For most people, a wasp nest in the wall is a call to the exterminator. For one resourceful and frustrated homeowner, it was a call to the workbench. In a story that’s going viral online, a DIY enthusiast has detailed how they used a 3D printer and a common computer fan to humanely and effectively engineer their way out of a persistent wasp nightmare, offering a clever blueprint for others facing a similar buzz.
The Stinging Problem: A No-Win Scenario
The issue began with a recurring wasp infestation nested deep within an exterior wall of their home. Access points, likely created by winter-damaged siding boards, provided the perfect entryway for the insects. Like many, the homeowner first turned to conventional methods.
“I tried standard wasp removal sprays and even called in professional exterminators,” the inventor shared on Reddit, “but nothing provided a permanent fix.” The chemical sprays proved useless against the hidden colony, and the nuclear option—physically tearing open the wall—was both impractical and highly undesirable, especially with a newborn baby in the home. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place, needing a solution that was both effective and safe for their family.
The "Eureka" Moment: Engineering an Exit Strategy
Rather than fight a losing battle, the homeowner decided to change the rules of engagement. Instead of trying to poison the wasps inside the wall, why not encourage them to leave and simply lock the door behind them?
The solution was a custom-designed, 3D-printed device they call the "wasp excluder." This clever piece of engineering acts as a one-way door for the insects. The core of the design is a housing that fits snugly over the wall panels, and its most critical component: a standard 140mm fractal-design PC case fan.
The fan is the key to the entire operation. It runs continuously, creating a steady, low-power airflow blowing out of the wall. This gentle breeze allows wasps to easily exit the nest but makes it nearly impossible for them to fight against the current to re-enter. It’s an elegant, non-lethal, and energy-efficient form of pest control.
The inventor's full build process and results can be seen in this detailed Reddit post, which includes images of the installed device.
A Groundbreaking Result: Silence Where There Was Buzzing
The results were staggering and rapid. After installing the device and powering it on, the majority of the wasps vacated the nest within the first week. Unable to return to their shelter and larvae, the exposed colony quickly began to decline.
Photographs of the setup show the 3D-printed excluder installed on the home's siding, with all wiring safely weatherproofed. The most telling image is of the ground directly below the device, which became littered with the remains of wasps that could not survive without the protection of their nest. The homeowner left the excluder in place for an additional week as a precautionary measure to ensure any late-emerging wasps from the hive met the same fate.
The DIY Revolution: Sharing the Solution
This ingenious fix is another powerful example of how hobbyist 3D printing is empowering people to solve hyper-specific, real-world problems for which no commercial product exists. The homeowner has made the design files publicly available, ensuring anyone with a similar issue can replicate the success.
You can download the 3D print files for free and make your own wasp excluder.
Safety was a paramount concern throughout the project. The builder took meticulous care to properly waterproof the power coupling, a critical step given the device's outdoor location and the presence of a young child in the household.
“The DIY approach saved us from the massive hassle and cost of removing wall panels or risking the use of harsh chemicals around our family,” they noted. “That, in itself, feels like a huge win.”
For those inspired to tackle their own projects, having the right tools is essential. A reliable 3D printer, like the popular model below, can be the first step toward turning a digital design into a real-world solution.
Ready to start your own 3D printing journey? A great entry-level printer like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini is available on Amazon, making it easier than ever to bring your ideas to life.
Check the price and availability of the Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D Printer on Amazon
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