Wasps are flying insects known for their slender bodies, narrow waists, and ability to sting. Many species exist, but some of the most common around homes and buildings include the German Wasp and the Common Paper Wasp.

Adult wasps typically measure 10 to 20 mm in length and are usually yellow and black or brown with yellow markings. Unlike bees, wasps have smooth bodies and can sting multiple times.

Wasps are most active during the spring and summer months, when colonies are growing and workers are searching for food.

Wasp colonies begin forming in early spring when a fertilized queen wasp emerges from winter shelter and starts building a new nest. The queen lays eggs that develop through four stages of the wasp life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult wasp.

As the colony grows, worker wasps take over essential tasks such as foraging for food, expanding the nest, and defending the colony. This allows the queen to focus on laying more eggs and increasing the colony population.

By late summer, a mature wasp colony can contain hundreds or even thousands of wasps. Most colonies die off in the fall, while newly produced queen wasps survive the winter and emerge the following spring to start new nests.

Wasps build nests in protected areas that provide shelter and easy access to food sources.

Common nesting locations include:

• Roof eaves and soffits
• Attics and wall voids
• Tree branches and shrubs
• Sheds, garages, and outdoor structures
• Underground cavities or abandoned rodent burrows

Some species build paper-like nests made from chewed wood fibers, while others create nests in soil or hidden structural spaces.

Preventing wasp problems involves reducing food sources and blocking potential nesting areas.

When a wasp nest is visible, it is important to keep people and pets away before destroying it to reduce the risk of stings. Treatment should thWasp control requires locating and safely removing nests while minimizing the risk of wasp stings. Effective wasp removal typically involves identifying the nest location, treating nests during periods of low wasp activity, and safely removing the nest once the colony has been eliminated. Ongoing property monitoring is also important to detect and prevent new wasp nest formation.

Because wasps can become aggressive when disturbed, attempting to remove a nest without proper protective equipment and pest control experience can be dangerous.en be carried out directly inside the nest opening. It is recommended to do this work after sunset to avoid the presence of active wasps outside the nest.