They aren’t a big threat if left alone when foraging for food.
However, if they perceive that their nest is threatened, the entire colony may launch a coordinated assault.
The few fertilized queens that overwinter start a new next from scratch each spring.
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Yellow jackets often build nests partially underground, usually near wood piles or dense vegetation.
They swarm most prominently in summer and fall.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are primarily brown with yellow markings.
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They have a narrow waist and are about 6-12mm long.
Their legs dangle or hang down during flight.
Often called organ pipe mud daubers, they are not aggressive unless their mud nests are disturbed.
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The nests are found in sheltered areas like porches and roof eaves.
They are most easily identified by their large, gray papery nest resembling a balloon.
The nests are usually found in a tree but can also be attached to a building.
Bald-faced hornetEd Reschke / Getty Images
The hornets are extremely aggressive when the nest is disturbed.
Large Numbers of Wasps
Most wasps travel alone when foraging.
If you see a swarm or large number of wasps, you are very close to a nest.
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If you regularly find wasps inside your home, there are nests nearby.
Do not stand under the nest because the spray will cause wasps to drop to the ground instantly.
After use, carefully check the nest a few days later and repeat the treatment if needed.
If the nest is inactive, you’re able to scrape or knock it down.
Wasp Traps
There are commercial wasp traps available or you canbuild your own.
Before using, shake the bottle well and soak the nest.
The mixture will suffocate the wasps, killing them instantly.
Essential Oils
Wasps are naturally repelled by peppermint, clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils.
Wasp in the House?
What Causes Wasp Infestations
Wasps are going to gather where there is easy-to-find food and resources.
Here are things that make your home and yard attractive to wasps.
Wasps are usually smaller with black and yellow coloring while hornets are larger with black and white markings.
Eradication techniques are the same for both.
Use the spray at dusk when the wasps have returned to the nest.
They are also deterred by the scent of eucalyptus, marigold, geranium, and spearmint plants.
Small wasp nests can be killed with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water.
Soak the nest with the solution at dusk, standing as far away as possible.
Check the nest the next day for activity and repeat if needed.
Health Risks of Bee and Wasp Stings.
Controlling Wasps, Bees, and Hornets Around Your Home.University of New Hampshire Extension.
