Wasps (Vespula spp., Dolichovespula spp., Polistes spp.)

When wasps swarm, we respond

About Wasps (Vespula spp., Dolichovespula spp., Polistes spp.)

Activity: Aggressive Daytime Defenders

Wasps are diurnal insects, meaning they are most active during the daytime, especially in the warmer months of late spring through early fall. Unlike bees, wasps are aggressive defenders of their nests and can sting multiple times without dying. In Quebec, species like yellowjackets (Vespula spp.) and paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are common pests. Their activity peaks in late summer, as colonies grow larger and food sources become scarce, leading to increased encounters with humans.

Diet: What Wasps Eat & Why It Matters

Wasps are opportunistic predators and scavengers. In spring and early summer, they hunt insects, spiders, and caterpillars, playing a role in natural pest control. However, as the season progresses, they develop a strong attraction to sugary foods like fruits, juices, soda, meats, and garbage. This behavior brings them closer to picnics, outdoor dining areas, and garbage bins, posing a nuisance and health risk due to their painful stings and potential allergic reactions.

Size: A Distinctive Feature of Wasps

Adult wasps vary in size depending on the species, typically ranging from 10 to 20 mm in length. Yellowjackets are compact with bold black and yellow markings, while paper wasps are slender with longer legs and reddish-brown or yellow patterns. Queens are larger than workers. Their narrow “waist” (petiole) distinguishes them from bees. Unlike bees, wasps have smooth bodies and can sting repeatedly, making them a more aggressive threat when disturbed.

Nesting Habits: Where Wasps Live

Wasps build nests in a variety of locations, both above ground and below.

• Yellowjackets often nest in wall voids, attics, sheds, or underground burrows.

• Paper wasps prefer eaves, soffits, deck undersides, and open-air structures.
  Nests are typically made from chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva, creating a papery texture. As colonies grow, nests can contain hundreds to thousands of wasps, significantly increasing the risk of stings. Proximity to human activity raises safety concerns, especially for allergic individuals.

Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial

Attempting to remove a wasp nest without proper protection and expertise is extremely dangerous. Disturbing the nest triggers aggressive defensive swarming, leading to multiple painful stings. DIY sprays and traps often fail to address hidden nests or secondary colonies. Professional pest control experts have the equipment, training, and safety measures needed to eliminate nests efficiently and safely, reducing risks to residents, pets, and passersby.

Signs of a Wasp Infestation

Early Detection = Reduced Risk of Stings

Look out for these common signs of a wasp infestation:

• Visible Wasps Flying Around: Increased activity near windows, doors, decks, or gardens.

• Nest Sightings: Papery nests attached to eaves, soffits, sheds, or underground burrow entrances.

• Buzzing Sounds: Loud humming near walls, attics, or ceiling voids may indicate hidden nests.

• Wasp Foraging Activity: Persistent presence around outdoor food sources, garbage, or sugary drinks.

• Aggressive Behavior: Wasps chasing or stinging when you approach certain areas.

• Chewed Wood Damage: Small scrape marks on fences, decks, or wood siding from nest-building wasps.

Understanding the Problem: Wasp Infestations

While a few wasps may seem harmless, an established nest near your home poses serious health and safety risks. Stings can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), especially in sensitive individuals. In late summer, wasps become more aggressive and unpredictable due to dwindling natural food sources.
Over-the-counter treatments rarely eliminate the entire colony and risk provoking an attack. Professional intervention is the safest and most effective way to resolve wasp infestations.

Our Professional Approach to Wasp Control

We provide a safe, thorough, and reliable solution for wasp infestations:

 Detailed Inspection

• Identify all active nests, including hidden or underground colonies.

• Assess species type (yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets) for targeted treatment.

 Targeted Nest Removal

• Safe removal of visible nests using specialized equipment and protective gear.

• Application of residual insecticides to prevent re-establishment.

• Treatment of entry points and foraging areas to eliminate stragglers.

 Long-Term Prevention

• Exclusion services to seal common nesting sites on your property.

• Seasonal monitoring and maintenance for properties with recurring issues.

• Recommendations for garbage management and food source control.

Our professional wasp control ensures complete nest elimination and significantly reduces the risk of future infestations, giving you back your outdoor spaces safely.