In their natural habitat, wasps provide more benefits than risks for humans. But when they invade your home, you may have safety concerns – and rightly so.

This guide takes a closer look at these insects to help you understand them better and learn how to identify and manage an infestation. We will also examine effective wasp removal strategies and when it’s best to call in professionals.

About Wasps

Wasps refer to a diverse family of insects with at least 30,000 species. Although they share some characteristics with bees, wasps have smoother, more slender bodies and legs with comparatively fewer hairs. These predatory insects have a pointed lower abdomen and a narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen.

They come in a variety of colors, from the common yellow and brown, to less frequent shades of red and blue. Like hornets, they build their nests by collecting wood fiber, chewing it into a pulp, and constructing a structure with a paper-like feel.

The majority of wasp species are solitary, but around 1,000 species including hornets and yellow jackets live in colonies. For the social species, a colony begins with a queen who iss fertilized, hibernates, and later emerges to create a nest.

She starts by rearing worker females who then expand the nest as she lays eggs. In less than a year, a colony can grow to over 5,000 wasps.

How Do Wasps Get into Your Home?

Wasps typically enter homes when attracted by bright lights, sugary drinks, or food. They can fly in through open doors and windows if screens are not in place. In other cases, they search for suitable nesting sites and may find entry through vents, chimneys, cracks, crevices, or unsealed gaps.

Signs You Have a Wasp Infestation

How can you tell if wasps have infiltrated your home? Look out for these signs:

Regular Sightings: If you regularly encounter wasps, try tracking their paths to see if they have established a colony inside your house.
Chewed Wood: Wasps damage the outer surface of wood when building nests. Damaged wood on trees, logs, or fence posts could indicate an infestation.
A Visible Nest: The most obvious sign is a wasp nest. Some wasps resemble large paper balls with a hole at the bottom, while others are made of mud and form vase-like vessels stuck to walls. Although some wasps build nests underground, others prefer enclosed spaces between walls, attics, basements, or garages.

Are Wasps In Your House Dangerous?

Solitary wasps are generally harmless, but social wasps become aggressive when they feel threatened. They are territorial and defend themselves with their stingers. Unlike bees, a wasp can sting multiple times.

When one wasp senses danger, it emits a chemical signal that alerts the colony. Nearby wasps respond by attacking the perceived threat.

For individuals allergic to wasp venom, even a single sting can be life-threatening. However, even those without allergies can experience severe reactions from a venom overload if stung multiple times.

How to Safely Remove Wasps from Your House

Although many DIY wasp removal methods exist, the safest approach is to seek professional help. Our experienced pest removal team at Rid-A-Critter understands wasp behavior and knows how to handle them safely and humanely.