Symptoms
- Papery, umbrella-shaped or ball-shaped nest visible under an eave, deck, or on siding
- Increased wasp activity flying in and out of one spot
- Sometimes a nest hidden inside a wall or soffit void, with wasps entering through a small gap
Likely causes
- CommonSheltered nesting spot under an eave, deck, or overhangWasps favor protected, elevated spots away from rain and predators.
- CommonSmall gap into a wall or soffit voidAn easy entry point into a hidden cavity gives wasps a protected nesting site inside the structure.
- PossibleEstablished colony that grew undetected earlier in the seasonNests are often small and easy to miss until the colony has grown significantly.
What to do
- Keep a safe distance from the nest and observe from afar during the day to gauge its size and exact location.
- Treat at dusk or dawn when wasps are least active, wearing long sleeves, pants, and eye protection if you plan to treat it yourself.
- For an exposed, accessible nest, use a wasp-specific aerosol spray from the recommended distance, then leave the area immediately.
- Avoid using a hose, water, or trying to knock the nest down before it's confirmed dead, which can provoke an aggressive swarm.
- For a nest hidden in a wall or soffit void, avoid DIY treatment, since spraying blindly can push wasps further into the house.
- Remove the dead nest after a day or two once you're confident there's no more activity, and seal the entry point to prevent reuse.
- Call a pest control professional for large nests, hidden wall nests, or if anyone in the household has a wasp sting allergy.
Tools and parts
- Long sleeves and pants
- Eye protection
Wasp and hornet spraySearch: “wasp hornet spray jet”
When to call a pro
Call a pest control professional for large, hard-to-reach, or wall-void nests, or if anyone has a known sting allergy.
Safety
Use caution
Do not attempt removal if anyone in the household is allergic to stings, and stay clear of a nest inside a wall void; hire a professional instead.