Paper wasps, yellow jackets, and mud daubers build through spring and peak by late summer, favoring eaves, soffits, sheds, playsets, and shrubs. Yellow jackets in particular nest in the ground or a wall void and get defensive as the colony grows.
Signs to look for
A visible nest under an eave, on a shed, in a shrub, or attached to a playset
Steady wasp or bee traffic moving in and out of one specific point on the house
Insects working a soffit gap, weep hole, or a hole in the ground
Increased aggression or activity noticed by late summer as colonies peak
How [Your Business] treats it
Identify the species and nest location, since yellow jackets (often in-ground or in a wall void) are handled differently than paper wasps or mud daubers
Treat and remove accessible nests on any recurring visit
For a nest inside a wall or underground, treat the entry point first and return once activity has stopped
Recheck the area on the next visit to confirm the colony hasn't relocated or rebuilt
Why they’re here
Undisturbed eaves, soffits, sheds, or playset equipment
Gaps or holes in siding, soffits, or the ground near the foundation
Shrubs or overgrown vegetation providing sheltered nest sites
Sweet drink spills or open trash attracting foraging yellow jackets
Prevention tips
Inspect eaves, sheds, and playsets each spring before colonies establish
Seal soffit gaps and ground holes near the foundation
Keep trash cans covered and clean up sweet spills outdoors promptly
Never approach or disturb a nest — call for removal instead
Keep exploring
See the services we run for this pest, and where we cover it.
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Questions people ask about this pest.
How do you know which pest is actually causing the problem?
Every visit starts with an inspection, so treatment is matched to what's actually active on your property, not a guess based on the page you're reading.
Is one visit enough to get rid of it?
Are your treatments safe for pets and kids?
What if it comes back?
