Stinging insects such as paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets pose a health risk. Allergic reactions to stings account for an estimated 225,000 emergency room visits and up to 100 deaths annually in the United States entomology.ca.uky.edu. These insects play important roles as predators of other pests, but they will defend their nests vigorously when threatened. When foraging away from the nest, they are usually not aggressive, but disturbing a nest can trigger a coordinated attack entomology.ca.uky.edu. Learn to identify each species and respond appropriately:
Paper Wasps
- Nest sites: Paper wasps build umbrella‑shaped nests under eaves, gutters, attic rafters and other sheltered places entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Control: If the nest is accessible, treat it with an aerosol wasp and hornet spray; stand to the side and never directly under the nest entomology.ca.uky.edu. Spray at night when wasps are less active and remove the nest after a few days. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves and closed‑toe shoes to minimize the chance of stings. Keep children and pets indoors during treatment and dispose of the nest in a sealed bag once you are certain all wasps are dead.
Hornets
- More dangerous: Hornet nests may contain hundreds of wasps and are extremely aggressive when disturbed entomology.ca.uky.edu. Bald‑faced hornets construct large, gray football‑shaped nests usually attached to trees or buildings entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Call professionals: Because nests are often high or concealed, it’s often best to call a professional pest control firm for elimination entomology.ca.uky.edu. Attempting to remove a hornet nest yourself requires protective clothing and specialized equipment entomology.ca.uky.edu. Professionals have access to aerial lifts, telescoping poles and products that deliver a quick knockdown. Disturbing a hornet nest without proper equipment can result in dozens of stings in seconds.
Yellowjackets
- Aggressive defenders: Yellowjackets are among the most dangerous stinging insects; nests are often underground or behind siding entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Control: Locate the nest entrance and apply a wasp and hornet aerosol spray or dust. Treat nests at night and repeat if needed entomology.ca.uky.edu. Wear a beekeeper’s veil, gloves and protective clothing. Approach quietly and do not shine a flashlight directly into the entrance; use a red filter if necessary. Avoid sealing the nest entrance until you are certain the colony is dead to prevent foraging yellowjackets from relocating indoors. When nests are located away from frequently used areas, you can leave them; colonies die naturally after a hard freeze entomology.ca.uky.edu.
Whenever stinging insects nest near entryways or high‑traffic areas, professional removal is the safest option. Rise Pest Pros offers safe and effective wasp, hornet and yellowjacket control in Louisville.
