Although ground digger wasps are beneficial for controlling pests, the wasps are curious about anything around the nest and may sting you. There are several steps you can take to rid your lawn of these insects.

  • Although ground digger wasps are beneficial for controlling pests, the wasps are curious about anything around the nest and may sting you.

Purchase carbaryl (Sevin), bendiocarb (Ficam D) or diazinon dust to treat the area. You can use liquid pest controls, but dust generally works better, as liquids soak into the ground. Purchase plugs specifically for digger wasp nests; they looks similar to tapered corks. The plugs seal the holes, keeping the wasps in the nest as well as keeping out water that could dilute the dust in the nest.

Determine where the wasp nest entrance is on the ground. The easiest way to do this is to watch for the nest entrance during the day.

Wait until dark to treat the area after you have determined the location of the nest.

Treat an area slightly larger than the nest. Use a hand duster to squeeze the insecticide dust into the nest and plug.

Retreat if needed as it's common for new nests to emerge after the first dusting.

TIP

Call a professional to eradicate your lawn of ground digger wasps if you're allergic to bee stings.