How much does wasp or hornet nest removal cost?
How much does wasp or hornet nest removal cost?
$300 – $700 average cost to remove wasps
Wasp removal cost
Wasp nest removal costs $300 to $700 on average, depending on the size, location, and removal method. Yellowjacket removal costs $600 to $1,200. The cost of removing a wasp nest outdoors is $275 to $600 for 1-story homes. A wasp exterminator costs $150 to $350 minimum, depending on the method.
| National average cost | $525 |
| Minimum cost | $150 |
| Maximum cost | $1,200 |
| Average range | $300 to $700 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members
Wasp extermination cost by type
Wasp extermination prices vary by the species since some types are extremely aggressive and thus more labor-intensive to remove.
| Wasp type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Yellowjackets | $600 – $1,200 |
| Hornets | $300 – $475 |
| Bald-faced hornets | $500 – $800 |
| Paper wasps | $150 – $350 |
| Mud Dauber | $300 – $625 |
| Red wasps | $300 – $450 |
Yellowjackets
Yellowjacket wasp removal costs $600 to $1,200 on average. These wasps are aggressive, chase people, and attack even if unprovoked, making their removal difficult and expensive. Their nests are typically large and often hidden underground but can also be inside walls or hanging from a tree.
Yellowjacket wasps have slim bodies with a bright yellow and black body pattern.
Hornets
Hornet nest removal costs $300 to $475 in most cases. These wasps are aggressive when you come near their nest, making them harder to get rid of. Hornets tend to conceal their nest in attics, barns, and hollow trees.
You can recognize hornets by their reddish faces and brown bodies with yellow stripes.
Bald-faced hornets
Bald-faced hornet nest removal costs $500 to $800. The elimination of bald-faced hornet nests is challenging due to their high placement in tree canopies. While they rarely chase intruders, their painful stings pose a risk to children, pets, and those allergic to insects.
Bald-faced hornets have a black body with white-gray stripes and are around an inch long.
Paper wasps
Paper wasp removal costs $150 to $350 on average. These wasps build umbrella-shaped nests from wood pulp in convenient places like eaves or trees, making removal easy. Since paper wasps are docile and rarely attack, you have the option to leave the nest alone if it's in a low-traffic area.
 Paper wasps have skinny, brown bodies with black wings and red or yellow markings.
Mud Dauber
Mud Dauber wasps cost $300 to $625 to remove. These wasps are very common, typically don’t sting, and are easy to remove. Mud Daubers build their nests from mud often in attics, sheds, garages, and porch ceilings.
You can recognize mud daubers by their slender black body with a metallic shine and clear or dark wings.
Red wasps
Red wasp removal costs $300 to $450 on average, depending on the nest size and accessibility. These insects often construct nests in dark, indoor spaces like eaves, garages, or trees, increasing the chances of interactions with humans. However, red wasps typically don't sting unless provoked.
Red wasps are recognizable by their 1" long reddish-brown bodies.
Cost of removing wasps by location
The following table shows the cost of removing wasps by the location:
| Removal location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Attic | $400 – $700 |
| Walls | $500 – $1,000 |
| Outdoor | $275 – $600 |
| Chimney | $400 – $550 |
Attic
Removal of wasps from an attic costs $400 to $700 on average since sometimes the professional may need to cut through insulation or part of the roofing to fully remove the nest. Extra time is necessary for cleanup when the professional must vacuum up all the wasps inside the attic.
Additional fees after the removal include:
Roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 for minor repairs.
Ceiling repair costs $200 to $500.
Attic insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot installed.
Walls
Removal of wasps from inside a wall costs $500 to $1,000 depending on the wall type and the damage. Sealing up drywall after the removal is the cheapest scenario, and cutting through cement walls or part of the ceiling near the roof is more expensive.
Outdoor
Basic outdoor wasp or hornet removal costs $275 to $600 for most jobs below the roofline. These prices are lower due to the easy accessibility and minimal cleanup needed in outside removal jobs. Poison sprays are typically quick and effective for outdoor infestations.
Chimney
Removing wasps from a chimney costs $400 to $550 depending on how accessible the nest is. Fees increase when handling a nest inside a chimney more than 2 to 3 stories high due to the extra equipment and time needed.
Additional costs for wasp removal from chimneys are:
Hiring a chimney sweep costs $150 to $375 for cleaning out wasp-nest debris.
Chimney repair costs $200 to $700 to fix cracks or a damaged cap that allowed wasps to get inside the flue.
Wasp removal by method
Prices for removing wasps vary by the extermination method and poison type:
| Removal type | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Aerosol | $150 – $350 |
| Dusting | $175 – $250 |
| Vacuuming | $270 – $350 |
*Minimum extermination costs for outdoor nests below the roofline in easy access areas.
Aerosol
Aerosol spray poison applications cost $150 to $350 for 1 to 3 service visits, depending on the size and severity of the infestation. Exterminators prefer to spray outdoor nests in most cases. Spraying indoors isn't advisable due to limited ventilation.
Leaving poison on the nest for more than 24 hours helps kill all the straggler wasps returning later.
 Always keep all pets and children indoors during and after the spraying process.
Dusting
Dusting costs $175 to $250 on average. The exterminator pumps wasp-killing pesticide in dust form both inside and around the nest. The dust is sticky and easily spread around within the hive. However, don't use this method if the infestation area is easily accessible to pets or kids.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming costs $270 to $350 for a one-time visit involving extraction of all the wasps with an extra-large and high-powered vacuum unit. This approach is ideal when wasps are in the walls or small enclosed spaces.
Exterminators may also apply poison afterward to kill hornets returning to the nest site later.
Cost factors for wasp removal
The biggest factors affecting costs for wasp removal include:
Inspection – Hiring a professional for hive assessment costs $75 to $100, depending on how far they must drive to reach you and the infestation complexity.
Wasp species – Some types of wasps are more dangerous to remove, which increases the total labor cost.
Location of the nest – A nest located in a hard-to-reach place like in a tree or above the roofline often requires more time and effort to remove.
Infestation size – Multiple nests that are very large will also drive up the cost.
Risk factors – Nests in areas with a lot of people, especially near schools or hospitals, cost more to remove due to extra protective measures.
Post-eviction measures – Installing wasp traps, scheduling ongoing wasp-repellant sprays, or other preventative measures cost extra to stop their return.
Professional's experience and location – More experienced exterminators charge more for their services, but their skills result in higher-quality service. Typical rates for pest control services in your local area are also lower if the company has a lot of competitors.
Emergency services – If the wasp removal needs urgent attention outside of normal business hours, expect to pay a premium.
Travel distance – Companies charge more if they must travel a significant distance to reach your property.
Guarantees – A warranty of up to one year is typical with an ongoing service contract, and this service costs more for long-term wasp protection.
Debris disposal – Taking down the nest typically also requires picking up debris around it, with extra disposal fees of $50 to $90.
Wasp repairs
The most expensive repairs are typically from when paper wasps or yellowjackets have eaten through drywall or made holes in the wooden beams.
Prices for repairs after removing a wasp nest may include:
Drywall repair costs $200 to $750.
Deck repair costs $750 to $2,500.
Soffit and fascia repair costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
Siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot.
Fence repair costs $250 to $750.
Replacing the drip edge costs $5 to $9 per linear foot.
Related services
When calling a pest control company for related services, it's more efficient to do multiple exterminations at the same time whenever possible for a lower total price.
Additional extermination fees include:
A pest inspection costs $50 to $200.
Bee removal costs $125 to $1,000 on average.
Pest control costs $250 to $600.
Termite control costs $225 to $2,500 per treatment.
Bed bug extermination costs $300 to $500 per room.
Ant extermination costs $200 to $300 per treatment.
A cockroach exterminator costs $100 to $600.
Wasp removal FAQs
When do I call a wasp removal professional?
Call a wasp removal professional for help when:
The wasp issues are recurring.
You're allergic to wasp stings.
A ladder is necessary to remove the nest.
The nest is very large and attached to your home.
You have no experience in pest control.
Can you permanently get rid of wasps?
You can permanently get rid of wasps as long as you completely destroy and remove all traces of the old nest. If new wasps come later, hang wasp traps around the eaves. These traps lure wasps inside with a sweet liquid bait, and the wasps drown inside.
Will wasps return to a treated nest?
Wasps will return to a treated nest if they weren't present when the professional applied poison to the nest. To make sure all the wasps die, leave the poison on the nest and around the area for up to 2 days.
Allow enough time to kill all returning wasps so they won't try to rebuild the nest.
How long does it take to get rid of wasps?
Most removal methods get rid of wasps within 1 to 3 days. After a couple of spray applications of poison or pesticide dust onto the nest, all the wasps will die or leave. Then a professional can take down the nest so the wasps won't return.
Do Orkin or Terminix remove a wasp nest?
Most pest control companies, including Orkin and Terminix, remove wasp nests. These professionals have various methods of exterminating these insects and removing their nests.
Are landlords responsible for wasp nest removal?
Many landlords aren't responsible for wasp nest removal or other pest exterminations. Check the lease you signed to see if it states that you confirmed the place was free of pests when you moved in. This type of clause leaves pest control up to the tenant.
Terms and conditions also vary according to state laws.
Terms and conditions also vary according to state laws.
Can I remove a wasp nest myself?
Yes, you can remove a wasp nest yourself with a can of wasp-spray poison or by spraying water from a garden hose. However, you risk getting stung many times by the wasps and causing damage. Hiring a pest control company is the safest way to get rid of wasps.
Getting estimates from wasp exterminators
Before hiring a wasp removal service near you:
Obtain estimates from at least 3 companies in the business for 5+ years.
Ensure they have valid licensing and insurance for wasp removal services.
Check their reviews on platforms like Google and HomeGuide.
If they plan to use pesticides, verify their pest control certification.
Avoid those offering extremely low prices, typical of substandard services.
Retain a copy of their service agreements, warranties, and total bid.
Make the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking these questions before hiring a wasp or hornet removal service:
How long have you been in the business of wasp removal?
Can I see a list of references from your previous clients?
Which species of wasps do you specialize in removing?
What strategies do you use to remove wasps and prevent them from returning?
How can you ensure the safety of my family and pets during the removal?
Will you manage potential property damage that might occur?
Are you able to remove the wasp nest as well to prevent attracting more wasps?
Do you offer a guarantee on your services in case the wasps return?
What is the estimated duration of the wasp removal process from start to end?
What I should do before, during, and after the wasp removal process?