Moderate risk
Peak: May–Sep
Paper wasps and yellowjackets defend their nests aggressively, nests in eaves or the ground need professional removal.
Warning signs
Papery umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, steady traffic in and out of a wall void or ground hole, and scraping sounds inside walls for large colonies.
Why it matters
Yellowjackets sting repeatedly and swarm when a nest is disturbed. Stings cause roughly 60 deaths a year in the US from anaphylaxis, never treat an active nest yourself.
How we treat it
Nests are treated and removed at dawn or dusk when the colony is inside, using protective equipment and dust applications that reach deep wall-void nests.
Prevention checklist
Seal holes in eaves, soffits, and siding early in spring
Keep sugary drinks covered outdoors
Fill abandoned rodent burrows in the yard
Hang decoy nests to deter paper wasps