Wasps can be annoying and sometimes dangerous pests that invade homes during the warmer months. If you have noticed wasps around your house, you may be wondering where they are coming from and how they are getting inside. Understanding where wasps tend to build nests and hide out in a home can help you locate, avoid, and remove them.
Under eaves and roof overhangs
One of the most common places for wasps to build nests on a home is under roof eaves and overhangs. The small gaps where the roof extends past the walls provide protected spots that are appealing to wasps when starting a new colony.
Paper wasps and yellowjackets will construct nests made of chewed wood pulp that resemble miniature paper umbrella. These nests can grow to the size of a basketball and contain hundreds of wasps by late summer. The grayish paper nests easily blend in under shaded eaves.
Mud dauber wasps will build long tube or vase-shaped mud nests in these hidden roof spaces as well. The mud nests are seldom more than a few inches long, but a roof overhang can contain many dozens lined up in rows.
Inside attics and wall voids
If wasps find a way to access your home’s attic or spaces within walls, they can build nests protected from view. Attics provide sheltered spots with access to the outdoors that appeal to wasps.
Nests are commonly built on rafters, trusses, and under roof sheathing. If you notice wasps flying in and out of small cracks where pipes, wires, and vents penetrate walls, they may have a nest within the wall void.
Under decks and porches
The covered spaces under decks and porches are prime real estate for wasp nests. These areas are protected from rain and direct sun, allowing the insects to build undisturbed.
Check the beams, joists, and decking boards. Nests may also be built within holes and gaps of wood lattice panels underneath decks and porches.
In old sheds and barns
Unmaintained sheds and barns provide cavities and crevices for wasps to colonize. Nests are often built on shelves, rafters, windowsills, and ledges inside the structures. Open gaps around siding, doors, and roofing attract the insects.
Avoid using infested sheds and make sure barns with livestock do not have active wasp nests inside that could be disturbed accidentally.
Underneath playground equipment
The hollow metal and plastic components of playground equipment provide covered spaces sought out by wasps when starting nests.
Check inside and under slides, jungle gyms, playhouses, and other play structures. This helps ensure kids do not accidentally disturb hidden nests during playtime.
Inside old rodent burrows and holes in the yard
Abundant throughout most yards are holes, tunnels, and cavities left behind by small rodents, chipmunks, and squirrels. If abandoned, these holes make perfect nesting spots for certain wasp species.
Keep an eye out for wasps flying in and around old burrow openings along fences, under sheds, around tree roots, and within landscape beds. The insects may have found their way inside the tunnels to build nests.
Under stones, logs, and piles of debris
Small cavities under lawn decorations, stacks of firewood, and other items sitting near your home provide shelter for wasp nests.
Lifting stones, clay pots, log piles, and debris to inspect underneath discourages wasps from settling in and building nests in the protected spaces.
How do I locate nests around my home?
Tracking down where wasps are hiding nests on your property takes some detective work. Here are some tips that can help:
- Observe where you see wasps flying to and from. This may lead you back to the nest.
- Concentrate inspections on protected spots around your home, like under eaves and decks.
- Listen for a buzzing sound, which may indicate a nest with larva inside.
- Look for signs like chewed wood, mud nest tubes, or papery nests as clues.
- Follow wasps to locate hard-to-see nest entrances.
- Enlist a friend to help spot wasps and pinpoint nest locations.
- Use a flashlight to peer into crawl spaces, attics, and other dark areas that may harbor nests.
When are wasps most active around homes?
Wasps follow seasonal cycles, which influences when the insects are most active and prevalent around homes:
- Spring – Queens emerging from hibernation search for nesting sites and begin building starter nests.
- Summer – Existing nests expand rapidly reaching maximum size by late summer. Worker wasp activity peaks.
- Fall – Cooler temperatures cause colonies to decline. Wasps are still active around homes seeking food.
- Winter – Freezing temperatures cause colonies to die out. Queens hibernate until spring.
So late summer into fall is when wasp nuisance problems around the home tend to be worst. However, nests should be removed as soon as spotted regardless of time of year.
What areas should I regularly inspect?
Make inspecting the following areas around your home part of your regular property maintenance to help detect nests promptly:
| Area | Where to inspect |
|---|---|
| Roofline | Under eaves, overhangs, fascia boards |
| Attic | Interior rafters, trusses, sheathing |
| Walls | Around vents, utilities, gaps in siding |
| Porches | Ceilings, light fixtures, overhangs |
| Decks | Underneath, between boards, railings |
| Play structures | Inside tubes, under platforms |
Also keep an eye out for signs of wasps flying nearby or crawling on walls. This may indicate an active nest close by.
What should I do if I find a nest?
Locating and properly removing wasp nests is the best way to protect your home. Here are tips on addressing nests if found on your property:
- Do not disturb nests until proper removal preparations are made.
- Delay painting or repairs until the nest can be eliminated.
- Contact a pest control professional for large nests or in difficult to reach spots.
- Wear thick clothing from head to toe when removing nests.
- Remove nests at night when most wasps are present but less active.
- Use insecticides labeled for wasps and proper protection gear when spraying.
- Seal openings in the home after nest removal to prevent new colonies.
Trying to handle large, established wasp nests without taking safety precautions can lead to painful stings. Seeking professional assistance is often the smartest approach.
Will removing a nest get rid of the wasps?
Removing visible nests around your home provides immediate relief from nuisance wasps. However, it may not permanently eliminate the issue if new queens emerge and start nesting again the next spring.
Here are some additional steps to take that improve control after nest removal:
- Seal cracks, holes, and gaps leading into wall voids and attics where wasps like to build nests. Install screens over vents and utilities.
- Use residual insecticides labeled for wasps that continue working after spraying. Apply around potential nesting sites.
- Install physical barriers like window screening and netting to keep wasps away. Attach traps to catch foraging worker wasps.
- Remove piles of debris and store items like tarps up off the ground where wasps seek refuge.
- Perform frequent property inspects during wasp season and promptly treat new nests.
Taking steps to deny wasps access and continuously monitor for new nests after removal is key for effective long-term control around your home.
When should I call a pest control company?
Calling in a professional pest control company is a smart option in the following situations:
- You spot a very large wasp nest that appears to contain hundreds of wasps.
- A nest is discovered within wall voids or the attic where access is difficult.
- There are multiple nests on the home.
- Nests are located high up on eaves, gutters, or rooflines.
- Family members have allergies and a nest is on or near your home’s entrance.
- Past removal attempts have failed to take care of the problem.
Professional pest control technicians have specialized tools, insecticides, safety equipment, and knowledge to remove nests thoroughly. This is often the quickest and safest solution for challenging infestations.
Conclusion
Wasps can find their way into small, secluded spaces both inside and on the outside of homes. Typical problem areas include under roof eaves, between deck boards, within attics, and under playground equipment. Carefully inspecting around your home and promptly treating nests when found is key for stopping wasps.
Calling in a pest control company is wise for large, difficult to reach nests. After removal, take steps to seal up the home and monitor for new colonies to prevent infestations from recurring next season.