What do they look like?

There are numerous species of wasp in the Pacific Northwest, with hornets also forming a part of this insect family. Wasps have an exoskeleton surrounding a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), three pairs of legs, two compound eyes, antennae, a mouth with a pair of mandibles, a stinger, and two sets of wings. They generally grow up to one inch in length and are usually recognized by their bright yellow and black markings, Or white and black in the case of bald-faced hornets, and a variety of colors.

Wasps differ from bees physically by their slender and hairless body, and elongated legs. Bees are furry where wasps are not, and wasps have longer legs. Wasps can be solitary insects or social, depending on the species. Social wasps live as part of a hive colony with a queen. Common wasps include yellow jackets, paper wasps, mud daubers, and bald-faced hornets.

Wasps can make nests in pipes

Where do they come from and how can I identify them in my home or business?

Wasp colonies are typically found above ground extending from rooftops or tree branches. Nests may also be found in attics and occasionally built into the root structures of larger plants. These nests are formed in the warmer seasons after queen wasps emerge from winter hibernation.

Wasps nests are frequently found under fascia

Will they cause any damage to my home or business?

Without wasp nest removal and hornet control, these pests can cause superficial damage that can image the facade of your home’s wood finishings. They can chew up wood to create a paste of wood pulp from which to construct their homes. Wasp nest can also be buried

What are the health impacts?

Wasps are mostly non-aggressive but have the ability to sting repeatedly when disturbed, threatened, or to defend their colony. Wasp stings contain venom that may cause a lot of pain, itchiness, swelling, and redness around the affected area. Some people will react more severely to the venom if they are allergic, and have the potential to go into anaphylactic shock, which is a medical emergency.

Why do I have to get rid of them?

The presences of wasp nests in high-traffic urban areas pose a danger to people located nearby. Usually, if you are stung, the effects will likely result in temporary pain, swelling, and redness of the area.  However, when people are caught unaware of nearby nests or are severely allergic to wasp venom and get stung, it can become life-threatening.

Wasps and Hornets can also pose a threat in large numbers. If a wasp were to feel threatened and stings you, they release a chemical signal to other wasps to make them aware of the threat, and they will begin to swarm. These attacks can result in serious to life-threatening injuries.

Tips to prevent wasps’ nests

  • Seal your garbage, cover your compost, and pick-up trash frequently from around your property.
  • Do monthly checks for nests. It’s best to do this in early spring.
  • Remove all food sources (hummingbird feeders, fruit, and veggies from your compost) from close proximity of your home.
  • Cover any holes on the ground. Seal any place that could act as an opening for them to nest.
  • Paint or stain all exposed wood on your property to prevent wasps from using these items to gather building materials to build their nests. Common items requiring paint or stain include fences, facia boards, gazebos, playgrounds, retaining walls, wooden ties.

How can 1st Pest Control help?

At 1st Pest Control, we specialize in pest and wildlife remediation, such as hornet control and wasp nest removal. These pests are prevalent throughout single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and commercial properties in the Lower Mainland. With industry-leading techniques and pest control methods, you can feel secure that your home or business is being treated to the highest industry and safety standards by our Certified Pest Control Technicians. By combining both environmentally-friendly pest control services and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, we will create a specialized treatment program tailored to your specific location and infestation. Our mission is to eradicate pests in your home or business to give you peace of mind and to ensure the safety of you and those you care about. Fill out a contact form or contact us at +1 844-737-8226 to get started today.

When can we get started?

Today! Call 1st Pest Control and our Certified Pest Control Technicians and friendly office staff will begin creating a customized treatment program to get your pest problem under control. 1-844-PEST-CANADA (737-8226).

At 1st Pest Control, we aim to help you reclaim your space from pests and wildlife.