Wasps and hornets are beneficial predators and form an important part of the ecosystem. They become a pest-management concern when nests are established where people are likely to encounter or disturb them.

Social wasps can defend their nests aggressively, and unlike honeybees, wasps are capable of stinging repeatedly. For someone with a serious sting allergy, an encounter can become a medical emergency.

Common Stinging Insects Around Alberta Properties

Paper wasps

Paper wasps construct exposed, open-celled paper nests, often beneath eaves, decks, railings and other protected surfaces. Their colonies are generally smaller than those of yellowjackets.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are social wasps that may establish nests underground, inside wall voids, in structural cavities, wood piles or other protected areas. Colonies can become large later in the season.

Bald-faced hornets

Bald-faced hornets are black and white social wasps that construct distinctive enclosed paper nests, often in trees, shrubs or on structures.

Honeybees and bumblebees

Bees should not automatically be treated as wasps. Correct identification is important because bees are valuable pollinators and management options can differ.

Where Wasp Nests May Be Found

Potential nesting locations include:

• Roof eaves and soffits
• Wall voids
• Shed sand garages
• Deck sand railings
• Tree sand shrubs
• Utility or structural cavities
• Ground openings
• Other protected exterior locations

Repeated wasp traffic entering and leaving the same opening is often a strong indication that a nest is nearby.

Why You Should Not Seal an Active Nest Entrance

One particularly important rule applies to nests located inside walls or other structural voids: Do not seal the exterior entrance while wasps are still active inside.

Blocking an active entrance can cause the insects to search for another route out of the void, potentially directing them into the occupied interior of the building.

The Alberta Structural Manual specifically teaches that a wasp or hornet entrance should not be sealed until activity has been eliminated. This is an excellent point from your training to include because it gives the article genuine technical value.

How NorthPoint Manages Wasp and Hornet Problems

Treatment depends on the insect species, nest location, construction of the building and level of activity.

Our approach includes:

1. Identification of the stinging insect whenever 
2. Inspection to determine the nest location and entry 
3. Risk assessment based on nest location and potential exposure to 
4. Targeted treatment, when necessary, using an appropriate pesticide registered for the pest and application site.

5. Nestmremoval, where appropriate and safely accessible after activity has 
6. Exclusionmrecommendations to reduce the likelihood of future 

For nests inside structural voids, treatment may involve applying an appropriately labelled product to the nest area or access route. The opening should only be sealed after activity has ceased.

Health Canada similarly recommends professional assistance for active nests where removal presents a risk and notes that treatment in the evening can reduce exposure because wasps are generally less active then.

Reducing Wasp Problems Around Your Property

• Inspecte aves, sheds, decks and other protected areas during spring and early 
• Keepoutdoor garbage and recycling containers 
• Cleanspilled food and sugary 
• Coverfood and beverages when eating 
• Repairappropriate gaps in exterior building finishes before nests become 
• Donot block an opening while wasps are actively travelling through
• Avoiddisturbing an active 

If a nest is near an entrance, children’s play area, occupied deck or another frequently used location, avoid approaching or disturbing it and arrange for proper identification and treatment.