There’s nothing quite like enjoying a sunny afternoon in your backyard — until the unwelcome buzz of wasps sends everyone running for cover. These stinging insects have a knack for turning a pleasant day outdoors into a frantic game of dodge-the-wasp.
Understanding where wasps like to set up shop can help you keep your home and yard safe. Let’s dive into five common places you find wasp nests and how to spot them.
1. Under Roof Eaves and Overhangs
One of the most common places you find wasp nests is right under your roof eaves or overhangs. These spots are sheltered from wind and rain, which makes them perfect for nest-building. Paper wasps especially love these areas. If you notice a small, umbrella-shaped nest made out of what looks like paper, you’ve probably got some wasp roommates.
Take a walk around your home every so often and check the eaves. If you see wasps coming and going from a particular spot, it’s worth taking a closer look (from a safe distance).
2. Inside Sheds, Garages, or Outbuildings
Another spot where most wasp nests are found is inside sheds, garages, and other outdoor structures. These spaces don’t get a lot of foot traffic and usually have high corners or exposed beams, which is exactly the kind of real estate wasps are after.
Wasps may also slip in through open doors or small cracks. Keep an eye out during the spring and summer months, and if you start seeing more wasp activity around your shed, there’s a good chance a nest is nearby.
3. In Attics and Wall Voids
Wasps are sneaky. If they find a gap or crack in your home’s siding or soffits, they can get inside wall voids or attics and start building without anyone noticing. These hidden spots are tricky because the nest grows out of sight, and you may not even know it’s there until you’ve got a full-blown infestation.
Wondering how to find a wasp nest in these hidden spaces? One clue is seeing wasps flying in and out of the same small opening on your home’s exterior. That’s usually a sign they have a nest inside. If you’re hearing buzzing in your walls or ceiling, it’s time to call in the pros.
4. Underground in Your Lawn or Garden
Some wasps don’t build hanging nests at all. Yellowjackets, for instance, often nest underground. If you’ve got a burrow or hole in your yard with wasps coming and going, don’t stick your nose in to investigate — it’s probably their front door.
These underground nests are one of the more dangerous types because they’re easy to step on or mow over by accident. That’s when you get swarmed, and that’s definitely not the kind of surprise anyone wants on a Saturday.
So, if you’re wondering how to identify a hidden wasps’ nest in your yard, start by watching for insect traffic on your lawn.
5. In Trees, Shrubs, or Bushes
Trees and shrubs are another place where most wasp nests are found. Hanging paper nests in tree branches are fairly common, especially from species like dolichovespula maculata, also known as the bald-faced hornet. While they may look like a cross between a wasp and a bee, they pack a serious sting.
Before trimming trees or working in your bushes, give everything a good once-over. Look for any hanging, round, gray nests or buzzing activity; it could save you from a painful encounter.
How to Find a Wasp Nest
Finding a wasp nest requires patience and keen observation. Watch for wasps flying in a straight path, as they are likely heading to or from their nest. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to observe, as wasps are most active during these periods. Listen for buzzing sounds, which can also lead you to a nest’s location.
How to Identify a Hidden Wasps’ Nest
If you’re on the hunt and want to know how to find a wasp nest, follow the flight path. Wasps are creatures of habit. They fly straight to and from their nest. Watch them for a few minutes and see where they go.
Look for signs such as wasps entering and exiting a particular spot on your home’s exterior, like cracks or holes in your siding. Increased wasp activity around a specific area often indicates a nearby nest. Pay attention to areas like wall voids, attics, and under decks.
Where Most Wasp Nests Are Found
Understanding where most wasp nests are found can help you stay vigilant. Common locations include under eaves, inside sheds, within wall voids, underground in gardens, and in trees and shrubs. Regular inspections of these areas can aid in early detection and removal.
Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Home
Regularly inspecting your property, especially the common nesting sites mentioned, can help you catch wasp nests early. Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation and reducing the risk of stings to you and your family.
What to Do If You Discover a Wasp Nest
If you locate a wasp nest, it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution:
- Do Not Disturb: Avoid provoking the wasps, as they can become aggressive.
- Assess the Risk: Determine the nest’s proximity to human activity to evaluate the urgency of removal.
- Seek Professional Help: Contact pest control experts for safe and effective nest removal.
Handling wasp nests without proper equipment and knowledge can be dangerous. Professional assistance ensures the problem is addressed safely.
Call Dustin Pest Control Before Things Get Worse
If you’ve spotted a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself. Wasp stings are no joke, especially if someone in your family has an allergy. Dustin Pest Control is your go-to for wasp removal service in Fresno, CA, and the nearby communities. We’ve been doing this since 1973, and our team knows how to handle every species of wasp, from yellowjackets to mud daubers.
We’re a local company, so we know exactly where most wasp nests are found in Fresno and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained, experienced, and friendly, so you can trust us to provide solid pest control that works. Whether you need Fresno mosquito control, termite removal, or cockroach extermination, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let wasps take over your outdoor spaces. Contact us today to schedule a service!