Wasps
Vespidae (Family)
Wasps are stinging insects known for their aggressive defense of nests. While they provide pest control by hunting other insects, wasps near homes pose a significant sting risk, especially for those with allergies.
Wasp Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Wasps have slender bodies with a distinctive narrow “waist” connecting the thorax and abdomen. They have smooth, shiny bodies (unlike fuzzy bees), two pairs of wings, and prominent mandibles. Most species display warning colors of black and yellow or black and white. Their long legs dangle visibly during flight.
Common Species
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Paper Wasps - Brownish wasps with long legs that build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and overhangs.
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Yellowjackets - Aggressive black and yellow wasps that nest in the ground or wall voids. Common at outdoor gatherings.
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Bald-Faced Hornets - Large black and white wasps that build large, enclosed paper nests in trees and on structures.
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European Hornets - Large brown and yellow hornets that nest in hollow trees or wall voids. Active at night.
Wasp Behavior and Biology
Wasps are social insects that build annual colonies. In spring, a single queen starts a new nest and raises the first workers. Colonies grow throughout summer, potentially reaching thousands of individuals. Unlike honey bees, wasp colonies die off each winter, with only mated queens surviving to start new colonies in spring. Wasps are predatory, hunting other insects to feed their larvae.
How We Treat for Wasps
Safe, effective wasp control requires professional expertise:
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Identification and Assessment - We identify the species and locate all nests. Different species require different approaches, and some nests may be hidden in wall voids or underground.
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Treatment - We apply targeted products directly to nests, typically in early morning or evening when wasps are less active. For ground nests, we treat the entry and exit points. For aerial nests, we use specialized equipment to reach and treat the nest safely.
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Removal - Once the colony is eliminated, we remove accessible nests to prevent other pests from using them and to discourage new wasp activity.
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Prevention - We can treat common nesting areas to deter future wasp activity and advise on modifications to reduce attractants around your home.
Types of Wasps
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets are large, aggressive black and white wasps known for building large, enclosed paper nests in trees and on structures. Despite their name, they are technically aerial yellowjackets, not true hornets.
View identification guide
Paper Wasps
Polistes spp.
Paper wasps are social insects that build distinctive umbrella-shaped nests from chewed wood fibers. While beneficial predators of garden pests, they can become a nuisance when nesting near human activity.
View identification guide
Yellowjackets
Vespula spp.
Aggressive stinging insects that build large colonies and are highly defensive of their nests.
View identification guideCommon Questions about Wasps
How dangerous are wasps?
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Wasp stings are painful and can be life-threatening for people with allergies. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. Disturbing a nest can trigger a mass attack, with some species releasing pheromones that signal other wasps to join the defense.
What's the difference between wasps and hornets?
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Hornets are actually a type of wasp. True hornets are larger and typically have more black coloring. In the US, the bald-faced hornet is technically a yellowjacket despite its name. European hornets are the only true hornets found in North America.
Should I remove wasp nests myself?
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We don't recommend DIY nest removal, especially for large nests or ground-nesting species like yellowjackets. The risk of multiple stings is significant. Professional removal ensures your safety and complete elimination of the colony.
When are wasps most aggressive?
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Wasps become more aggressive in late summer and fall when colonies are largest and food sources decline. They're also more defensive during hot weather and when their nest is approached or disturbed.
Will wasps return to the same spot?
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Wasps typically don't reuse old nests, but they may build new nests in the same favorable location. After removal, we can treat the area to discourage rebuilding.
What attracts wasps to my property?
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Food sources like outdoor trash, ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and protein (especially in late summer) attract wasps. They also seek sheltered spots for nesting, such as eaves, attics, wall voids, and underground burrows.
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With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
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