Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests? - Rove Pest Control

Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests?

20 Sep 2017 in pest control, wasps
A nest hanging high up in a tree.

Wasps tend to build their nests in hard-to-reach, secluded spots, such as roof eaves and behind window shutters. These areas provide protection from the elements and predators, making them ideal for wasp colonies.

In our blog, we’ll answer the question of where wasps build their nests and share tips on handling a wasp infestation. Knowing where to look and how to deal with these nests will help keep your home safe and pest-free.

Wasps Build Nests in Hard-to-Reach Areas to Avoid Humans

You’ll often find wasp nests in areas left alone by humans. Unfortunately, this means that their nests tend to be in hard-to-reach places that are difficult to get rid of on your own. This doesn’t mean that they are specifically avoiding people. They are looking for places that will be protected from the elements and free from predators.

We always recommend contacting a pest control service if you have any wasp issues. Wasps can be extremely dangerous and even deadly if someone is allergic to them. Typical places tend to be in areas like roof eaves, behind window shutters, sheds, barns, and outdoor playhouses. Wasps don’t limit where they build, and the kinds of places they do can sometimes be quite unusual.

If you are seeing wasps but aren’t sure where their nest is, watch the various flight patterns of the wasps you see. Often, they will end up leading you right to their nest. It’s very common not to see the nest itself. They’re frequently hidden behind or under something. You may just see the entrance of the nest or a stream of wasps coming in and out. Keep your distance to avoid being stung.

Wasp nest near air conditioner

A wasp nest is hidden under a sod patch.

What Is Causing Wasp Problems at Home?

You may be attracting wasps to your home and not even know it. The two main reasons that wasps end up around your home are there is a food source or building materials for their nests.

Eliminating these two factors can go a long way to keeping wasps away from your home. Wasps tend to work together in groups when they feed, so one wasp can quickly turn into dozens if not hundreds.

Seal the Garbage and Recycling Bins

Properly sealing outdoor garbage cans or recycling bins can be an effective strategy for reducing wasp activity. Recycling bins are filled with soda cans, juice cartons, and beer cans, among other sweet things. These substances can be a perfect attractant for wasps.

Those items will also attract wasps if you have rotting fruit, meat, or other food sources left in your uncovered garbage. Shutting the lid on a trash can is not enough to stop the smell from attracting wasps. Even if you can’t smell it, the wasps can. Another area that some people don’t pay attention to is their gardens.

If you have a garden on your property, it could be another area wasps like to hang out. Fruit or vegetables can drop on the ground and rot and decay. It probably isn’t the end of the world for the soil and other plants in the garden to leave these fruits and veggies to rot, but it is one thing that can attract wasps.

Watch the Wood

Some building materials to watch out for could be wood pile stacks or twigs and branches left near your home. When wood is rotting or simply easily accessible, many wasps will take advantage of that to gather some quick building materials.

Wasps create their nests out of chewed-up wood pulp—if you have wood piles, it’s a perfect source to gather that pulp. When wood is sometimes rotting, it is even easier for wasps to collect it.

Protect Your Home From Wasp Nests With Rove Pest Control

If you have a garden, uncovered trash, and wood piles around your home, you may become an easy target for wasps. These pests are attracted to food sources and building materials, making your property a prime location for nesting. Be sure to pay attention to any clustering wasps near your home, as this could indicate the presence of a nest.

If you develop wasp issues, don’t hesitate to contact the pest control professionals at Rove to handle the situation safely and effectively. Contact Rove Pest Control for expert wasp removal services to keep your home pest-free. Find a service area near you and get the help you need today!