WASPS AND HORNETS

Although some wasp and hornet species are more passive than others, all have the

capacity to sting. We wont get in to the biology of each species here as there are

many, many different types and for the most part their control methods are the same. For helpful purposes

however, they should be split into two groups; social and solitary.

The social wasps are insects that nest together as a colony and depend on each other. Their nests can be found in trees, eaves, siding and other small cracks in buildings.

They may build large paper nests, usually gray in color and football sized and will

defend them if provoked.

Solitary wasps build smaller nests sometimes below ground and sometimes they are made out of mud, The nests may contain only a couple of larvae which are usually fed other insects. Most solitary wasps are harmless and are much less likely to become a structural pest.

Here are some Wasp and Hornet Facts:

• Wasps in the Family Vespidae are most likely to sting but also have to re-build colonies each year in Northern climates like ours.
• Wasps are mostly beneficial and should not be destroyed unless they become dangerous
• Although stinging is typically a defensive behavior, some people are extremely allergic to wasp stings and they can prove fatal
• Most "paper" nests are made from a mixture of wood fibers and saliva
• As usual, proper insect identification  is a pre-requisite. Wasp and hornet nests must not be mistaken for Honey Bees.

Here are some photo examples of wasp or hornet nests: