Wasps & Hornets

Social wasps like Yellow Jackets and Paper Wasps aggressively defend their nests and, because their stingers are smooth rather than barbed, a single wasp can sting multiple times. For most people a sting is painful but not serious. The real danger is to anyone with a sting allergy, where stings can trigger a severe reaction. Disturbing a hidden nest in an eave or the ground can also provoke many wasps at once, so nests near doorways or high-traffic areas should be treated as a priority.

Look for a steady stream of wasps flying to and from one spot, which usually points to a nest nearby. Nests are made of papery, chewed wood fibers and are commonly tucked under eaves, inside attics and wall voids, or built underground, so they are not always visible. You may also notice wasps gathering around trash cans, fallen fruit, or sugary food and drinks outdoors as foragers search for food. If you see repeated traffic to eaves, soffits, or a ground hole, assume a nest is present.

Removing a wasp nest can be dangerous and is best left to a professional. Knocking down or spraying an active nest often provokes the colony into defending it, and wasps can sting repeatedly. Nests hidden in eaves, attics, or underground are especially risky to reach. A licensed technician uses specialized protective gear and high-reach tools to safely neutralize the nest, then applies a residual treatment to discourage wasps from rebuilding at the same site. For recurring problems, ongoing service helps keep favorable spots from being reused.