Wasp and Hornets

Northern or Paper Wasp: 3/4 to 1-inch long
Bald-faced hornets: 3/4-inch long

Wasp and hornets are not lawn destroying pest, though they can be a nuisance or even a hazard to some. Although they are beneficial by feeding on many crop and lawn destroying pest, their stingers can pose a problem to homeowners or property managers. They are aggressive.

If they construct their nest in a location that is not bothered, control may not be necessary. The workers (with an exception to yellow and black dominulus paper wasp) are annual pest and the nest will not be reused the following year. They will die off in the winter and homeowners can safely knockdown the hive at that time and dispose of it.

A fertile queen wasp or hornet does not over winter in the nest; she will find a sheltered spot such as a house, log, bark of a tree, etc. and reemerge in April or May to find a new location for her nest. The queen builds a small paper nest for the eggs and in June adult workers (the offspring) emerge to aid in food gathering, protection of the hive, and expansion of the hive. Northern or paper wasp prefer locations out of the rain: window sills, eaves, under railings, etc.

These wasp and hornets have a lance-like stinger and can deliver multiple stings without the risk of losing their stinger. the best protection is to remain calm and move slow when facing down one of these pest. Fast movement will often provoke them and you may be stung. Avoid wearing bright colors, shiny jewelry, and scented perfumes (including shampoos and soaps) as this will attract them.

There are species of stinging insects (bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps) that will make their nest underground. If you have these pest on your property and they are becoming a nuisance, there are products available to treat specifically for stinging insects in the ground. Read and follow all label instructions carefully. Grounds Services can also treat for these pest.

If control is needed, insecticide can be applied. Homeowners can find products labeled for wasps and hornets - please read and follow all label instructions. Grounds Services can also apply products to target these pest. If you have any questions or need to schedule a technician visit, contact us at
419-536-4344.