Coming face to face with a wasp or hornet nest on your property can be alarming—and for good reason. These stinging insects are territorial, aggressive when disturbed, and can pose a serious risk to children, pets, and anyone with allergies.

While your first instinct might be to knock the nest down or spray it yourself, handling a wasp or hornet problem without the right knowledge can quickly go wrong. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do (and what not to do) when you find a nest, and how to stay safe while getting rid of it for good.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Nest

Not all nests are created equal, and knowing what kind you’re dealing with can help determine the safest removal approach.

• Paper Wasps usually build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, decks, or railings. Their nests are open, with visible hexagonal cells.

• Hornets (often bald-faced hornets) create large, gray, football-shaped nests in trees, shrubs, or on buildings.

• Yellowjackets tend to build nests underground, in wall voids, or in hidden areas like attics or crawlspaces. These nests aren’t usually visible until the activity starts.

If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, keep your distance and call a pest control professional for identification.

Step 2: Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance

Wasps and hornets are extremely protective of their nests and will attack if they feel threatened. Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times. Never swat at them or make sudden movements near the nest.

If the nest is near high-traffic areas—like a front door, porch, or play area—consider marking it off or temporarily avoiding that part of the yard.

Step 3: Do NOT Attempt Removal Without a Plan

Removing a nest on your own might seem like a good weekend project, but it can be dangerous. Here’s why DIY removal often goes wrong:

• Most sprays only stun, not kill, and can cause the entire colony to become aggressive.

• Nighttime attempts (which are safer due to reduced activity) still carry risks—especially for hidden nests.

• Climbing ladders near active nests increases your chance of falling if you’re stung.

Unless the nest is very small, newly formed, and far from people or pets, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Step 4: Know the Signs of an Active Nest

You might not always see the nest right away—but activity can be a giveaway. Here are signs you’ve got a problem:

• Regular wasp or hornet traffic in and out of a particular spot

• Buzzing sounds inside walls or near soffits

• Sudden increase in aggressive insect activity around your yard

• Stings or near misses, especially when using outdoor spaces

Step 5: Call a Professional for Safe Removal

Professional pest control technicians have the proper equipment, protective gear, and treatment methods to safely eliminate wasp and hornet nests. They can also:

• Locate hidden or multiple nests

• Treat surrounding areas to prevent return

• Seal off common nest entry points (especially for wall voids or attics)

Attempting to treat an established nest yourself can not only be dangerous—it often doesn’t fully solve the problem.

Step 6: Prevent Future Nesting

Once the nest is removed, prevention is key. Here are a few steps you can take to discourage wasps and hornets from coming back:

• Seal entry points in walls, soffits, and eaves

• Keep garbage tightly sealed

• Remove food sources, including sugary drinks, fruits, and pet food left outside

• Inspect outdoor furniture and grills for signs of early nest building

• Install decoy nests—some species won’t build where another colony appears to exist

Final Thoughts

Wasp and hornet nests aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a safety hazard. Whether you’ve spotted one in the yard, under the roofline, or near a window, it’s important to take it seriously and avoid unnecessary risk.

If you’ve found a nest on your property, don’t wait. Professional removal is quick, effective, and gives you peace of mind. We recommend pest control temecula.