Wasps and hornets are common here in Thurston County and throughout the South Sound region. They’re typically most active during the warmer months and sometimes make it hard to enjoy the beautiful weather we get in the summer. While they do play a role in nature by helping control other insects, they become a potential safety concern when they build nests close to homes, decks, garages, or near the entrance to our homes.
Wasps and hornets are quite aggressive when defending their nests. A colony under an eave, inside a wall void, or near a play area in your yard is a concern for families, pets, and visitors.
Wasps and hornets build nests in the spring. A single queen starts the colony, slowly expanding it throughout the summer as worker wasps hatch and begin gathering food. By late summer or early fall, nests can contain hundreds of insects, which is usually when people begin noticing more activity around their homes.
Common Signs Wasps or Hornets Are Nesting Nearby
Sometimes nests are easy to see, but other times the activity is more subtle. A few signs that wasps or hornets may be building a nest nearby include:
Catching a nest early in the season can make control easier while colonies are small. Our pest management technicians are experts at following the clues and finding your hornet and wasp problems.
Common Types of Wasps in the South Sound Area
Several species of stinging insects are commonly found around homes in Western Washington:
Yellowjackets are the most common stinging pests we see here. They are small, bright yellow and black, and often build nests underground, in wall spaces, or in hidden areas around homes.
Paper wasps build small, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, railings, and other sheltered areas.
Bald-faced hornets are actually a type of large wasp. They’re bigger than paper wasps and yellowjackets. They build large, enclosed paper nests in trees, shrubs, or sometimes on structures.
CVC, Our Partners in Nest Removal
When nests are found on a property, Spectrum Pest Management partners with a local specialist called Cascadia Venom Collection. Instead of simply destroying the nest, this organization carefully removes it and collects venom from the insects.
Wasp and hornet venom is used for medical research and the development of allergy treatments. By working with a venom collection team, the nest can be removed safely while also supporting research that helps people who are sensitive to stings.
Reduce Your Risk of Wasp and Hornet Problems
Removing food sources and reducing attractive nesting areas helps lower insect activity around your home.
Some simple prevention steps include:
Contact Us for Wasp and Hornet Services
Spectrum Pest Management can help identify stinging insects around your property and take a careful, targeted approach to control. If you’re noticing increased wasp activity or have spotted a nest near your home, reaching out early can help prevent the colony from growing larger.
Contact us today to schedule a visit!
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