There are many different types of wasps. Wasps are considered to be beneficial insects as they prey upon many other types of insects that destroy plants around homes and in agricultural areas. Due to their painful and life-threatening sting, they are also considered to be a pest when their nest threatens human territories.
Most wasps are social creatures that build their nests above or below ground. Depending on the wasp species, you will find colonies hanging from branches, attached to the eaves or soffits of a structure, or another area where the queen feels safe from harm.
Paper-like nests are created by hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets. These exterior based nests are easy to recognize as they are shaped like a balloon or umbrella with an entrance/exit hole at the bottom. The nest is constructed by worker wasps that use bits of wood pieces that are chewed up and mixed with their saliva. The paste that is formed is then meticulously placed on the nest to help make the nest larger and help keep the larvae and queen safe from predators and the elements. Inside of a paper type nest, there are many different cells in which the queen is able to lay her eggs in. Despite the extensive construction work, each paper nest is only used for one season and then abandoned.
Once the weather begins to turn cold (around 50 degrees), wasps have difficulty flying and food supplies become scarce. Existing queens and new queens will head underground or find another place to overwinter until it is time to emerge the following spring.
Wasp venom is the #1 reason that people seek help from emergency rooms across the United States. If you have a wasp nest at your home or business, contact a Monmouth County, NJ pest control professional for expert removal of these dangerous creatures.