Stinging insects

Wasps & hornets: identification & wasp and hornet removal

Stinging insect nests near doors, eaves and play areas are a safety risk. Technicians remove the nest in protective gear, treat the void so the colony cannot rebuild, and point out the attractants that drew them in.

Wasp with distinct yellow and black markings on a leaf

How to identify wasps & hornets

What it looks like: Smooth (not fuzzy) bodies with a narrow waist and yellow, black or reddish markings.
Size: 1/2 to 1.5 inches
Where you'll find it: Eaves, soffits, attics, sheds, shrubs, and ground burrows.
Commonly confused with: Honey bees are fuzzy and rounder; mud daubers build tube nests and rarely sting.

Signs of wasps & hornets in your home

Paper umbrella or football-shaped nests
Repeated flight paths to one spot
Aggressive insects around trash or grills

Wasps & hornets questions homeowners ask

How do I tell a wasp nest from a hornet nest?

Paper wasps build open umbrella combs under eaves; bald-faced hornets build enclosed gray football nests in trees or on walls.

Is it safe to knock down a nest myself?

No. Disturbed colonies sting in numbers, and yellow jackets can sting repeatedly.

Wasp and hornet removal by city

Local technicians handle wasps & hornets in every market below — pick your city for neighborhood coverage, seasonal notes and a free quote.

Related stinging insects pests

How to identify carpenter bees How to identify honey bees How to identify yellow jackets How to identify paper wasps How to identify mud daubers How to identify cicada killers All stinging insects →See all 82 pests →