Wasp nest removal - Ask Extension
I have a large wasp nest hanging in a tree above where I often sit. It is now dormant. Is it safe to simply cut down the branch that the nest is hangi...
Knowledgebase
Wasp nest removal #921992
Asked November 15, 2025, 11:19 AM EST
I have a large wasp nest hanging in a tree above where I often sit. It is now dormant. Is it safe to simply cut down the branch that the nest is hanging from?
Is there a better way?
Frederick County Maryland
Expert Response
You are probably seeing a Baldfaced Hornet nest, but any social wasp nest is not re-used from year to year and is abandoned by winter, with any remaining workers dead. You can learn more on the linked page if you're curious. The papery nest will disintegrate fairly easily on its own, either from weather or wildlife tearing into it, so nothing needs to be done to remove it. If you prefer to take it down, the nest can just be cut off the branch where it attaches, rather than trimming the entire branch, which could risk causing wood decay in the tree later if the wound doesn't seal itself properly.
Miri
Miri
Thank you so much! I appreciate your fast response-and I am relieved that it is not a big problem.
Beth
On Nov 17, 2025, at 9:21 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
You're welcome!
