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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Spring and late summer bring wasp nests popping up in yards. In decades with Better Termite and Pest Control, I’ve seen nests under eaves, in trees, and even in lawns. This guide covers different types of wasp nests and how to handle them.
Knowing the types of wasp nests matters because each species builds a unique home. These differences affect how aggressive they can be and where they hide. Learning these signs helps you choose the right removal method or call our licensed technicians.
According to the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, Polistes paper wasps build an open, umbrella-shaped comb under eaves or decks. You’ll spot hexagonal cells with no outer envelope. These nests hold under 300 workers but can sting if disturbed.
According to the University of Maryland Extension, yellowjacket colonies can host over 1,000 workers by late summer. They wrap comb in layered paper and hide nests in rodent burrows, wall voids, or under debris.
Bald-faced hornets build large, grey, football-shaped nests in trees or on building exteriors. They fully enclose the comb in paper and guard their home fiercely in late summer and fall.
European hornets also make enclosed, multi-tiered nests inside hollow trees or wall voids. These nests grow to 200–400 wasps and can go unnoticed until you spot activity near cracks or attic vents.
Mud daubers create smooth mud tubes on walls, windowsills, and under porches. These solitary wasps store spiders in their tubes for larvae. They are not defensive and you can remove empty tubes easily (see Utah State University Extension).
Female cicada killers dig a 25 mm burrow in bare, sandy soil and leave a small mound at the entrance. They hunt cicadas for their young but rarely sting people. These burrows often cluster in sunny lawns (see Smithsonian Institution).
Wasps start new nests in spring when queens emerge. By June and July, nests grow fast as workers appear. Peak activity hits in August and September, and colonies get most defensive. After the first hard frost, nests collapse and only queens survive.
Active nests buzz with wasp traffic at dawn and dusk. You’ll see wasps flying in and out. Inactive nests sit empty and feel brittle. A quiet nest with a grey, broken envelope is easier to remove.
Wasp stings can cause mild swelling or life-threatening reactions. About 5 percent of U.S. adults have venom allergies. If you or a family member shows signs of anaphylaxis, seek medical help at once.
Licensed technicians wear full-body suits, gloves, and face shields when removing active nests. They use long-reach poles, insecticidal dust, and spray equipment. This gear blocks stings and irritants.
If you attempt DIY removal, wear thick pants, boots, gloves, and goggles. Always plan an exit path and work at dusk with a strong flashlight.
If you confirm a nest is inactive, gently knock it down with a broom or long stick. Slide it into a sealed bag and toss it in the trash. Then clean the area to remove leftover pheromones.
Never spray live nests in daylight. Only remove nests when no wasps return.
Our licensed technicians at Better Termite and Pest Control inspect nests at any height. We use EPA-approved products that our internal research team feels comfortable using in homes. We also offer 30-day callbacks on stinging insect jobs.
Seal gaps in soffits and siding, and install mesh on vents. Keep trash cans closed and clear food scraps quickly. Replace rotted wood and trim foliage near roofs.
To deter cicada killers, overseed bare soil and water lawns. For mud daubers, wash or repaint nesting spots each year.
Call us if a nest is above 3 meters, larger than 15 cm, or near doors and play areas. Also call if anyone in your home has a venom allergy. We serve Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Potomac, and Ashburn.
Over three generations, our family built an in-house research team to vet every product we use. We removed nine high-risk pesticides and chose alternatives like Essentria and Alpine. This process reflects our commitment to homeowners.
Identifying and removing the right types of wasp nests can protect your home and family. If you have questions or need an estimate, call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected].
Look at shape and location. Open combs under eaves are paper wasps. Grey football shapes in trees mean hornets. Ground holes or wall voids point to yellowjackets.
Dusk or dawn is ideal because wasps are less active. Confirm the nest is inactive before DIY removal. For active nests, call a licensed technician anytime.
Only if it’s inactive and low to the ground. Use protective clothing and a long tool. For active nests or high-up locations, always call a licensed technician.
Watch for wasp traffic for 10 minutes at dusk. No movement means it’s likely empty. An old, brittle envelope that flakes easily also signals inactivity.
Wear long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and thick pants. Professionals add full-body suits and face shields. Always plan a clear exit path in case wasps get agitated.
Yes. Yellowjackets and hornets rank higher on the aggression scale. Paper wasps can still sting but are less defensive. Mud daubers and cicada killers pose minimal risk.
Costs vary by nest size, location, and species. For average prices, check our 2025 Service Price Guide. Call for an exact quote based on your situation.
If a nest is over 15 cm across, high up, or near entry points, call a licensed technician. Also call if anyone in your home has a venom allergy.
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. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
