There are dozens of varieties of wasps, including a few that are important to the world’s ecosystem as pollinators. However, the wasps that can get into your home, yard, or business are usually too close for comfort. Some wasps are solitary and nest on their own in holes in the ground. Other kinds of wasps, classified as social wasps, stick together in swarms that are usually the first sign of a nest nearby, the same way that bees live in large colonies.

Have you ever noticed an insect nest that looks like a large crumpled newspaper? That’s because wood pulp is wasps’ favorite nest material. Wasps use common materials like wood and cardboard to create the fibers that make up their nests.

No matter how clean you keep your home and yard, stinging insects will pick any sturdy spot near these woody materials to make their nests, from branches to under our porches, nearby eaves, awnings, or gutters. Our Pittsburgh wasp exterminators start by targeting and removing these nests to keep you and your family safe from stings.