Many residents call a NJ pest control professional reporting that they have spotted wasp and hornet nests this time of year.  It’s not surprising because since the queen’s emergence in early spring, her brood of wasps has been busy with their daily task of building their intricate nesting site.  Concerned New Jersey homeowners are wondering if they should leave the wasps alone or work or take on the task of killing off the nest and removing it without the aid of a NJ pest control professional.

Here is some useful wasp information…

• Paper wasps:  Paper wasps get their name from the paper-like nests that they create which look similar to an umbrella that is suspended by a short stem. The nests are attached to porch ceilings, attic rafters, eaves, window frames, gazeboes, etc.  Wasp nests are only used for one season and then are abandoned.  These wasps are approximately 1 inch long and are reddish-orange to dark brown or black in color.  Paper wasps do not typically bother humans unless their nest is disturbed.
•  Bald-faced Hornet:  Bald-faced Hornets are black and white and are approximately ¾ of an inch long.  Despite their name, they are a member of the yellow jacket family so they are not a true hornet.  Nests are constructed in the springtime in paper-like football shaped structures that can be up to 3 feet in height.  They are considered to be beneficial insects as they prey upon garden pests.  Cold weather kills all wasps except fertilized queens which overwinter in tree hollows or underground nesting spots.  The Bald-faced hornet will defend its nest aggressively when it is disturbed.

Wasp and hornet stings can be extremely dangerous or even life threatening for those who are known to be allergic to their painful sting and for those who have not suffered an allergic to the sting.  To remain safe, it is always recommended that you call a NJ pest control professional to remove any type of wasp or hornet nest instead of attempting removal.