Most homeowners pay $300–$700 for professional wasp nest removal, with a national average of about $525. A small paper wasp nest can cost as little as $100–$150, while large yellowjacket or in-wall nests can reach $1,200–$1,300 (Angi, HomeAdvisor and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 2 more. National US estimates.
A nest by the front door, inside a wall or under the deck is more than a nuisance: yellowjackets and hornets defend their nests aggressively and can sting repeatedly. Professionals treat the nest, remove it when it's reachable and make sure the colony is dead before they leave.
Below are average prices by wasp type and nest location, a typical cost breakdown and tips for comparing quotes. If you have ongoing insect problems, a recurring plan may cover wasps; see our pest control cost guide.
Average cost
National averages for professional wasp and hornet nest removal, as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small, exposed nest (paper wasps under an eave) | $100–$350 | Quick aerosol or dust treatment |
| Average nest: hornets or yellowjackets, easy to reach | $300–$700 | Most common job; average about $525 |
| Large, hidden or hard-to-reach nest (walls, attic, high roofline) | $500–$1,300 | May need drilling, a lift or several visits |
Wasp nest removal cost by type
| Wasp type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Paper wasps | $100–$350 |
| Mud daubers | $300–$625 |
| Hornets | $300–$475 |
| Red wasps | $300–$450 |
| Yellowjackets | $500–$1,200 |
| Bald-faced hornets | $500–$800 |
Wasp nest removal cost by location
| Nest location | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Outdoors, one story, below the roofline | $275–$600 |
| Trees | $200–$600 |
| Attic | $300–$700 |
| Chimney | $400–$600 |
| Inside walls | $250–$1,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for removing one medium yellowjacket or hornet nest from a one-story home's exterior. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment and removal (labor and insecticide) | $250–$550 | Aerosol, dust or vacuum removal by a licensed technician |
| Inspection | $0–$100 | Often free from larger companies; $75–$100 otherwise |
| Follow-up visit | $0–$70 | Only if activity continues; $40–$70 when charged |
| Debris disposal | $50–$90 | Removing and bagging the dead nest |
| Contingency | $0–$100 | Sealing the entry hole or minor touch-up |
| Estimated total | $300–$910 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor is the main cost; location and wasp species decide whether a job lands near $300 or above $700.
What affects the price
- Nest location. Exposed outdoor nests below the roofline cost about $275–$600, while nests in walls ($250–$1,000), attics ($300–$700) or chimneys ($400–$600) cost more because they may need drilling or minor demolition.
- Type of wasp. Paper wasps are the cheapest to treat ($100–$350); yellowjackets ($500–$1,200) and bald-faced hornets ($500–$800) are more aggressive and often nest in hidden spaces.
- Size. Small nests with a few dozen wasps cost around $250, medium nests about $500, and large nests $1,000 or more. Multiple nests raise the price.
- Accessibility. Nests high on a roofline, in tall trees or more than two or three stories up may need ladders or lifts, which adds labor time.
- Urgency. Same-day, after-hours or weekend service usually costs a premium, so ask before booking an emergency visit.
- Guarantee. One-time removals often come with a short guarantee, while longer warranties (up to a year) usually require an ongoing service contract that costs more.
Ways to save
- Get at least three quotes and ask each company whether the inspection, removal of the dead nest and a follow-up visit are included.
- Call early in the season: a spring nest with a few dozen wasps costs far less to treat than a large late-summer colony.
- If wasps return every year, compare one-time removal prices with a recurring pest plan that includes stinging insects.
- Confirm the insect first: honeybees are often relocated by local beekeepers rather than exterminated, and bee removal is priced differently ($125–$1,000).
- Avoid emergency surcharges by booking during normal hours when the nest isn't in a high-traffic spot.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed pest control companies for a written quote. Share the same information with each:
- Where the nest is (eave, wall, attic, ground, tree) and how high it is.
- Photos of the nest or insects, if you can take them from a safe distance, and an estimate of its size.
- How urgent the job is, and whether anyone in the household is allergic to stings.
- Ask what is included: nest removal and disposal, follow-up visit, sealing of entry holes and the guarantee period.
FAQ
Is it worth paying a pro to remove a wasp nest?
For large nests, nests inside walls and anything above ground level, yes: aggressive species sting repeatedly, and pesticides must be applied according to label and local rules. Professionals typically charge $300–$700.
How long does wasp nest removal take?
Most exterior nests are treated in a single visit lasting under an hour. Hidden or very large nests may need a return visit after a day or two to confirm the colony is dead.
Does removing a wasp nest damage my house?
Exposed nests usually come down without damage, but nests in walls or ceilings can require small access holes. Repairs after removal typically cost $300–$1,000.
For the big picture, start with our complete bed bug treatment cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Wasp Nest Removal Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Jul 9, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Wasp or Hornet Nest Removal Cost? (2026) (Feb 9, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Wasp Nest Removal Cost? (updated Jun 17, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.