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Stinging insects · Pest library
Wasp and hornet control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
Wasp and hornet nests grow all summer. By August a single yellowjacket nest can hold thousands of workers, and they defend it aggressively.
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How to identify wasps and hornets
Knowing which wasp you have helps us find the nest and treat it safely.
Yellowjackets
Yellow and black, about 12 mm. They nest in the ground, wall voids and under decks.
Bald-faced hornets
Black and white, about 19 mm. They build large, grey, football-shaped paper nests in trees and under eaves.
Paper wasps
Slender with long legs. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and railings.
Signs to look for
- Steady traffic of wasps in and out of one spot
- Grey, papery nests under eaves, in trees or sheds
- Wasps going in and out of holes in the ground or siding
- Chewing or buzzing sounds inside a wall
Why wasps and hornets come inside
What draws them in
Queens look for sheltered spots to start nests in spring. In late summer, workers hunt for sugary food, which is when they crowd patios, docks and barbecues.
Health and home risks
Unlike honeybees, wasps can sting more than once. Stings are painful and can cause serious allergic reactions. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911.
How we handle wasps and hornets
Find the nest
Including hidden nests in walls and in the ground.
Treat and remove safely
By trained technicians wearing protective gear.
Discourage new nests
Treatment of eaves, soffits and docks where queens like to build.
Catch them early
Spring checks find nests while they're still small.
Prevention tips
- Keep garbage and recycling bins tightly closed
- Cover food and drinks outdoors in late summer
- Seal gaps in siding, soffits and around vents
- Check eaves, sheds and docks in spring, when nests are small
- Pick up fallen fruit in the yard
- Don't try to remove nests yourself
Common questions about wasps and hornets
Can I remove a nest myself?
We don't recommend it. Disturbing a nest can trigger mass stinging, and nests inside walls can push wasps into your home.
Will the nest come back next year?
Old nests aren't reused, but the same sheltered spots attract new queens. Seasonal treatment helps prevent new nests.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.