Identify Pest: Wasps–Infestations, Wasp Nest Removal and Wasp Problems

There are thousands of wasp species in the United States, but just a few are common on Long Island, parts of New York City, and throughout Westchester and Rockland Counties.

Wasps Common to New York, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland County

• Yellow Jackets: These aggressive stingers are actually a species of wasp. About the size of a honey bee, they have a shiny bright yellow and black body and a vicious stinger. They are aggressive as individuals and as swarms and are drawn to both cooked and raw meat and anything sweet. See our special section on yellow jackets here [link].
• Hornets: This large species of wasp can grow to over an inch and a half long. They are typically deep yellow with black striping and long, thin wings.
• Paper Wasps: Varieties can be red, black, brown, even metallic blue. Some 250 varieties can be found in the U.S. They don’t seek a fight, but become extremely hostile when protecting the nest.
• Mud Daubers: These shiny blue or yellow wasps have elegant inch-long bodies. They are generally not aggressive, but their nests can be an unsightly nuisance.

Yellow Jacket	European Hornet	Paper Wasp	Mud Dauber Wasp

Wasp Nests and Infestations

Different species of wasps will exhibit different nesting behaviors. You have to know which species are solitary and which ones swarm in numbers. Mud daubers nest in tubes of dried mud (often mistaken for termite shelter tubes). Paper wasps chew wood into a paper-like pulp to create hanging nests on shady areas of your property. Hornets create tear-shaped nests on the sides of buildings or hanging from eaves or trees. Some wasps favor the undersides of wooden decks. Yellow jackets enter your property from cracks in your siding and gaps in your soffits. You can often locate a wasp nesting site by carefully watching individuals as they forage, then converge on the hive. But be careful—you may not be able to see the whole hive or the extent of the wasp infestation.

How to Deal with a Wasp Nest

If you have identified a wasp nest problem, you are probably better off calling a professional to deal with it. Most wasps and hornets nest in high, hard to reach places. It is almost impossible to know how big a wasp colony is without training. And whatever kind of wasp you are dealing with or wherever they are nesting, most wasps will mount a massive attack on any perceived threat. Keep pets and children well away from any suspected nesting sites until you get a professional inspection.

If the nest is not near your home, you are better off leaving it alone. Keep an eye out for wasp problems when in your yard and garden so you don’t inadvertently stumble on a nest and provoke an attack. When out in your yard and wasps are present, wear light clothing and avoid scents. If you are cooking out, keep food covered with plastic so the scent of it doesn’t draw unwelcome visitors.

Wasps are covered in our effective and affordable Integrated Pest Management Annual Package KO-12 Program that provides you with pest protection throughout the year.

Knockout Pest Control Can Knock Out Wasps

Knockout Pest Control is your local expert at knocking out wasps–and we keep them down for the count. Every member of our team receives over 100 hours of classroom instruction and in-the-field training so you are guaranteed a knockout punch to your pest problem every time. We serve all of Long Island, New York City, and Westchester and Rockland Counties. Call 1-800-244-PEST or 1-800-244-7378 We respond like every pest problem is an emergency with fast, 24 hour service seven days a week. We don’t have the big red boxing glove in our logo for nothing!