Wasps

Because they are a type of stinging insect, wasps have a stinger extending off the end of their abdomen. Solitary wasps like mud daubers and cicada killers tend to be less aggressive and less threatening to people; the males don't have stingers and females are docile and only sting if they feel threatened.

Social wasps like yellow jackets, hornets, and paper wasps tend to be more aggressive and work together to protect their nests from perceived threats. When social wasps are in distress, they emit a pheromone alerting the other colony members who then come to their aid and help defend the colony from the perceived threat. Unfortunately, wasps often view us simply walking through our yards near their nest as a significant threat which can lead to an attack.

Wasp stings are painful, and because they have smooth stingers, they can deliver multiple stings. After being stung, a painful red welt will develop that may last for hours or even days. Those who are allergic to wasp venom are at risk for serious, life-threatening allergic reactions to these stings, including anaphylaxis.

Having a wasp nest in your yard located in a high traffic area or on your home is a recipe for disaster. The presence of wasps can cause increased stress levels and keep homeowners from enjoying their yards. No one wants to spend time somewhere that they have to always be on high alert in order to protect themselves from painful stings.

Why do I have a wasp problem?

Wasps are opportunistic and will create a nest on any property that offers a suitable nesting area and is in close proximity to food and water. The insects that wasps prey on live on properties with gardens, landscaping, and tall grass. The more food on your property that wasps can take advantage of, the more likely you will experience wasps problems.

Late summer and early fall are the time of year when these wasps and other stinging insects are most active. At this time of year, social wasp colonies contain a large number of members and they are out trying to feed them all with the last of the season's food. In addition to hunting insects, many wasps are scavengers and feed on various proteins and sweets that we also eat. Some of the wasp's favorite places to find food include trash cans, compost bins, gardens, and recycling bins.

Where will I find wasps?

Depending on the specific species you're dealing with, wasps create their nests in various places above the ground, on the ground, or below the ground.

Mud Daubers — Mud daubers create nests out of mud-like material. They prefer to build their small nests under overhangs or in tight crevices. You'll find these nests under roof eaves, porches, and decks, in doorways, or rock crevices.

Cicada Killers — Cicada killers like to nest in open sunny areas. Some of their favorite places to build their nests include the soil next to sidewalks, patios, and play structures, in flower beds, gardens, and lawns.

Yellow Jackets — Yellow jackets are ground nesters and nest under logs, in tree stumps, under woodpiles, in ground holes, under decks, and in the abandoned nests of small animals. Yellow jackets aren't picky and also place nests on tree branches, in doorways, or inside our homes in attics or behind wall voids.

Bald-Faced Hornets — Bald-faced hornets and paper wasps build nests in similar areas up off of the ground. The branches of trees, shrubs, door frames, and under roof eaves are common nesting sites for these hornets.