Hiring a professional wasp exterminator typically costs between $100 and $1,300, with most homeowners paying around $375. The price depends on the wasp species, nest location, and severity of the infestation.
While small nests in easy-to-reach areas may be removed for under $150, larger or hard-to-access nests — especially those from aggressive species like yellowjackets — can drive costs toward the higher end. In some cases, you may need multiple treatments or emergency removal, which adds to the price.
DIY wasp removal is possible with store-bought sprays ($5–$10), but it comes with risks, especially for hidden nests or aggressive swarms. Professionals can safely identify the infestation, eliminate the colony, and prevent future problems.
In this guide, we’ll break down wasp removal costs, treatment options, and when to call in a pro.
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Factors That Influence Wasp Extermination Costs
As with exterminator costs in general, the price of wasp control depends primarily on the severity of the infestation and the difficulties involved in removing it.
Type of Wasp
The type of wasp makes a difference because some species are more aggressive than others. Additionally, some build nests in harder-to-reach places than others.
In general, paper wasps (including red wasps) cost less to remove than other types. Paper wasp nests resemble open honeycombs or upside-down umbrellas. These wasps build nests out in the open and are also less likely to sting. Mud daubers are similarly docile, so they’re also on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
On the higher end are species like bald-faced hornets, which are not particularly aggressive but do have very painful stings. They also tend to nest high up in trees, which can require specialty equipment. Yellowjackets are often the most costly to remove, since they’re aggressive and tend to form their nests underground.
Location of the Nest
Depending on where the nest is located, it may require more or less time and effort to remove. Nests on the ground level of your home or in low-lying trees or bushes are the least costly. If the nests are on the exterior of your multi-story home, you may need to add $5–$10 per foot above the first story to the removal cost.
Underground wasp nests and those in chimneys or attics are similarly difficult. However, if the wasps have nested inside the walls of your home, you will need to pay not only for nest removal services, but also for carpentry and drywall to repair the damage.
Size of the Infestation
As you might expect, larger, more severe wasp infestations are more difficult to eradicate completely. Once again, yellowjackets are particularly expensive, since their extensive underground nests may go unnoticed until the problem is very large.
Wasp Treatment Used
Usually, most of the wasps must be killed before technicians can remove the nest, and that involves insecticides. This typically involves sprayable pesticides containing pyrethroid, but sometimes insecticidal dust is a better choice to get into nests or cracks in walls. In some instances, a pest control company may use a specialized vacuum to suck the wasps out of the nest, which is a more expensive but highly effective procedure.
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How Much Does Wasp Removal Cost?
Most homeowners pay around $375 for professional wasp extermination, but prices range from $100 to $1,300, depending on factors like the wasp species, nest size, and location.
| Type of Wasp | Average Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| Paper wasps & red wasps (less aggressive, easy-to-reach nests) | $100 – $400 |
| Mud daubers (solitary wasps, minimal risk) | $300 – $600 |
| Bald-faced hornets (painful sting, elevated nests) | $400 – $800 |
| Yellowjackets (aggressive, underground nests, hardest to remove) | $500 – $1,300 |
The more aggressive the species and the harder the nest is to reach, the higher the extermination cost. Yellowjackets are the most expensive to remove because they build large underground nests that require special treatment.
Wasp Extermination Service Costs
| Service Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| One-time visit (inspection, treatment, follow-up) | $150 – $350 |
| Monthly service (recurring inspections & treatments) | $50 – $75 per visit |
| Annual plan (preventative treatments & wasp control) | $125 – $500 |
If you have a recurring wasp problem, a pest control plan might be more cost-effective than paying for repeated one-time removals.
DIY Wasp Removal Costs: Worth It?
- Wasp spray (long-range insecticide) — $5 – $10 per can
- Beekeeper suit & protective gear — $50 – $150
- DIY vacuum traps or lures — $20 – $50
While DIY wasp removal is possible for small, visible nests, it’s risky for hidden nests or aggressive species. If you’re allergic or unsure, call a professional.
DIY Vs. Professional Wasp Removal: What’s the Best Option?
You can safely remove a wasp nest on your own if:
✅ The nest is smaller than a tennis ball.
✅ It’s easy to reach (low-hanging, away from doors or windows).
✅ The wasps are not aggressive (paper wasps, mud daubers).
✅ You have protective gear and use a long-range insecticide spray.
💡 Best DIY Approach: Use a wasp spray ($5–$10) at night when wasps are less active. Stand at a safe distance, spray the entire nest, and remove it after 24 hours when all wasps are dead.
🚨 Avoid DIY if:
❌ The nest is large (bigger than a grapefruit).
❌ It’s in a hard-to-reach or enclosed area (eaves, attics, inside walls).
❌ The wasps are aggressive (yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets).
When to Call a Professional
Hiring a professional is the safest option if:
- You can’t safely reach the nest (high up, underground, in your walls).
- The wasps are aggressive or sting repeatedly (like yellowjackets).
- You’ve tried DIY but the wasps keep coming back.
- You have a wasp allergy—even one sting could be dangerous.
💰 Cost Factor: A single professional removal typically costs $100–$1,300, but preventing wasps from returning may save money in the long run.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wasps
Yellowjackets are widely considered the most dangerous stinging insects in the U.S. Unlike bees, which lose their stinger after one attack, yellowjackets can sting multiple times, injecting venom that causes pain, swelling, and potential allergic reactions. They are highly aggressive, especially if their nest is disturbed, and they may chase intruders for long distances.
Other wasps, such as bald-faced hornets and paper wasps, can also be aggressive but are less likely to pursue threats the way yellowjackets do. If you suspect a yellowjacket infestation, do not attempt DIY removal—these wasps often build hidden underground nests, making extermination tricky and dangerous. Call a professional pest control service to handle them safely.
No—blocking the entrance won’t kill the wasps and could make the problem worse. Wasps will chew through nearby materials, including wood and drywall, to create a new exit. If the nest is attached to your home, this could lead to them nesting inside your walls.
Additionally, sealing a nest without exterminating the wasps first can make them highly aggressive. Instead of blocking the entrance, use an approved insecticidal spray at night when wasps are less active, or hire a professional for removal. Never use gasoline, fire, or water—these methods don’t work and can be hazardous.
Preventing wasps starts with eliminating the things that attract them:
✅ Seal food and trash – Keep garbage cans covered with tight lids and remove trash frequently. If eating outdoors, cover food and clean up spills quickly.
✅ Remove standing water – Wasps seek water sources, so eliminate puddles, leaking hoses, and birdbaths.
✅ Limit nesting spots – Inspect your home’s exterior, eaves, and attic vents for early signs of nest-building. Seal cracks and crevices where wasps might enter.
✅ Manage fruit trees and flowers – Overripe fruit and sugary substances attract wasps. If you have fruit trees, clear fallen fruit from the ground regularly.
✅ Use decoy nests – Some homeowners have success deterring wasps by hanging fake wasp nests, as territorial wasps avoid nesting near others.
If wasps keep returning, consider a pest control maintenance plan to keep them away year-round.
