8 Things You Should Know About Wasps This Season

As the warm weather rolls in, pest activity will begin to ramp up in your area. It's a good time to start thinking about the kinds of pests you might run into and how that can affect you and your family as you head into summer.

Generally, as the sun comes out, so do wasps. They can be a real nuisance, buzzing your backyard get-togethers and showing up exactly where food and drinks are. But there's more going on than meets the eye. Below, we'll share eight things to know about wasps in the U.S.—what months tend to be the worst, which species matter, when to call a pro right away, and what can be handled more simply.

📊 Weekly "Wasp Removal" Search Interest (2020–2025)

Google Trends data showing July–September peak season highlighted

1) Peak season is late summer—and our data backs it up

From our Google Trends review (2020–2025), searches for "wasp removal" surge July through September nationwide, with the strongest and most consistent demand from mid-July to mid-September. That lines up with what we see on the ground: colonies start small in spring, grow through early summer, and are largest—and most noticeable—late summer. In cooler states, the first hard frost shuts things down. In warmer areas, activity starts earlier and runs later.

2) Not all wasps act the same

Contrary to popular belief, not all wasps are equally aggressive.

• Paper wasps make small umbrella-style nests under eaves and tend to be relatively docile unless you get close to the nest.
• Yellowjackets (the classic picnic crashers) are the troublemakers. Many nest in the ground or inside wall voids and will defend the colony aggressively.
• Bald-faced "hornets" (actually a type of aerial yellowjacket) build big football-shaped nests in shrubs or under rooflines and protect them with gusto.
• European hornets are large, fast, and best handled by a pro if they're near doors, windows, or play areas.

3) Why late summer feels worse than spring

In late summer, natural prey gets scarce and adult wasps switch to sugary foods. That's when they show up at trash cans, patio tables, ripe fruit, and open soda cans. Ground nests also reach peak size, so mowing or trimming over an unseen entrance can turn a normal chore into a bad day.

4) When to call ASAP (don't mess with these)

There are situations that call for a professional right away:

• Allergy history or multiple stings. If you have swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, or widespread hives—seek medical help immediately.
• Large aerial nests (bald-faced "hornet") or European hornet activity. These nests defend hard, and the access is usually tricky.
• Wall-void or attic nests. Spraying and sealing can force wasps into living spaces. These require the right dusts, access points, and timing.
• Ladders and tight spaces. Hornet work at height with agitated insects is a job for people with suits, tools, and a plan.

5) What's usually OK to DIY (with care)

Some situations are simpler:

• Very small paper-wasp starters (golf-ball size) away from doors and windows can often be removed early. Do it at dusk or dawn when activity is low. Wear covered clothing and eye protection, and follow the product label exactly.
• Leave it alone if a nest is well away from where people and pets are. In many regions, colonies die out with cold weather. Remove old nests in winter to discourage repeat use and seal obvious gaps when it's safe to do so.

6) The complaints we hear most (and quick fixes)

We listen to customers and neighbors every day. Here's what they don't like—and what helps:

• "They're all over our BBQ." Move trash and recycling away from seating. Keep lids tight. Set traps at the yard perimeter, not next to the table.
• "We mowed right over a nest." Walk the lawn first; watch for low, steady traffic to a ground hole.
• "They're coming from the wall." Don't caulk the hole mid-season—that can drive them indoors. Call a pro to treat the void correctly.
• "Sprays didn't fix it." Over-the-counter sprays can knock down foragers, but they rarely eliminate a large colony, especially in a wall or underground.

7) Prevention is key (simple steps that work)

A little prep goes a long way:

• Seal gaps around eaves, soffits, vents, and utility lines.
• Screen attic vents and repair torn screens.
• Keep fruit trees picked up and bins closed.
• Rinse recyclables and keep outdoor eating areas clean.
• Trim vegetation back from structures to reduce harborage.

8) Fast factoids people always ask about

• Can wasps sting more than once? Yes. Unlike honey bees, most wasps can sting repeatedly.
• Do nests get reused? Typically no. New queens start fresh each spring, which is why winter is the best time to remove old nests and seal.
• Are "murder hornets" a homeowner issue? No. They're not an everyday concern for yards and patios.
• Do traps solve the problem? They help reduce local foragers, but they won't wipe out a mature colony. Use them as a buffer, not as a cure-all.

How we keep you ahead of the season

We track weekly activity with a simple "Wasp Watch" status for each state using the same Google Trends signal we mentioned above. When we mark Rising, it's time to plan prevention and book inspections. During Full Force, prioritize same-day removal for nests near doors, decks, play areas, and work zones. In Off-Season, we focus on exclusion and repairs so you're in good shape before spring.

Bottom line

Wasps peak when you want to be outside most—July through September. Yellowjackets cause most late-summer conflict; paper wasps are easier to handle when nests are tiny and far from foot traffic. Large aerial nests, wall-void nests, difficult access, or any history of sting reactions are pro jobs. If you need help, our directory can connect you with a local, licensed technician who can remove the nest safely and give you peace of mind going into the rest of the season.