What to Do if You Find a Wasp Nest in Your Virginia Home

Finding a wasp nest in or around your Virginia home can be alarming, especially as these stinging insects are known for their aggression when their nests are disturbed. Wasps can pose a serious threat to your family, pets, and property, making it essential to handle the situation carefully and effectively.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

When you first spot a wasp nest, your initial reaction may be to panic or try to remove it immediately. However, it’s important to stay calm and avoid any sudden movements near the nest. Wasps are highly territorial and will defend their colony if they feel threatened. Swatting or attempting to remove the nest without proper precautions can provoke an attack, leading to painful stings.

Steps to Assess:

• Observe the size of the nest from a safe distance. Is it large, or is it still in the early stages of development?
• Note the type of wasp. Yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets are all common in Virginia, and their nests vary in appearance and location.
• Identify the nest’s location. Is it in an easily accessible area like under your porch or eaves, or is it hidden in a wall void or attic?

Once you have assessed the situation, you can determine the best course of action for removal.

2. Types of Wasp Nests in Virginia

Before deciding how to deal with a wasp nest, it’s helpful to identify the type of wasps you’re dealing with. Different species of wasps build different kinds of nests, and understanding the type of nest can help you plan removal or contact professionals.

Paper Wasp Nests

• Appearance: Paper wasps create open, umbrella-shaped nests with exposed hexagonal cells. The nests are typically small and built from a papery material made by the wasps chewing wood fibers.
• Location: Commonly found under eaves, porch ceilings, or in sheltered areas of buildings. Paper wasps are generally less aggressive but can still sting when their nest is threatened.

Yellowjacket Nests

• Appearance: Yellowjackets usually build their nests underground or in enclosed areas like wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces. Their nests are larger, hidden, and made of papery material.
• Location: If the nest is underground, you’ll see wasps flying in and out of a single hole. If inside walls or structures, you may hear buzzing or see wasps entering through cracks or gaps.

Hornet Nests

• Appearance: Hornets, particularly bald-faced hornets, build large, football-shaped nests with a smooth exterior. These nests can grow quite large by the end of summer.
• Location: Hornet nests are typically found in trees or high up on buildings. Bald-faced hornet nests can be several feet off the ground, making removal more difficult.

3. Determine if the Nest is a Threat

Not all wasp nests pose an immediate danger. In some cases, if the nest is small and located away from human activity, it might not require immediate removal. However, if the nest is in a high-traffic area like your front porch, near your windows, or inside your home, it poses a risk to you and your family.

Signs the Nest Needs Removal:

• It is located near entrances, windows, or areas where people frequently gather.
• You notice an increase in wasp activity, such as wasps inside your home or swarming around outdoor spaces.
• The nest is in an enclosed area like your attic, wall voids, or garage, which can be difficult to access safely.
• You or someone in your household is allergic to wasp stings, making even a single sting potentially dangerous.

4. Steps to Take If You Find a Wasp Nest

If you determine that the wasp nest needs to be removed, follow these steps to ensure safe and effective removal:

1. Do Not Attempt DIY Removal for Large Nests

While small, new nests may be manageable, larger nests or nests located in difficult-to-reach areas require professional removal. Attempting to remove a large nest on your own can lead to serious injury from multiple wasp stings. Wasps become more aggressive when defending a mature colony, so it’s safer to call in professionals.

2. Keep Your Distance

Keep a safe distance from the nest to avoid disturbing the wasps. Ensure children and pets are kept away from the area as well. Wasps can swarm quickly when threatened, and their stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

3. Avoid Using Water or Fire

Some people mistakenly believe that spraying a nest with water or trying to burn it is an effective way to remove it. These methods are not only ineffective but also dangerous. Water won’t kill the wasps, and fire can spread quickly, damaging your property and endangering lives.

4. Close Entry Points

If wasps are entering your home through gaps in your walls or attic, seal any entry points after the nest has been removed to prevent future infestations. However, never attempt to seal an active nest inside your walls, as the wasps will become trapped and may find other ways to enter your living space.

5. When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

For most wasp nests—especially those that are large, hidden, or in hard-to-reach places—calling Century Termite & Pest Control is the safest option. Pest control technicians are trained to remove wasp nests efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of stings and preventing the insects from returning.

Why Professional Removal is Best:

• Specialized Equipment: Professionals have the right tools and protective gear to remove nests safely, even in high or enclosed areas.
• Knowledge of Insect Behavior: Pest control experts understand wasp behavior and can remove nests without provoking aggressive attacks.
• Preventing Recurrence: Professionals can treat the area to prevent new wasps from building nests in the same location.

6. Preventing Future Wasp Nests

Once the nest has been removed, take steps to prevent wasps from building a new one in the future:

• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks where wasps might enter, such as around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Remove Food Sources: Wasps are attracted to food, especially sweets and proteins. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and avoid leaving food outside during the summer and fall months.
• Hang Decoy Nests: Wasps are territorial and are less likely to build a nest near an existing one. Hanging a decoy nest near your home can deter them from settling there.
• Regular Inspections: Perform regular checks around your property for signs of new wasp nests, especially during the spring and summer when wasps are most active.

Don’t Go At It Alone - Contact Century Termite & Pest Control Today

Finding a wasp nest in your Virginia home can be unsettling, but with the right approach, you can manage the situation safely. Always assess the risk the nest poses and avoid attempting DIY removal for large or hidden nests. By calling Century Termite & Pest Control, you can ensure the nest is removed safely and take steps to prevent future infestations.

Staying proactive with regular inspections and maintaining a wasp-free home will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces without the fear of stings or aggressive wasp activity.