Wasps are widespread stinging insects in the United States, easily recognizable by their long, slender bodies, narrow waists, and bold black, yellow, or reddish markings.
Identification and Nesting Habits of Wasps
Wasps typically have long, slender bodies with narrow waists and striking coloration—often black or brown with yellow or reddish stripes. Most adult wasps range from 5/8 inch to over an inch in length, depending on the species. Their wings are long and pendulum-like during flight. Wasps construct nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva and often build them in sheltered areas such as:
Porch ceilings
Attic rafters
Sheds
What Do Wasps Eat?
Adult wasps feed on nectar and sweet substances, while larvae are fed a protein-rich diet consisting of insects and spiders brought by worker wasps. Species like paper wasp, yellow jacket, and hornets are social and may become aggressive when their nests are threatened. While wasps play a role in pest control and pollination, their stings can be painful and dangerous—especially for individuals with allergies.
Wasp Infestations: Causes, Risks, and the Need for Professional Control
Wasp infestations are common across the U.S. due to abundant nesting locations around buildings and readily available food sources such as trash, sugary beverages, and insects. Warm summers encourage larger colonies, which increases territorial behavior and aggression. Since wasps can sting multiple times and are highly defensive of their nests, professional pest control is often necessary to ensure safety and prevent future infestations.
Various types of wasps are found across the United States, each with its own appearance, behavior, and nesting style. Identifying the type of wasp can help guide effective control strategies.
Get answers to common questions about wasp identification, prevention, and professional control services.
The most common wasps you will see near our house are: Yellowjackets are harmful and mainly found near the garbage, outdoor meals, or outdoor food. Paper wasps make their nest in open, umbrella-shaped nests under shelf, decks, and porches. Hornets are big and more dangerous; they make their nest in trees and on shrubs.
Wasps mainly make their nests in places that are cover and safe. Common spots include: Under the roof shelf and shelters, Inside sheds, garages, & attics, In trees, bushes, & shrubs, Underground (mainly yellowjackets), Inside wall gaps or cracks around the home.
To control the risks of a wasp nesting around your home, follow these pointers to avoid stung: Cover garbage containers well. Wipe down food and sugar-containing drinks at the time of outdoor meals. Fill cracks and gaps in walls, & the roofline. Look at early nests in the spring season and take off small nests even before they are big enough. Do not leave pet food or bird feeders uncovered; they are a wasp attraction.
Yes, the wasp stings are dangerous. Stings are painful and can cause redness and a bump in your skin in many people. Many people have skin problems and allergies, and this can cause serious problems for them, like not unable to breathe, dizziness, and face and swelling. Take medical help in these cases as soon as possible. A series of stings can be dangerous, mainly to children, the elderly, and pets.
You should contact an expert pest control service at the time of: If you spot a large nest in your home. The nest is inside a wall, attic, & place where you can not go easily. Wasps are harmful and frequently fly near family or pets. Someone in your family has have allergy to stings.