One of the first signs that you have a wasp infestation on or near your property is an increase in wasp activity. A single nest can have thousands of wasps in the summer, and as their numbers increase, wasps become more aggressive. This is why it’s much easier to remove a nest early on. If you happen to come across one of these nests on your property, here’s what it can tell you about the species inhabiting it.
Paper wasps
Paper wasp nests are open with their cells exposed and they look like an upside down umbrella. During late summer, these nests can get very big, and the mature wasps in the nest will swarm anyone they perceive to be a threat. Sometimes, these wasps will build their nest on top of an old nest, giving the appearance that they are reusing it.
Yellow jackets
Yellow jackets have nests that are covered in a papery substance, and these nets are usually built in ground cavities or inside wall voids. When they are threatened, the yellow jackets can be very aggressive as well, swarming the intruder in large numbers. Their nests are closed, and resemble a bee’s nest.
Bald faced hornets
Bald faced hornet nests very much resemble the yellow jacket nest, but they will usually be built inside natural cavities in tree stumps or certain cavities in buildings.
Mud daubers
This species will use clay or mud to build its nest, and the nest will be a tubular mud chute, usually built inside crevices or cracks in the timber, stone or masonry of homes, garages and sheds.
How to locate the nest
While we do not recommend approaching a wasp nest, there are a few things you can do if you want to locate one. First, you can follow wasps in their flight path. Eventually they will return to their nest, especially if they had a bite of something to eat. Second, you can look for some of the common nesting sites listed above.
If you do come across the nest, make sure that you keep your distance and that you do not disturb it. Getting rid of it through DIY methods may be dangerous and it’s best if you hire a pro to help you out. Contact us today if you have a wasp nest on your property and you need someone to take care of it.
