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Wasps can become a serious safety concern when they establish nests near entrances, decks, play areas, walkways, workplaces or other frequently used spaces. Social wasps can defend their nests aggressively and are capable of stinging repeatedly.
NorthPoint Pest Management provides professional wasp and hornet inspection, treatment and nest-management services for homes, multi-unit properties and businesses throughout Edmonton and surrounding communities.
Our approach begins with identifying the type of stinging insect, locating the nest or activity area, assessing the risk and selecting an appropriate treatment strategy for the situation.
Wasps are an important part of Alberta’s environment. Many species prey on other insects and also contribute to pollination, so a wasp observed outdoors does not automatically require treatment.
The concern becomes greater when social wasps establish a nest close to people, pets or frequently used areas.
Depending on the species, nests may be:
NorthPoint begins by identifying the insect, locating the nest or primary activity area and assessing whether treatment is appropriate.
Where control is necessary, treatment is selected according to the nest location, construction and site conditions. Any pesticide used is applied according to its registered Canadian label.
Health Canada similarly recommends tolerating wasps where they do not present a health hazard because of their beneficial ecological role, while recognizing that active nests in hazardous locations may require control.
Yellowjackets are social wasps that can become particularly noticeable later in the summer. Depending on the species, colonies may nest underground or in protected structural spaces. Workers may also be attracted to garbage, sugary foods, drinks and outdoor eating areas.
Paper wasps construct recognizable open-comb paper nests, often beneath eaves, railings and other sheltered locations. They are generally most defensive when their nest is approached or disturbed.
Hornets are also wasps. Some build enclosed paper nests in trees, shrubs or protected structural locations. Like other social wasps, they can defend the nest when threatened.
Bees should not automatically be treated as wasps. If the insects appear to be honeybees or another beneficial bee species, identification should be confirmed before control is considered.
Health Canada specifically notes that many harmless wasps can resemble pest species, making identification worthwhile before deciding on control.
Common signs include:
Do not block an active nest entrance before the colony has been properly assessed and treated.
Different species choose different nesting locations. Common areas include:
Repeated traffic to one particular opening can be an important clue to a concealed nest.
NorthPoint evaluates the property to determine:
Not every wasp problem requires the same treatment, and not every wasp observed outdoors requires control.
Where treatment is necessary, the method is selected according to the species, nest location and property conditions.
Depending on the situation, treatment may involve:
Health Canada advises checking for a Pest Control Product registration number and following all label directions and warnings.
When practical and appropriate, an accessible nest may be removed after treatment and once activity has stopped.
Concealed nests inside walls, roof voids or other inaccessible spaces may require adifferent approach and may not always be physically removable without construction work.
Following treatment, NorthPoint may:
Structural openings associated with an active concealed nest should generally be sealed only after activity has been eliminated.
If wasps are repeatedly entering a hole in siding, soffit, brickwork or another part of the building, do not immediately seal the opening.
The nest may be located inside a wall, ceiling or roof void. Blocking the established exterior route while the colony is active can cause surviving wasps to search for another exit.
The colony should first be properly assessed and treated. Appropriate exclusion can then be considered once activity has stopped.
Wasps can sting repeatedly. Most stings cause temporary pain, redness and swelling, but some people can experience a severe allergic reaction.
Seek emergency medical attention for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or significant swelling.
People who know they have a severe insect-sting allergy should avoid approaching or disturbing an active nest.
Alberta Health notes that wasp, hornet and yellowjacket stings can range from minor reactions to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
We first determine what type of stinging insect is present and whether treatment is appropriate.
Rather than simply spraying individual flying wasps, our goal is to identify and address the colony or nest responsible for the activity.
Treatment planning considers nest location, occupants, pets and frequently used areas.
Wasps may establish colonies inside walls, soffits and other structural voids. These situations require a different strategy than an exposed hanging nest.
NorthPoint provides wasp management for homes, apartments, multi-unit properties and commercial sites throughout Edmonton and surrounding communities.
You cannot prevent every wasp from visiting a property, but several measures can reduce attractants and opportunities for nesting:
Health Canada specifically recommends early-season inspection, keeping garbage tightly covered, and controlling exposed sweet and protein food sources.
Before your appointment:
Active wasp nests can create particular concerns around building entrances, walkways, loading areas, balconies, garbage enclosures, playgrounds and other frequently used spaces.
NorthPoint can support property managers and commercial clients with:
Avoid disturbing the nest or blocking an active entrance.
NorthPoint Pest Management can identify the stinging insect, assess the nest location and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
Professional wasp and hornet control for homes, multi-unit properties and businesses throughout Edmonton and surrounding communities.
Professional residential and commercial pest management solutions serving Edmonton and surrounding Alberta communities.