With the exception of bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets, most species do not have nests that become a threat to the homeowner. In fact, nearly all species are important predators of other insects or spiders that we would consider to be pests. The insects themselves are hairless, black and yellow stripped and a little longer than a honeybee. The nests are often hanging under the eaves of a house, under a deck or a limb of a trees or shrub. The nest can grow from the size of a fist to size of a football or even larger.
Yellow jackets become a nuisance in late summer or early fall.
By this time the nest is large and removing the nest should be carefully considered by the homeowner. Ideally, homeowners should inspect and remove nests while they are small in the early summer. Hardware stores and garden centres will have pest control products designed to kill bees and wasps specifically. Callers should read directions on the product label carefully before applying. Early evening is the best time to apply while ample light is available and when most of the wasps have returned to the nest.