Stinging insects
Wasps & Hornets: identification, signs & control
How do you safely remove a wasp or hornet nest?
The safest way to remove a wasp or hornet nest is to have a professional treat it, especially nests in the ground or inside walls. Rehoboth identifies the species, treats the nest directly and removes it when safe. Treatments usually work within a day or two. Never seal a hole with yellowjackets inside: they'll chew into the house.
How do you identify wasps & hornets?
- Yellowjackets: black-and-yellow, nest in the ground or inside wall voids
- Bald-faced hornets: black-and-white, gray football-shaped paper nests in trees and eaves
- European hornets: large, brown-and-yellow, nest in hollow trees and walls, fly at night
- Paper wasps: slender, umbrella-shaped open nests under eaves and railings
What are the signs of wasps & hornets?
- Steady traffic in and out of one spot in the lawn, siding or a gap
- Gray paper nests in shrubs, eaves or sheds
- Chewing or buzzing sounds inside a wall
Are wasps & hornets dangerous?
- Yellowjackets and hornets can sting repeatedly and defend nests aggressively
- Serious, even life-threatening, for anyone allergic
- Nests inside walls can chew through drywall into living space
How can you prevent wasps & hornets?
- Knock down small paper wasp starts in early spring
- Keep trash and recycling lidded, especially sugary drinks
- Seal gaps in siding and soffits before spring
- Check play sets, grills and mailboxes for new nests
How does Rehoboth treat wasps & hornets?
We treat nests directly, including in-ground and wall-void nests, and our eave sweep removes new starts each season on the general plan. We've located nests inside walls with a camera before opening anything up.
More questions
Do you remove honey bee swarms?
No. Honey bees are important pollinators, and we don't treat them. A local beekeeper can often collect a swarm for free. We handle wasps, hornets, yellowjackets and carpenter bees.
Get rid of wasps & hornets
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.