, and if that happens, the alternative exit might be directly into your home.

We’ve encountered numerous situations where homeowners thought they solved the problem by sealing up the wasp nest’s entrance. Instead, they inadvertently created a much bigger issue. Wasps trapped inside a nest are not going to die quietly. They will become desperate to escape, and once they start chewing through a barrier like a wall, they can easily find their way into your living space. Imagine dozens, or even hundreds, of angry wasps suddenly pouring into your home through a hole in your wall or ceiling!

The Risk of Wasps Inside Your Home

Most wasp nests are in dark, concealed areas—within walls, attics, or above ceilings. When wasps begin chewing through plasterboard in an attempt to escape, they may inadvertently let light into the area where their nest is situated. This sudden introduction of light can cause the entire colony to start moving toward the new exit point, which could be a hole leading directly into your home.

In some cases, homeowners have been horrified to find their rooms swarming with wasps after blocking an entrance outside, forcing them to chew through a nearby wall. Instead of stopping the problem at its source, they unknowingly encouraged the wasps to invade their living space. It’s not only terrifying but can be dangerous, especially for anyone allergic to wasp stings.

The Expanding Foam Disaster

One of the most common DIY attempts at blocking a wasp nest involves expanding foam. It seems like a quick fix on the surface—spray the foam into the entrance hole and block it off completely. But this method is notoriously problematic.

First, most people panic when dealing with wasps, especially when they are buzzing aggressively around the blocked entrance. This panic can lead to overusing the foam, with some emptying an entire can into the hole. You’re left with a gooey mess of foam hanging out of the entrance, looking like an old bed duvet—and you still haven’t solved the problem.

Even worse, the expanding foam can push deeper into the nest, forcing the wasps to become even more desperate to escape. They may start chewing through the building fabric or find a way out closer to your living areas. Rather than stopping the wasps, you’ve made it harder for professionals to safely treat the nest and remove the infestation.

Why Blocking a Wasp Nest Is a Bad Idea

Blocking the nest entrance makes it much more difficult for a professional pest control service to treat the nest. When wasps are left with limited access points, they can become more aggressive, making the removal process even more dangerous. Wasps act strangely when the nest entrance has been blocked and may find an alternative entry point far away from the original, sometimes resulting in failure to treat a nest successfully. Pest control experts rely on accessing the nest directly and using specialized treatments to eliminate the colony safely. By blocking the entrance, you’re essentially sealing off access to the area they need to treat.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you discover a wasp nest on your property, the best course of action is to leave it alone and call in a professional pest control service. A professional will have the tools and expertise to eliminate the nest safely and effectively without causing further damage to your home.

In the meantime, avoid going near the nest and keep windows or doors in the affected area closed. Wasps can be highly territorial and aggressively defend their nest if threatened. The safest option is always to let the experts handle it.

Remember, blocking a wasp nest may seem like a quick fix, but it often leads to much bigger problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late—let the professionals handle it and avoid a potential wasp invasion in your home!