Wasps & Hornets
Wasps and hornets are flying insects commonly found throughout Tennessee, especially during warmer months. These stinging pests are often mistaken for one another but both can pose significant problems around homes, gardens, and businesses. Known for their aggressive behavior when threatened, wasps and hornets can cause painful stings and create nests in inconvenient or dangerous locations.
Why they’re a problem
- Painful stings: Unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times. Their stings are painful and can cause swelling, redness, and itching. In some cases, stings may trigger severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening.
- Aggressive behavior: Wasps and hornets defend their nests vigorously. Disturbing a nest, even unintentionally, can provoke multiple stings.
- Nesting near humans: These insects often build nests in eaves, attics, trees, shrubs, or underground near homes, increasing the risk of encounters.
- Rapid colony growth: Wasps and hornets reproduce quickly during the warm months, leading to large colonies by late summer.
- Damage to plants and property: While wasps help control other pests, some species can damage fruit crops and plants.
Signs you may have wasps or hornets
- Visible nests: Nests are often paper-like structures attached to trees, eaves, or other sheltered areas. They vary in size from small to quite large.
- Frequent flying insects: Seeing large numbers of wasps or hornets flying around your property, especially near entrances or garbage bins.
- Aggressive behavior: Wasps and hornets may buzz loudly or chase people who come too close to their nests.
- Stings: Experiencing painful stings with red, swollen skin reactions, especially in outdoor areas.
- Buzzing sounds: Loud buzzing noises near nests can indicate an active colony.
- Professional wasp and hornet control includes safely removing nests, treating nesting sites, and implementing prevention measures to avoid future infestations.
For effective wasp and hornet management and peace of mind, contact Professional Pest Management at (931) 680-7249 today.
