Using a 3D printer and a fractal PC fan, someone engineered their way out of a wasp nightmare
A persistent wasp infestation drove one homeowner to engineer a creative (and effective) solution using 3D printing. Facing recurring nests in an exterior wall - made more accessible by winter-damaged boards - the resident tried standard removal methods and called professional exterminators, but didn't get a satisfactory fix. Chemical sprays proved useless, and physically opening up the wall was impractical, especially with a newborn in their home.
Instead, they designed and printed a custom "wasp excluder," a one-way device that fits over wall panels and mounts easily with a 140mm fractal PC case fan. The setup allowed wasps to exit the structure but prevented their reentry. Within a week, the majority of wasps vacated and couldn't come back, leading to the colony's rapid decline due to exposure and lack of access to shelter.
Images show the excluder installed on the home's exterior, powered and protected against the elements. The results are visible too - the ground below is littered with wasp remains. The user left the device in place for another week to catch any new arrivals from the hive.
Adding to the list of DIY solutions (like this exoskeleton aim assist), it's another example of how hobbyist 3D printing can tackle unique, real-life problems for which commercial solutions simply do not exist. The design files have been shared publicly for anyone needing a similar fix. Additionally, the homeowner took care to ensure the power coupling was safely waterproofed, staying mindful of household safety with a young child present. They also mentioned that the do-it-yourself approach saved them from removing wall panels or risking harmful chemicals in a family environment, which is a big win in itself.
