Types of Wasps

Yellowjackets: Small wasps (about 12-16 mm) with black and yellow stripes. They are social wasps and often build nests in the ground, walls, or attics. Yellowjackets are aggressive, especially when their nests are disturbed.

Paper Wasps: Slightly larger (16-20 mm) with long, slender bodies and reddish-brown or black coloring. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves or in other sheltered areas. While less aggressive than yellowjackets, paper wasps can sting if threatened.

Hornets: A type of larger wasp (up to 35 mm), with black and white or black and yellow markings. Hornets build large nests in trees, shrubs, or on building exteriors. They are aggressive and deliver painful stings.

Wasp Behavior

Nesting Habits: Wasps build their nests in a variety of places, including trees, attics, eaves, and underground. Yellowjackets often build nests in the ground, while paper wasps prefer sheltered areas under eaves or decks.

Feeding Habits: Wasps are scavengers, feeding on sugary foods like fruit and nectar, as well as proteins like insects and meat. This makes them common around outdoor food and garbage.

Aggression: Wasps can be highly aggressive, especially yellowjackets and hornets, when their nests are disturbed. They can sting multiple times, unlike bees, making them a significant threat when provoked.

Signs of Infestation

Visible Nests: Nests vary depending on the species. Yellowjackets often build concealed nests in the ground or walls, while paper wasp nests are exposed and have an open, umbrella-like structure.

Wasp Activity: Increased wasp activity near your home, particularly around food sources or garbage, is a clear sign of an infestation. Wasps are often seen flying in and out of their nests.

Stings: Frequent stings, particularly in outdoor areas, can indicate the presence of a wasp nest nearby.

Dangers/Concerns

Painful Stings: Wasp stings can be painful and, in some cases, dangerous. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to wasp stings, which can result in severe swelling or anaphylaxis.

Aggressive Behavior: Wasps, especially yellowjackets and hornets, can be aggressive when disturbed. They can sting multiple times, making them a serious threat around homes and businesses.

Prevention Tips

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or holes where wasps might build nests. Sealing these can prevent them from entering attics, walls, or other structures.

Keep Food and Trash Covered: Wasps are attracted to food and garbage, especially sugary drinks and meats. Keep outdoor food covered and ensure garbage bins have tight-fitting lids.

Remove Old Nests: If wasps have built nests in previous years, remove old nests during the winter when they are inactive. This can prevent wasps from reusing the same location.

Keep Outdoor Areas Clean: Clean up food spills and dispose of fruit that has fallen from trees, as wasps are attracted to sugary food sources.

Treatment Options

DIY Methods:

• Wasp Traps: Place wasp traps near outdoor eating areas or garbage to capture and kill wasps.
• Sprays: Wasp sprays can be used to treat small, visible nests, but extreme caution should be taken to avoid stings.
• Preventive Measures: In early spring, applying wasp repellents around common nesting sites like eaves and attics can help deter wasps from building nests.

Professional Services: AZ Pest Control offers comprehensive wasp control services, including safe nest removal and preventive treatments. We ensure the complete removal of wasps from your property and provide advice on preventing future infestations.

Why Choose AZ Pest Control

At AZ Pest Control, we specialize in fast, effective wasp removal and prevention. Our team safely removes nests, eliminates wasps, and helps protect your home or business from future infestations. With our expert knowledge and eco-friendly treatments, we ensure that wasps are thoroughly dealt with, giving you peace of mind when outdoors.