When dealing with a wasp nest, you want to enter it in early spring, when the nest is empty except for the queen, according to Sherlock Maintenance. But you still want to sprinkle the nest in wasp-killing bug spray. As Home Inspection Insider points out, there is a secondary queen ready to replace her, and the wasp colony will move into that nest even if the queen is gone.

To catch all the pesky insects at once and if you miss your early spring chance, Sherlock Maintenance says get up and running early to do your spraying. In fact, you want to be early in the morning before the daylight begins to wake up. Whatever you do, stay away from bright white light, like flashlights, because it will drive them crazy!

You want to spray quickly and rush for cover (like behind the closed door of your house). For safety’s sake, Do Better suggests covering up as much of your body as possible with clothing, and perhaps wearing a beekeeper’s mask for extra precaution. Also invest in a spray nozzle for a few feet to stay as far away from the nest as possible.