How much does Wasp extermination cost?

Having a few wasps on your property usually isn’t a problem. These insects can actually be helpful—they get rid of certain crop-destroying pests, and some species are plant pollinators.  But you could have more than you think, since a single wasp nest can house as many as 1,000 wasps. And large infestations can be dangerous, especially to children and anyone who has allergic reactions to wasp stings. 

That’s especially true if you have yellow jackets, which are aggressive and can be very dangerous. Other types, such as paper wasps and mud daubers, are less likely to sting. (The websites of local health departments or agricultural extension programs can help you identify common species in your area.) 

But since it’s hard for most people to tell the difference—and because existing wasp nests may be taken over by more aggressive species—it’s a good idea to call a professional wasp removal company if you notice a wasp infestation of any kind around your property.  They can tell you what type you have, how dangerous it is, and what removal steps are recommended.

This guide will explain the average costs of hiring a professional exterminator to take care of a wasp infestation. 

Most pest-control companies charge based on the species of wasp and location of the nests. For wasp extermination, they’ll use chemicals to kill the wasps. Most exterminators won’t relocate the nest—as they’ll often do for bee removal—because wasps are generally more aggressive and dangerous. The average cost of wasp extermination is $390. 

If wasp nest removal is an option, they’ll use aerosols, dust, or liquids to ensure that the colony leaves the nest and can’t return. The typical price range for wasp nest removal in an easily accessed area is $325–450. 

Some wasp species are generally more dangerous and aggressive than others, requiring  technicians to use extra protective gear. Also, some types of wasps often prefer building their nests in inaccessible areas, increasing the cost required for specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll typically pay to get rid of different types.

Paper wasps. Arguably the most common wasp in America, paper wasps can be identified by their brown bodies with yellow or red markings. Paper wasp nests are shaped like umbrellas with the combs facing downward, which they build from pulp created by chewing paper or wood. The average cost of paper wasp extermination is $100–400.

Mud daubers. These wasps are named for their ability to build nests out of mud, and can be identified by their thin, sinewy-shaped, black bodies. Mud dauber nests are common in attics, sheds, barns, and under eaves or porch ceilings. The average cost of mud dauber nest removal starts at $300, but can go up to $600 for a large or difficult-to-access infestation.

Yellow jackets. These wasps often build their nests underground or within hollowed-out tree trunks, and the nests tend to be larger than those of other wasp species. They have a unique black-and-yellow coloring, with a narrow midsection. Yellow jackets are extremely aggressive and can sting intruders multiple times. Due to the dangerous nature of these wasps and inaccessibility of their nests, the average cost of hiring a wasp-control service to exterminate them starts at $375 and can go up to $700.

Bald-faced hornets. These are actually a type of yellow jacket, although they’re black-and-white (with a white, or “bald,” head) and typically larger. Their nests hang in shrubs or trees, and look like layered combs with a paper-like envelope, which they make by chewing fiber into pulp. These hornets can be quite aggressive, and their stings include a venom that produces a painful and itchy reaction. Bald-faced hornet nest removal costs range from $300–700.

After visiting your property, an exterminator will investigate and identify the wasp species and nest location. Then they’ll determine the best method of extermination. Some companies advertise “humane” methods of wasp removal, which usually involves treating the nest with aerosol spray that causes the colony to leave and create a new nest elsewhere. They may also remove the wasps with a vacuum, at an average cost of $250. 

The professional will then choose between an array of aerosol and dusting pesticides that will eliminate the identified species. On average, the cost of aerosol wasp treatment is $125, dusting treatment is $200, and liquid treatment is $250. 

The costs of removing a nest from an inaccessible location can vary. In general, outdoor locations cost less compared to indoor nesting areas. The average cost of removing wasp nests runs from $325–450 for attics, $350–875 for walls, and $475–600 for chimneys. In homes with high ceilings (above 10 feet), removal may cost about $30 more.

How much does wasp extermination service cost?
The average cost of hiring a pest-control company to get rid of a wasp infestation is $325–450. When dealing with more aggressive wasp species or nests in unreachable locations, the cost may reach $700.

Can DIY wasp extermination be free?
While you can remove a wasp nest yourself,  you’ll still need to buy insecticides  and protective clothing to deal with the  infestation.  Keep in mind that the insecticides you buy at a home center won’t be as powerful as ones that pest-control services use, and that insufficient nest removal will allow wasps to return.

What is the cost of removing underground yellow jacket nests?
Because of the yellow jackets’ aggressive character and the inaccessibility of their nests, exterminating them typically costs $375–$700.