Wasps

Wasp Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Wasps have slender bodies with a narrow “waist” between the chest and belly. They have smooth, shiny bodies unlike fuzzy bees. Wasps have two pairs of wings and strong jaws. Most have black and yellow or black and white colors. Their long legs hang down when they fly.

Common Species

• Paper Wasps: Brownish wasps with long legs. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and overhangs.

• Yellowjackets: Aggressive black and yellow wasps that nest in the ground or wall voids. Common at outdoor gatherings.

• Bald-Faced Hornets: Large black and white wasps. They build large, enclosed paper nests in trees and on structures.

• 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 new colonies each year. In spring, a queen starts a new nest and raises the first workers. Colonies grow all summer and can reach thousands of wasps. The colony dies each winter. Only mated queens live through winter to start new nests in spring. Wasps hunt other bugs to feed their young.

How We Treat for Wasps

Effective wasp control requires professional expertise:

• Identification and Assessment: We identify the species and locate all nests. Different species require different approaches. Some nests may be hidden in wall voids or underground.

• Treatment: We apply products directly to nests. We treat in early morning or evening when wasps are less active. For ground nests, we treat the entry and exit points. For nests high up, we use special tools to reach and treat them.

• Removal: Once the colony is eliminated, we remove accessible nests. This prevents other pests from using them and discourages new wasp activity.

• Prevention: We can treat common nesting areas to deter future wasp activity. We also advise on changes to reduce attractants around your home.