Common household pest
Wasps & HornetsNative to Utah
Paper wasps, yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets nesting under eaves, decks, and sheds.
How to Identify Wasps & Hornets
Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and deck railings. Yellowjackets nest in the ground or in wall voids and get aggressive around food in late summer. Bald-faced hornets build large enclosed paper nests in trees and on structures and will defend them aggressively if disturbed.
Signs You May Have a Problem
- Visible paper nests under eaves, in sheds, or on play structures
- Ground-level holes with wasp traffic (often yellowjackets)
- Increased activity around trash cans and outdoor food in August and September
Why It Matters
Stings can trigger a serious allergic reaction in some people, and nests near entry doors or play areas are a real safety concern, not just a nuisance. Nest removal on an active colony is best left to a professional — our quarterly treatments also knock down early nests before they grow to full size.