Different Types of Wasp Nests

Identifying different types of wasp nests in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlEveryone knows that insects are at full-force in the summer. One of the most common summer pests here in the Sevierville area is the wasp! There are several different types of wasps common to the area, and they all build different types of nests. Some wasps are more aggressive than others and can sting repeatedly. This makes it important to learn about the different characteristics of wasp nests. If you notice any of the below wasp nests in or around your yard, always exercise caution. Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Johnson Pest Control on how to identify different types of wasp nests.

Common Wasp Nests in Tennessee

Many wasps are confused for yellowjackets, but they’re all different in several ways. The easiest way to identify them is to learn what their nests look like:

  • Mud daubers
    • Their nests are built be female members
    • These nests consist of short mud tubes
    • Often appear to look like an organ pipe
    • Often found under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings
  • Yellowjackets
    • Made out of a papery material and have a single opening
    • Interior contains hundreds of cells for eggs
    • Some types nest underground, often with thousands of members
    • Otherwise build nests in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas

Wasp nest information in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest Control

  • Bald-faced hornets
    • Nests are typically at least three feet off the ground
    • Built out of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva
    • Can grow to the size of a football or basketball
    • Usually in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but also can be on buildings
  • Paper wasps
    • Look like upside-down umbrellas
    • These nests are more open, with visible cells at times
    • They are typically supported by a single stalk and made out of a papery substance
    • Found beneath eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas

    What Should You Do When You See a Wasp Nest?

    If you notice a wasp nest forming on or near your property, it’s safest to be cautious around it. Even when a nest appear dormant or empty, there still could be lingering stinging insects inside. When it comes to defending their nests, certain wasps can become very aggressive and either chase or sting you—repeatedly. For that reason alone, it’s best to always enlist the help of your local wasp removal experts at Johnson when you have a wasp nest problem.

Protect Yourself from Aggressive Stinging Wasps

While the distinct buzzing noise and mere sight of hornets or wasps are enough to make most people swat wildly (or run) in fear, there are much safer ways to deal with these sometimes aggressive summer pests. We advise our home and business owners that when it comes to stinging insects, gaining a better understanding of these pests’ behavior and habits is an important part of helping to prevent stings.

In fact, stinging insects can pack more than just a painful sting. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from common household pests, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year.

The best way to ensure you or someone in your family doesn’t become a victim of painful stings is to understand which species are causing problems on your property and how best to avoid them. However, hives and nests should never be handled or removed on your own as some colonies can contain hundreds of insects and can sting en masse in defense of the nest.

Here are some tips for the three most common aggressive flying stinging insects:

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald Faced Hornet - Johnson Pest ControlBald-faced hornets get their common name because they are largely black in color, with a mostly white face. These social insects live in colonies that can contain between 100 and 400 members at their peak. They build nests that are at least three feet off the ground and in exposed locations such as trees, utility poles, overhangs, houses, sheds or other structures. Unlike many other stinging insects, bald-faced hornets do not reuse their nests season after season.

Prevention: Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack if their space is invaded. During the summer months, walk around the exterior of your home to inspect for nests on a routine basis, paying special attention to overhangs, eaves, the underside of porches and decks.

Yellowjackets

Yellow Jacket Hornet - Johnson Pest ControlThese social insects tend to build nests in trees and buildings, as well as in the ground. They are slow to sting unless their nest is threatened, in which case they will become highly aggressive. Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting several times and inflict severe pain.

Prevention: Yellowjackets are especially attracted to sweets and proteins, so it is important to cover food and drinks during outdoor events and promptly clean up and dispose of food and garbage in a sealed trash container.

Paper Wasps

Red Paper Wasp Hornet - Johnson Pest ControlPaper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material they use to build their nests. Their nests are typically made in the shape of an umbrella. These pests build nests on twigs and in tree branches and shrubs, as well as porch ceilings, eaves and similar covered places. Wasps are capable of stinging more than once and may use alarm pheromones to call for back-up in defending their nest.

Prevention: Check for paper wasp nests before performing yard work such as shrub or hedge trimming. Treat wood fences and deck railings with a repellant oil to deter paper wasps from gathering cellulose for nest creation.

Because of the aggressive nature of these stinging insects, it important to contact a pest professional to remove nests on your home or property.