Wasp Nest Removal in Montreal: Costs, Risks, and When to Call a Pro
A wasp nest on your property is one of those problems that gets worse the longer you ignore it. In June it is the size of a golf ball with a handful of wasps. By August it can be the size of a basketball with hundreds.
Here is the practical guide for Montreal homeowners.
Types of Wasps in Montreal
Paper Wasps
Build small, open-comb nests that hang from eaves, porch ceilings, and railings. Usually grey or brown, umbrella-shaped. Colonies are small — 20-75 wasps. They are moderately aggressive and will sting if the nest is disturbed.Yellowjackets
Build enclosed nests, often underground (in old rodent burrows, under landscaping) or in wall voids. These are the most aggressive wasps in Montreal and responsible for most stings. Colonies can reach 1,000-5,000 workers by late summer.Bald-Faced Hornets
Build large, enclosed paper nests — the grey football-shaped ones you see hanging from tree branches or under eaves. Colonies reach 400-700 workers. Extremely aggressive when the nest is disturbed. Their sting is more painful than yellowjackets.What It Costs
| Nest Type | Location | Typical Cost | |---|---|---| | Paper wasp (small, accessible) | Under eave, porch | $100 – $175 | | Paper wasp (high or hard to reach) | Peak of roof, soffit | $150 – $250 | | Yellowjacket (ground nest) | Lawn, garden bed | $150 – $300 | | Yellowjacket (wall void) | Inside wall, attic | $250 – $450 | | Bald-faced hornet (tree) | Accessible branch | $200 – $350 | | Bald-faced hornet (structure) | Under eave, attached to house | $250 – $400 | | Emergency/weekend service | Any | Add 30-50% |
These prices reflect the Montreal market including the South Shore. Most companies charge a flat rate per nest, not hourly.
When You Can Handle It Yourself
Small paper wasp nests — early in the season (May-June), easily accessible, with fewer than 20 visible wasps — can sometimes be handled with an over-the-counter wasp spray.
Rules for DIY removal:
- Do it at dusk or dawn when wasps are less active and all workers are on the nest
- Stand at least 3 meters back and spray directly into the nest opening
- Have an escape route planned — seriously
- Wear long sleeves, pants, closed shoes, and gloves
- Never use a ladder — if you get stung and fall, the fall is worse than the sting
- Never attempt DIY on yellowjacket or hornet nests
When You Must Call a Professional
- Any ground nest — yellowjackets in ground nests are extremely aggressive and attack in swarms when disturbed
- Any wall void nest — attempting to seal a wall void with wasps inside will drive them into your living space
- Nests larger than a softball — the colony is established and removal requires protective equipment
- Anyone in the household with a wasp allergy — a sting allergy can cause anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening
- Nests near high-traffic areas — doorways, playground equipment, deck seating, pool areas
The Removal Process
A professional wasp removal typically takes 15-45 minutes:
1. Assessment — identify species, nest location, size, and access challenges 2. Treatment — application of dust or liquid insecticide directly into the nest. Dust formulations are preferred for wall voids because they penetrate deep into the cavity. 3. Removal — for exposed nests, physical removal after treatment. For ground nests and wall voids, the nest may be left in place after treatment (the colony dies within 24-48 hours). 4. Seal — for wall void nests, the entry point is sealed after the colony is dead to prevent other insects from feeding on the abandoned nest.
Safety Warning: Allergic Reactions
Approximately 3% of Canadians have a systemic allergy to insect stings, according to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:
- Swelling beyond the sting site (especially face, throat, tongue)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness or drop in blood pressure
- Hives or widespread itching
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wasps come back to the same nest?
No. Wasp colonies are annual — the colony dies in fall and the nest is not reused the following year. However, new queens may build new nests in the same favorable location. Sealing the entry point and removing attractants reduces the chance of a new nest.When is the best time to remove a wasp nest in Montreal?
The ideal time is early in the season (May-June) when colonies are small and less aggressive. By August-September, colonies are at peak size and much more dangerous to disturb. If you notice a nest forming in spring, act quickly — it only gets harder.Got a pest problem?
Extermination DMP serves Montreal, the South Shore, Laval & the West Island — 24/7.
Call 438-879-5706