CONTROLLING HORNETS, YELLOW JACKETS AND WASPS AROUND THE HOME

Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are all stinging insects that pose a potential health threat to humans. For most people a sting is a painful experience accompanied by localized swelling and redness. However, several hundred people in the United States die each year from allergic reactions to the venom from these stinging insects. Anyone that exhibits difficulty in breathing, swelling beyond the sting site and nausea should seek immediate medical attention. When these stinging insects locate their nests around our homes, it is frequently necessary to apply control measures.

PAPER WASPS - The nests of these wasps are common around homes and easily recognized. Usually they are very visible, bring located under house eaves or under porches. They are more of a problem when they attach their nests to shrubbery or in equipment with hollow spaces where their presence is less obvious. The nests are constructed of paper, are above ground and have open cells. Control of these wasps is relatively easy with one of the pressurized aerosol products labeled for wasps and hornets. These products spray a stream of insecticide up to 20 feet in length. They are best used at night and care should be taken not to stand directly beneath the nest. Once all the wasps are gone then it is a good idea to remove the nest since other wasps may repopulate it.

YELLOW JACKETS - Yellow jacket nests are usually located underground in old rodent burrows, under rocks or landscape timbers. They can also nest in walls, attics, crawlspaces or even in old cars. Frequently these nests are not noticed until late summer or early fall when their populations have become quite large and they actively defend their nesting sites. Care should be taken when treating these nests. It is best to locate the nest opening during the day but wait until night before attempting treatment. Approach the nest slowly and do not shine a light directly into the nest opening. An aerosol spray can be directed into the opening and then an insecticidal dust product can be applied into the nest opening such as Sevin dust (carbaryl). Dusts are especially effective when the actual nest is some distance from the opening. The dust will be carried throughout the nest on worker bodies as they enter and leave the nest site.

BALD-FACED HORNETS – Bald-faced hornets construct distinctive paper nests of grey paper. These nests are usually on tree branches or shrubs but it is not uncommon to see them attached to the sides of buildings or farm structures. They can be as large as 12 inches in diameter containing thousands of hornets that will aggressively defend their nest. Control measures should be taken at night. A wasp or bee suit may be necessary, particularly if the nest is located high in a tree or other difficult to treat sites. Hornet nests usually have a single opening toward the bottom of the nest. Apply an aerosol spray product directly into the opening. Do Not attempt to break open or remove the nest at this time. After 2-3 days check the nest again, it may be necessary to reapply treatments.

OPTIONS – It is important to remember that yellow jackets, wasps and hornets are beneficial insects. They play an important role in controlling other damaging insects. If a nest is located away from frequently used areas, a good option is to make others aware of the location and do nothing. Cold weather will reduce or eliminate the colony with only a few fertilized queens surviving through the winter months. If nests are located in sensitive areas where stinging is likely but you feel unable to safely apply controls, consider hiring a licensed pest control operator. They frequently have the equipment, materials and training to safely control these insects.

For more information about these and other insects visit our website www.aces.auburn.edu and view publication ANR-1134 - Yellow jackets, Wasps, and Hornets.