Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are the wasps homeowners encounter most often during late summer. Unlike bees, they can sting repeatedly and become extremely aggressive when their nest is threatened.

They commonly build nests:

• Underground
• Inside wall voids (like soffits or weeping holes)
• Under decks
• Beneath sheds
• Around landscaping

If you notice wasps repeatedly entering the same hole in the ground or disappearing behind your siding, there’s a good chance you have a yellow jacket colony. Professional wasp nest removal is the safest solution. And remember, whatever you do, do not seal their entry point.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps build small, open-faced nests that resemble an upside-down umbrella. These nests are commonly found under:

• Soffits
• Porch ceilings
• Deck railings
• Gazebos
• Window frames

Although generally less aggressive than yellow jackets, paper wasps will defend their nest if disturbed. Removing small nests early in the season can often prevent much larger colonies from developing.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually a species of wasp. They build large, enclosed grey paper nests that can grow to the size of a basketball.

In Durham Region, these nests are most often found:

• Hanging from tree branches
• Attached beneath soffits
• Along rooflines
• On garages and sheds

Bald-faced hornets are highly defensive and may attack anyone who gets too close to their nest. Because colonies can contain hundreds of workers, professional hornet nest removal is strongly recommended.

Why DIY Wasp Removal Can Be Dangerous

Store-bought sprays may eliminate a few visible wasps but often fail to address the entire colony, This is especially true for a wasp nest that you cannot see (ie: in a wall void or soffit area). Disturbing a nest can cause dozens, or even hundreds, of wasps to swarm in seconds.

Professional technicians have the equipment and experience to safely remove nests located underground, inside wall voids, or high above the ground.

Preventing Wasps Around Your Home

You can reduce the likelihood of wasps nesting on your property by:

• Keeping garbage bins tightly sealed
• Cleaning outdoor eating areas after meals
• Repairing damaged soffits and siding
• Sealing gaps around vents and utility openings
• Inspecting decks and rooflines each spring
• Trimming tree branches that overhang your home

Early detection makes removal much easier before colonies become established.

Professional Wasp Removal in Durham Region

If you’ve noticed increased wasp activity around your home, don’t wait for the colony to grow larger.

Affordable Pest Control provides wasp removal in Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Bowmanville, and throughout Durham Region. We identify the species, locate the nest, and use professional treatment methods designed to eliminate the colony safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bald-faced hornets really hornets?
No. Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually a type of wasp.

Will wasps return to the same nest next year?
No. Old nests are not reused, but new queens may build nearby if conditions are favourable.

Is it safe to remove a wasp nest yourself?
Small early-season nests may be manageable, but established yellow jacket and bald-faced hornet colonies can be dangerous. Professional removal is the safest option.

When should I call for wasp removal?
If you notice repeated wasp activity, an underground nest, or a nest attached to your home, contact a professional before the colony grows.

Related Services

• Wasp Population Control
• Carpenter Bee & Bumblebee Removal
• Residential Pest Control in Durham Region