Wasps & Hornets
Wasps
Paper Wasps get their name from the paper like hives they create. While they aren’t aggressive, they will sting if provoked or their nest is attacked.
Yellowjackets are slow to sting unless their nest is attacked and then they become very aggressive. Unlike bees, Yellowjackets can sting several times causing severe pain. Yellowjackets build paper like nests in trees, under eaves and many different places including underground.
Mud Daubers build small tube like nests of mud under eaves and roofs and other similar places. Female Mud Daubers do not defend their nests so it can be easily removed.
Cicada Killers are large but not aggressive. The males can not sting or bite. Females will not sting unless handled. Usually a sting happens to those who are working on the lawn or flower bed where they lay their eggs.
Hornets
Hornet nests are almost always up high in a tree or other tall structure and can be up to 3 feet in length. A Hornet sting can be very painful but they actually are less aggressive than a Paper Wasp or Yellowjacket.
European Hornets are sometimes confused with their cousins, the Yellow Jacket wasp. They typically make their homes in trees or other high up places. Even though they are larger than other stinging insects, they are not usually agressive and not interested in you. If you are stung, know they are able to sting multiple times and do secrete venom. You may have an allergic reaction but they “story” of people being killed by multiple stings from a European Hornets is untrue. If you treaten their nest or food source, they will get agressive.
A Castle professional technician can help if you have wasps or hornets. Visit our Service page for information on our General Pest Treatments.