How do wasps make nests and why do they always seem to pick the least convenient spots? Find out why professional removal is always the way to go.
We don’t think of wasps as being expert homebuilders, but really, they’re nature’s tiny architects.
So how do wasps make nests, exactly?
The truth is that it varies a bit based on the species. Each has its own method of constructing nests, but the end goal is the same: to create a safe, sturdy spot for the queen and the worker wasps to thrive.
From chewing up wood to meticulously selecting a location, the process of nest-building is fascinating, if not a tad unsettling when it’s happening close to your property. But learning how and why wasps create their nests can help you, as a homeowner, both identify and address any potential issues early on.
Let’s take a closer look!
How Do Wasps Make Nests?
Wasps rely on a simple, yet incredibly meticulous, process to create their homes. Again, it varies by species, but the process typically begins with scraping wood or plant materials. Paper wasps, for instance, chew up wood fibers before mixing them with saliva to form a paste. This paste hardens into a durable, paper-like material that becomes the super-strong foundation of their umbrella-shaped nests.
Yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets rely on a similar process, but their nests are larger and structured a bit differently. These stinging insects also chew wood and create a papery pulp, but they go one step further by layering multiple rounded combs within an outer shell. These nests grow to house anywhere from several hundred to thousands of wasps.
Mud daubers, on the other hand, mix mud water water to form cylindrical or tubular nests. These nests typically stand alone and are much smaller compared to the monstrous paper nests of yellowjackets or hornets.
Where Do Wasps Make Their Nests?
Perhaps more important to you, as a homeowner, than the question of “how do wasps make nests?” is the question of “where.”
After all, location matters, both to the wasp constructing the nest and to you, the person who’s worried about getting stung. Again, there’s some species variation here, but in general, wasps will select spots that provide shelter, protection, and close proximity to food sources. Some common nesting sites, broken down by species, include:
- Paper Wasps: Often build nests under eaves, awnings, or tree branches. They prefer open, easy-to-access areas.
- Yellowjackets: Known for their underground colonies, yellowjackets typically nest in old rodent burrows. You might also find them in wall voids, hollow logs, or landscape timbers.
- Bald-Faced Hornets: These wasps construct large, teardrop-shaped aerial nests in trees or the high corners of buildings.
- Mud Daubers: True to their name, mud daubers build mud nests in sheltered spots like window frames, porch ceilings, or garage walls.
It might not always be easy to tell if a nest is forming, especially since they tend to start out quite small in size. However, you’ll know that something is abuzz if you happen to notice any of the spots above becoming busier with wasp activity.
Why Wasps Choose Certain Locations For Their Nests
Wasps will always prioritize safety and access to resources when they’re choosing their nesting locations. They seek out areas that are sheltered from harsh weather conditions, predators, and human interference.
However, their choices aren’t just about survival for the colony, but about easy access to food. Wasps feed on insects, nectar, and food scraps, making backyards, gardens, composts, and even outdoor dining areas particularly attractive to them.
If you’re noticing high volumes of wasp activity near your home, that’s a strong indicator that there’s a nest nearby (or that your property is providing something they want, like water from birdbaths, sugary residues from spilled drinks, or food scraps in uncovered trash bins).
Why DIY Nest Removal is Risky
Even if a wasp nest seems small or easily accessible, attempting to remove it on your own can go south quite quickly. Wasps are highly protective of their nests and will swarm at the slightest sign of a threat.
Some species, like yellow jackets, are particularly aggressive, known for delivering multiple stings in one attack. A startled colony will relentlessly chase down anyone they perceive as a threat, which is why nests should always be approached with caution (or better yet, left to the experts).
Beyond the immediate pain of being stung, wasp venom can cause severe allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis. What might start as swelling and redness can quickly escalate to difficulty breathing, nausea, or worse. Before you grab a broom or a can of spray, consider the risks.
Why Professional Pest Control is a Must
Tackling a wasp nest should never be a DIY job, regardless of the size. Professional removal makes sure everyone involved stays safe, and provides long-term solutions to keeping wasps away.
Our team at Kanga Pest Control has all the tools, protective gear, and experience necessary to handle nests, regardless of whether they’re in the ground, eaves of your roof, or hidden in wall voids. We’ll assess your property to determine any vulnerabilities and the best course of action. Then, we’ll safely eliminate the nest without putting you and your family at risk.
But our service doesn’t just solve the immediate problem. We’ll also help you identify what’s attracting wasps to your property in the first place and provide solutions to make it less inviting. Whether that means sealing up entry points, removing potential food sources, or strategically applying treatments, our goal is to prevent infestations for good.
Keep Wasps Away with Kanga Pest Control
Now that you have the answer to your question, “how do wasps make nests?” it’s time to act. But don’t act on your own. That’s a fast track to getting stung!
Instead, you need to get help from the professionals. After all, knowing how wasps build their nests is only half the battle. You also need to make sure your property becomes (and stays) a no fly zone.
At Kanga Pest Control, we specialize in safe, effective wasp removal for residents of Canby, Salem, and the surrounding area. We’re equipped to handle any and all flying insect problems, whether it’s spotting early signs of a nest or dealing with an established colony.
Don’t wait for wasps to overrun your yard. Call Kanga Pest Control to schedule your service now.
