The odds are very high that you’ll be able to remove the wasp without getting stung, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve got some time on your hands or you want a solid outfit for any future wasp-related encounters, you can always make a beekeeper’s suit.
Most wasp species avoid people unless they get too close to their nest, or they sense food. Since you aren’t being swarmed by a mob of wasps right now, you probably aren’t near a nest. This means that you’ve got food nearby. If you’re eating or near a trash can, get some distance and the wasp shouldn’t follow you. [5] X Research source
If the wasp doesn’t die instantly, it should die in the next 5-30 seconds. The soap clogs their pores and makes it impossible for the wasp to breathe or move.
Make sure the wasp is 100% dead once you hit it. If you only injure the wasp, it may release a pheromone that attracts other wasps. If you take a swing and miss, run for cover. Get some distance and do not turn to fight it off if you want to avoid being stung. [9] X Research source
Most of these sprays are designed to work from a good distance. In most cases, you should be able to hit the wasp from 10–20 feet (3. 0–6. 1 m) away. If you’re indoors, you may want to wait for the wasp to land on an area that you don’t mind staining. Many commercial wasp sprays are oil-based, and you may end up with some minor discoloration on whatever surface you spray. Read the label to see if it mentions anything about staining wood, metal, or drywall.
In most cases, one application of the insecticide is more than enough to destroy a colony. If you see any wasps floating around the next day, repeat the process. [12] X Research source If you can, hire a pro to do this. That’s going to be the safest way to 100% remove the wasp nest and ensure that they don’t rebuild. [13] X Research source
Lure traps are very unlikely to work on hornets or paper wasps. If you’ve got yellowjackets, it should work, though![15] X Research source Only do the cup and paper move if you’ve got a solitary wasp who doesn’t seem especially upset and you’re positive that there isn’t a nest nearby. If the wasp looks like it’s trying to find a way out (i. e. it’s hanging out near a window or wall and it’s not eating), it’s very unlikely to come back after you release it. If the wasp doesn’t go into the trap after 30 minutes or so, put it far away from you. Leaving a lure trap out for too long may attract more wasps to your area. [16] X Research source
Refill these traps every 2-3 days and whenever it rains. Do not skip the soap! The soap is the only ingredient in these traps that will kill the wasps. These DIY vinegar traps may not work with certain species of wasp. [18] X Research source You can also make a wasp trap and follow the directions to bait and maintain it.
If the wasp seems to be attracted to some food or drink you have, set the attractive item outside.
The wasp shouldn’t register the airflow as a threat, so don’t worry about angering the wasp. You might be able to get away with using canned air as well. This may be too strong for a wasp though, which might injure or irritate the wasp and cause it to turn aggressive.
