Wasp Nests: Common Nesting Locations for Wasps and Hornets

Author: Mike Uhl

Wasps play a useful ecological role, but their nesting habits often bring them into close proximity with humans. Because some species are highly aggressive, disturbing a nest or hive either by chance or by design can be dangerous.

If you find a wasp nest or hive that isn't close to your house or is in an area where it is unlikely to pose a risk to humans, it is best to leave it alone.  Still, wasps can create a real hazard when they overtake your yard, porch, garage or other area on your property, so it's important to know where they build their nests in case you find you have a wasp problem.

Wasp nests can commonly be found:

* In the ground, as well as in cavities in walls or hollows in trees or buildings.  This is a favorite nesting location for the highly aggressive yellowjacket.

* In trees or shrubs. Both paper wasps and bald-faced hornets like to build their distinctive nests in trees or shrubs. 

* On garage or barn ceilings or interior walls.  These are favorite locations for the mud dauber wasp, which is usually harmless, even when its mud nests are disturbed or destroyed. 

* In sites that are open, yet shielded from the elements, such as: covered porch ceilings; under rain gutters or eaves; under wooden furniture, especially porch furniture; under bridges or sheds; and in the hinge or tines under open sun umbrellas or in the folds of closed sun umbrellas.

If you see a wasp nest, keep in mind that you need not necessarily do anything at all; some wasps are relatively harmless, and even the more aggressive species often won't pose a problem unless a human being or an animal disturbs the hive. Wasps are also beneficial species and play a vital role in controlling other insect populations. You can expect wasps to die naturally as colder temperatures set in, and you can use a non-toxic wasp trap in your yard to minimize the risk of stings without exposing yourself to the danger of agitating the wasps by trying to remove an active nest. If you do want to remove the nest, you should seriously consider hiring a professional exterminator to do the job safely.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/p-articles/wasp-nests-common-nesting-locations-for-wasps-and-hornets-3303163.html

About the Author

Fatal Funnel, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Mike Uhl in Mendon Utah. Mr. Uhl holds an engineering degree from Utah State University. His extensive engineering & product management background coupled w/ the problem he was experiencing outside his home with wasps & hornets created the backdrop for Fatal Funnel Wasp & Hornet Traps. http://www.fatal-funnel.com