Wasps are one of the most common and often feared insects, especially during the warmer months. Known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, understanding where wasps live can help you avoid them and protect your home. In this blog, we’ll dive into where wasps typically build their nests, what attracts them, and how you can prevent them from settling near your home.
What Are Wasps?
Before we dive into where wasps live, it’s important to understand what they are. Wasps are flying insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. Unlike bees, wasps are predators and scavengers, feeding on other insects and nectar. They are known for their ability to sting multiple times, unlike bees, which can only sting once.
Wasps are beneficial in many ecosystems because they control pest insect populations. However, when they nest near human homes or in high-traffic areas, they can become a nuisance or even a danger, especially for those allergic to their stings.
1. Types of Wasp Nests
Wasps create their nests in various locations depending on the species, but generally, there are two main types of wasps: solitary wasps and social wasps. Social wasps are the ones most commonly associated with nests that pose a risk to humans. These nests are usually made from a papery substance created by the wasps chewing wood fibers mixed with their saliva.
Social Wasps:
- Yellowjackets
- Hornets
- Paper Wasps
Solitary wasps, on the other hand, do not live in colonies and typically build smaller, individual nests, often in soil or within plant stems.
2. Where Do Yellowjackets Live?
Yellowjackets are one of the most well-known species of social wasps. They typically build their nests underground, although you can also find them in walls, attics, or even inside trees. They create large, spherical nests that can house thousands of wasps. Yellowjackets are aggressive, particularly when their nests are disturbed, and are more likely to sting when they feel threatened.
Common Yellowjacket Nest Locations:
- Underground: Yellowjackets often build their nests in burrows or crevices in the ground, such as abandoned rodent holes or under landscaping.
- Wall cavities: Some yellowjackets build their nests inside the walls of buildings, particularly if there is an entry point like a crack in the foundation or gaps in siding.
- Attics and basements: Yellowjackets sometimes nest in attics, especially if there are gaps in roofing or eaves.
3. Where Do Hornets Live?
Hornets are larger wasps that can be even more aggressive than yellowjackets. They typically build their nests in trees or shrubs, often high up in branches. However, hornets can also create nests under the eaves of homes, in sheds, and in other sheltered locations.
Hornet nests are usually oval or football-shaped and made from a paper-like material that is brownish-gray in color. They can grow very large, with some nests housing thousands of hornets.
Common Hornet Nest Locations:
- Tree branches: Hornets prefer to build their nests in tall trees, especially in sheltered areas with enough space for the nest to grow.
- Under eaves or gutters: Hornets will sometimes build nests in the corners of eaves or in attic spaces, often near the roofline of homes or buildings.
- Sheds and garages: If you have a shed or garage that isn’t frequently used, hornets may decide to make it their home.
4. Where Do Paper Wasps Live?
Paper wasps, unlike yellowjackets and hornets, are less aggressive but still capable of stinging if provoked. Paper wasps are known for building their nests in more open, exposed areas, such as under the eaves of homes, decks, or even on outdoor furniture. These nests have a distinctive appearance, often looking like a series of hexagonal cells suspended by a thin stalk.
Common Paper Wasp Nest Locations:
- Under roof eaves: Paper wasps often build their nests on the underside of roof eaves, decks, or porches.
- Outdoor structures: You might find their nests on fences, mailboxes, or even on tree branches.
- Shady, sheltered areas: Paper wasps prefer calm, sheltered locations that are not too exposed to wind or rain.
5. Where Do Solitary Wasps Live?
Solitary wasps are much less likely to cause harm to humans because they don’t live in colonies. Instead, they create individual nests for themselves and their larvae. These nests are typically much smaller than those of social wasps, and solitary wasps often build them in the ground or within hollow plant stems.
Common Solitary Wasp Nest Locations:
- In the soil: Many solitary wasps dig burrows in the ground, where they create nests for their offspring.
- Plant stems: Some solitary wasps will create nests in hollow plant stems or logs.
- Under rocks: Solitary wasps may nest under rocks or pieces of wood, particularly in sunny, warm areas.
6. What Attracts Wasps to Your Home?
Understanding what attracts wasps can help you take preventive measures. Here are some common attractants:
- Food sources: Wasps are attracted to sugary foods and proteins, especially in the summer months. Garbage cans, outdoor eating areas, and even ripe fruit in your yard can draw wasps in.
- Shelter: Wasps are looking for sheltered places to build their nests. Your attic, shed, and the eaves of your home are prime nesting spots.
- Water: Wasps need water to survive, so outdoor water sources such as birdbaths, pet water bowls, and puddles can attract them.
7. How to Prevent Wasps from Nesting Near Your Home
Now that you know where wasps like to build their nests, here are some tips to keep them away from your home:
- Seal entry points: Make sure that your home is sealed properly, especially around rooflines and eaves.
- Remove food sources: Keep trash cans sealed, clean up food spills quickly, and store sweet foods indoors to avoid attracting wasps.
- Regularly inspect your property: Early detection is key to preventing wasps from building nests on your property. Check your yard and home for signs of nests, especially during the warmer months.
- Use wasp repellents: Natural wasp repellents, such as peppermint oil or citronella, can help deter wasps from nesting near your home.
- Remove nests early: If you spot a wasp nest, remove it as soon as possible (preferably at night when the wasps are less active) or call a professional pest control service to safely handle it.
Conclusion
Understanding where wasps live is crucial for both preventing infestations and safely managing any that might appear near your home. Whether they’re building nests underground, in trees, or in sheltered areas around your house, wasps seek out calm, secluded spaces to build their colonies. By taking preventative steps, such as sealing entry points and removing food sources, you can reduce the likelihood of a wasp infestation and enjoy a wasp-free environment.
If you do encounter a nest near your home and feel unsure about handling it, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service. They can ensure that your home stays safe from wasps and other pests all year long.
