Late summer means peak sting season. After months of growth, wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket colonies are at their busiest, and their workers become increasingly focused on protecting the nest. If you’re seeing more stinging insects around your home or business, here’s why activity increases and what you can do about it.
Why Are Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets More Aggressive in Late Summer?
Throughout spring and early summer, colonies steadily grow as queens establish nests and workers raise young and gather food. By August, colonies can contain hundreds or even thousands of insects, depending on the species.
As the colony grows, so does the need to protect the nest. Worker wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets become more defensive when they sense a threat nearby. Their priority is protecting the queen, developing young, and the resources within the nest. For social wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets, the nest is the center of the colony. It provides shelter for the queen and developing offspring while workers bring back food and nesting materials to support the colony.
When a person or animal gets too close, the insects may interpret the activity as a threat. Mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, landscaping, or accidentally disturbing a hidden nest can trigger defensive behavior.
Where Do Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets Build Nests?
If you notice insects repeatedly entering and exiting one location, there is likely an active nest nearby. Stinging insects can build nests in and around homes and businesses, including:
- Eaves, soffits, and rooflines
- Attics and wall voids
- Trees and shrubs
- Under decks and porches
- Garages and sheds
- Ground-level cavities
- Around outdoor structures and landscaping
What Should You Do If You Find a Nest?
Do not disturb an active nest yourself. Attempting to knock down, spray, or remove a nest can cause the colony to become highly defensive and increase the risk of multiple stings. Instead, contact a professional pest control company. A trained technician can identify the stinging species, locate the nest, and determine the safest treatment approach.
Staying Ahead of Peak Sting Season
With wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket activity reaching its peak in late summer, now is the time to address nests around your property. If you’ve noticed increased activity, Front Range Pest can help! Contact us today at (970) 889-0425.
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Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to provide effective pest management solutions for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we identify wildlife entry points, safely remove nuisance pests, seal access areas to prevent future infestations, perform cleanup and sanitation services, and make essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.
Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.
