Are Yellow Jackets & Wasps a Problem in Southern Ontario?
Absolutely! In fact, several species of yellow jackets and the exotic European paper wasp are serious pests in southern Ontario. Yellow jackets can nest all over the place: in or on houses, in the ground, in rock walls, and on trees and shrubs. The European Paper wasp, on the other hand, commonly nests under eaves or in attics. These pests can turn extremely aggressive when people get too close to their nests, which is difficult when their nests are built on doorways or under decks. Just the sound of a slamming door can startle them. Keep an eye out to make sure they don’t chew through sheet rock and get inside of your home.
When is The Best Time to Destroy Nests?
Do-it-yourself yellow jacket and wasp control can be dangerous, so it’s highly recommended to enlist the help of a professional. Now, if you decide to do it yourself, it’s best to do it at night. If you destroy a nest in a wall, be sure to plug the entrance hole after a few weeks to prevent more yellow jackets from reusing entrance holes.
Do I Have A Nest If I See Yellow Jackets Or Paper Wasps In The Winter?
No, not at all. In fact, yellow jackets or wasps seen in homes midwinter to early spring are just over-wintering queens. They may be your attic, or crawl out of firewood brought in from outside. They are large, but usually lethargic and not aggressive, although they can still sting you.
Do Yellow Jackets Or Paper Wasps Reuse Their Nests?
No. Yellow jacket and paper-wasp colonies die out every fall and they don’t ever reuse nests. Queens build brand new nests every spring. However, it’s important to note that they may reuse old entrance holes in walls and attics. Paper wasps will often build new nests next to older, uninhabited nests.
Are Yellow-Jacket or Paper-Wasp Stings Dangerous?
Yes! The venom injected from a sting can cause a severe allergic reaction, which may require medical attention. In highly sensitive people, such stings can be fatal if untreated, so it’s important to get urgent medical attention if injected.
What Should I Do If I Have A Paper Wasp or Yellow Jacket Problem?
Controlling yellow jackets or paper wasps can be very dangerous if not approached properly. If in doubt, call your local pest control company, Huron Pest Control Inc. We’ll locate any nests and eliminate them. If you experience yellow jacket or paper wasp problems year after year, ask us about our prevention program.
