Having stinging insects on your property is always cause for concern, especially for households with children, pets, or elderly family members. Whether it’s hornets, yellow jackets, or wasps, these pests can cause painful stings, allergic reactions, and in some cases, serious medical emergencies. Stinging Insect Removal is a task not to be undertaken lightly. 

Identifying Stinging Insects in NJ, PA, DE, and MD

Stinging insects come in many forms, and knowing what’s buzzing around your property can help you understand the risks involved. Here are some of the the most common types of stinging insects we encounter throughout the Mid-Atlantic region:

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are easily identified by their bright yellow and black bodies, narrow waists, hairless hind legs, six legs, large antennae, and size ranging from 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch. Their nests, often hidden, are constructed from chewed wood fiber that resembles paper mâché and have small entrances about the size of a nickel. Yellow jackets rarely travel more than a mile from their colonies, so frequent sightings likely mean a nest is nearby. They are attracted to food sources like grilling meats, sweets, open trash, and food residue, especially sugars, carbs, and proteins. It can be very tricky to get rid of Yellow Jackets given their aggressiveness and their tendency nest underground.

Hornets

Hornets are often mistaken for bees or other wasps, but can be identified by their larger size, averaging 1.25 inches but growing over 2 inches long, and their rounder, plumper bodies with a pronounced abdomen and large head. Their coloring typically includes yellow-orange and black stripes, though some may appear more red or brown. Unlike bees, hornets can sting multiple times without losing their stinger, and their venom is more potent, making their stings especially painful. While generally less aggressive than other wasps, hornets will defend their nests if threatened.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are commonly found building their distinctive open-comb nests under eaves and overhangs. They are brown with yellow or reddish markings and are more slender than bees. They are 5/8 of an inch to just shy of a full inch long. Paper wasp removal is not a task to be taken lightly. While typically less aggressive than yellow jackets, they will defend their nests if provoked. 

Why DIY Removal is Dangerous

Attempting to remove stinging insects on your own is risky business. Disturbing a nest can lead to numerous painful stings, and for those allergic to bee, wasp, or hornet venom, the consequences can be severe — even life-threatening. Allergic reactions can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, all of which require immediate medical care.

Rather than risking your safety, let Viking Pest Control handle the job quickly and safely.

Why Choose Viking Pest Control for Stinging Insect Removal

When you work with Viking Pest Control, you’re partnering with a trusted team with decades of experience protecting homes and businesses across NJ, PA, DE, and MD’s Eastern Shore. We don’t just remove stinging insects; we eliminate the source and ensure your home remains protected against future infestations.

Our highly trained pest professionals use specialized equipment and proven techniques to safely remove active nests from your property, whether they’re tucked under your deck, inside a wall void, or high in a tree. With Viking, you can trust the job will be done right — safely, efficiently, and thoroughly.

Tips for Preventing Stinging Insects

While professional pest control is your best line of defense, here are some proactive steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of stinging pests setting up shop on your property:

1. Store sweet foods securely. Keep fruits, syrups, and sugary items sealed or refrigerated.
2. Maintain your yard. Regularly mow the lawn, trim overgrown trees, and remove yard debris like fallen leaves.
3. Strategically place flowers. Keep flowering plants and gardens a safe distance from your home’s entrances.
4. Check your home’s exterior. Ensure windows and doors are tightly sealed and screens are intact.
5. Properly manage trash. Store garbage in tightly lidded containers and keep compost piles covered.
6. Inspect regularly. Look for signs of nests under eaves, in shrubs, or even holes in the ground where wasps may burrow.

Don’t Let Stinging Insects Take Over Your Yard

If bees, wasps, or hornets have made your property their home, don’t try to tackle the problem yourself. Trust the experts at Viking Pest Control to remove the infestation safely and ensure your family and pets stay protected.

Call Viking Pest Control today or request a free estimate. We make pest control easy, so you can get back to enjoying your home — sting-free.

Nothing ruins an enjoyable summer day faster than annoying insects, especially wasps. These pests pose a particular threat as they are aggressive and capable of repeated stings. Stay safe outside by learning what to do if you find a nest on your property.

Types of Wasp Nests Found in PA, NJ, DE, and MD

If you notice a lot of wasps around your home or business, it's a safe bet that there's a nest nearby. Know what you are dealing with by familiarizing yourself with these common types of wasp nests found in the area:

Mud Daubers: Mud daubers reach a size of ½ to 1 inch and don't normally attack humans. They have thin, black bodies with bright markings and a metallic sheen. A unique trait of mud daubers is their nest-building habits. Instead of building large nests together, each insect constructs a small nest out of mud or clay to house themselves and any offspring. The nests look like they are made out of mud pipes and you can often see the individual chambers that each hold an egg. You may find their nests on the sides of buildings.

Paper Wasps: Growing to a size of ¾ to 1 inch, paper wasps are either dark brown or black and have antennae tipped with orange. They construct small nests out of grayish paper-like materials that form hexagon-shaped cells. They place them under the eaves of buildings, in rafters, or in trees and shrubs. This species is less aggressive than other wasps and typically only sting when threatened.

Yellow Jackets: These black and yellow wasps grow to about 1/2 inch. They build spherical nests that appear as though they are wrapped up in gray bandages, with a single hole located on the bottom. The nests can get as large as a basketball. Yellow jackets build their nests in high branches of trees and shrubs, inside the protection of structures, and even underground. They prefer hidden spaces, so stay alert. People discovering Yellow Jacket hives by stepping into them is surprisingly common. If you've seen yellow jackets in the area, tread carefully. 

Hornets: These insects are a little larger than wasps, growing up to 2 inches. They have brown or black bodies with yellow-orange markings. Their hives are large, built using the pulp of chewed-up wood, and placed high off the ground. Hornets don't often sting unless they feel threatened, but they will swarm humans.

If you suspect there's a wasp nest nearby, you can often find it by observing the insects or inspecting your property.

What to Do If You Spot a Wasp Nest in Your Yard

The DIY approach to wasp nest removal is dangerous, so proceed with caution. If you choose to get rid of a wasp nest yourself, dress in layers of tightly woven fabric to protect yourself from stingers. Cover as much skin as possible, including wrapping a scarf or bandana over your face. 

You can apply a spray treatment from afar to keep your distance while killing wasps. Another option is pouring boiling water on the nest to kill the wasps, but this can be dangerous. Whatever you choose, it's best to approach the nest at night and act quickly.

Get Professional Wasp Control from Viking Pest

There are numerous risks to treating wasp nests yourself. Some sprays can discolor roof tiles or siding. In some cases, wasp treatments have been known to melt vinyl siding. Getting stung is a more obvious risk. Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly and some species of wasps are especially aggressive when protecting their nests. This is especially dangerous if you have an allergy. If you haven't been stung before, keep the possibility that you might be allergic in mind.  It's important to note that professional pest control technicians where specialized bee suits to deal with stinging insects. 

While it's possible to remove a wasp nest yourself, it's usually best to call a professional pest control expert, especially if you have a dangerous allergy to wasp stings. Viking Pest Control can handle all your wasp control needs safely and effectively, no matter what type of wasp you are dealing with. Schedule a free wasp control estimate today. 

Warm weather in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland means more time spent outdoors — but it also means wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are becoming active again. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, gardening, or relaxing on the patio, the last thing you want is to accidentally disturb a nest of aggressive stinging insects.

Not all wasps behave the same way. Some are relatively docile and rarely sting, while others can become highly aggressive if they feel threatened. Knowing which type of wasp you’re dealing with can help you better understand the risks around your home and when it’s time to call the professionals at Viking Pest Control.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive stinging insects homeowners encounter. These social wasps live in large colonies and are notorious for defending their nests aggressively. They are easy to recognize by their bright yellow and black coloring and compact bodies.

Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting multiple times and often attack in groups. Their nests are commonly found underground, inside wall voids, beneath decks, or attached to shrubs and structures around the home. During late summer and early fall, yellow jackets become especially aggressive as food sources become scarce.

If you notice yellow jackets repeatedly flying in and out of the same area of your yard, there’s a good chance a nest is nearby.

Hornets

Hornets are technically a type of wasp, but they are larger and often more intimidating than yellow jackets. Most hornets in the Mid-Atlantic region build large, enclosed paper nests high in trees, under rooflines, or attached to homes and sheds.

Hornets are social insects that live in organized colonies with queens, workers, and drones. While they generally won’t sting unless provoked, disturbing a hornet nest can trigger an aggressive swarm response.

Their stings are painful and may be dangerous for anyone with allergies to stinging insects. Because hornet nests are often located high above the ground, attempting DIY removal can be especially risky.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are slightly less aggressive than yellow jackets, but they can still sting when they feel threatened. These wasps are known for their long legs, slender waists, and brown or reddish coloring with yellow markings.

Their nests resemble upside-down umbrellas and are often found hanging beneath eaves, porch ceilings, railings, shutters, and deck structures. Paper wasps create these nests by chewing wood fibers into a paper-like material.

While paper wasps tend to be less confrontational away from the nest, they are very protective once someone gets too close to their colony.

Mud Daubers

Mud daubers are one of the less aggressive wasps homeowners may encounter. These solitary wasps build small tube-shaped nests out of mud in garages, sheds, attics, under eaves, and along porch ceilings.

Mud daubers are recognizable by their long, thin bodies and metallic black or blue coloring. Unlike social wasps, they do not live in large colonies and rarely sting humans unless directly handled.

Although they are less dangerous than yellow jackets or hornets, their nests can still become a nuisance around the home.

Cicada Killers

Cicada killers are large ground-nesting wasps commonly seen during the summer months. Despite their intimidating size, these wasps are generally not aggressive toward people.

Female cicada killers dig burrows in the soil and use paralyzed cicadas as food for their young. You’ll often spot them around bare patches of dirt, gardens, sidewalks, or landscaped areas.

Male cicada killers may appear territorial, but they do not have stingers. Females can sting but rarely do unless physically threatened.

Why Wasps Around Your Home Can Become Dangerous

While wasps do help control other insect populations, they become a serious concern when they nest near homes, patios, playgrounds, walkways, or outdoor gathering spaces.

Stinging insects can be especially dangerous because:

• Many species can sting multiple times
• Some wasps attack in swarms
• Their nests are often hidden underground or inside structures
• Stings can trigger severe allergic reactions
• Aggressive species become more active in late summer and fall

Attempting to remove a nest yourself can quickly escalate the situation, especially with yellow jackets and hornets. DIY sprays often fail to eliminate the entire colony and may provoke surviving wasps into becoming even more aggressive.

How to Help Prevent Wasps Around Your Property

Homeowners can reduce the chances of attracting wasps by taking a few preventative measures:

• Keep trash cans tightly sealed
• Clean up fallen fruit and sugary spills outdoors
• Avoid leaving pet food outside
• Seal cracks and gaps around siding and rooflines
• Fill ground holes that could become nesting sites
• Trim overgrown shrubs and tree branches
• Remove old nests during the winter months

Regular inspections around decks, eaves, sheds, and attics can also help catch nests before colonies grow larger.

Professional Wasp Control From Viking Pest Control

If you’ve noticed wasps flying around your property or discovered a nest near your home, it’s best not to take chances. Some species become extremely aggressive when disturbed, and removing nests without proper equipment can be dangerous.

Viking Pest Control has decades of experience helping homeowners throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland safely eliminate wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects. Our trained technicians can identify the species, locate hidden nests, and provide safe, effective treatment solutions designed to protect your family and property.

Call Viking Pest Control at 800-618-2847 to learn more about professional wasp and stinging insect control services, or get a fast, free quote online today!

Did you know that wasps can sting multiple times? In particular, it's the females who can do so.

If you have young children or you're allergic to stings, then having wasps on your property can be a real problem.

Here are 4 types of wasp nests you should look out for in NJ, PA, DE, and MD.

1. Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are wasps that you commonly see flying about. However, their nests will be in hidden spaces, such as underground, in cupboards, and even in the empty spaces in your walls.

Their nests look like a ball that's been encased in gray bandages, with a single hole on the bottom. You won't be able to see the hexagonal cells, as the insides are completely encased.

Because they make their nests in such hidden spaces, you may not be aware of them at first. But if you notice yellowjackets coming in and out of somewhere, investigate further.

You'll probably then discover holes in the ground. This is most likely the entrances to the various nests underground.

2. Paper Wasps

Paper wasps will build what's called an umbrella nest, which is considered an exposed type of nest. You'll usually find these under branches, eaves, or rafters of your home.

You'll know it's a paper wasp nest when you look up and the nest looks like it's made of grayish paper (hence their name). You'll also be able to see the typical bee/wasp nest shapes of hexagonal cells.

Typically, these nests are very lightweight when compared to the other types of wasp nests.

3. Cicada Killers

Unlike the other wasps on this list, cicada killers don't have nests. Instead, they dig.

For this reason, there are barely any signs of a wasp nest. You'll have to look around areas with lots of sand and soil.  about a foot into soil and lay their eggs there. Inside, there are different cells where the females lay their eggs in.

4. Mud Daubers

Mud daubers (or mud wasps) are aptly named so because they make their nests out of either mud or clay. You'll usually find them on the sides of buildings.

Their nests are very unique looking, as they aren't in a circular shape. Instead, they consist of what looks like mud pipes. You'll also notice individual chambers, which contain a single egg.

What makes mud dauber nests stand out against the rest is they don't have hexagonal cells.

Keep an Eye Out for These Types of Wasp Nests

Now that you know what the types of wasp nests are in NJ, PA, DE, and MD make sure you keep an eye out for them.

If you notice any of these nests on your property, then make sure you give a professional pest control company, like Viking Pest, a call. We will be able to effectively and safely remove the nest with the proper protective equipment so you're not in danger anymore.

Have you noticed a wasp nest on your property? Then schedule an appointment with us now. Our pest control experts will help you get rid of wasps quickly and effectively. Get a fast, free quote online, or call us today at 1-800-618-2847. 

We’ve been getting a lot of phone calls lately regarding the fall pests that are common in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. People are seeing carpenter ants inside their homes, stinging insects on their property and rats and mice in their kitchens. Customers are regularly asking us what they can do to prevent these pests from arriving in the first place; our Home Protection Plans can help you with that! But now we’d like to discuss why these pests can be a problem for your NJ, PA, MD, or DE home and why you should be concerned when they choose your home to inhabit.

Carpenter ants are known for entering weather or water damaged wood and nesting in the structural timber. They bore little holes into wood surfaces, creating galleries and nests inside the wooden beam. From here they will venture into your home to forage for food; not only will they be crawling throughout your home, but they can cause the structure of your home to become weakened. Carpenter ants along with other wood-destroying pests like termites can result in expensive repairs, so they are houseguests that need to be evicted immediately! Contact us for more information on our carpenter ant control and termite extermination for your NJ, PA, MD, or DE home.

A mouse infestation is a potential problem for homeowners for many reasons. These pests are looking to find a protected place to spend the winter. They will find any hole in the exterior of your home to enter and once inside, they will search for a safe place to build a nest. They may look for cluttered and undisturbed areas, including basements, attics and even closets. If mice can get into the walls in your home, they will chew up insulation to help make their nest, sometimes chewing through electrical wires, which can be the cause of house fires. Rodents will contaminate your food supply, spread diseases with their feces and destroy your belongings to create nests if they choose your home to spend the winter.

Stinging insects are especially active at this time of year because their populations are at their peak and you will see more of them out, foraging for food. When stinging insects like bees, yellow jackets and paper wasps build their nests on your property, along the exterior of your home, or even inside wall voids in your home, they can become a serious problem. Yellow jackets are known for being especially aggressive and have the ability to sting repeatedly. Any kind of stinging insect nest built inside your home can damage walls, insulation and can be an expensive problem to fix.

As you can see, having these pests inside your home is less than ideal! If you are looking for effective home pest control, NJ, PA, MD, and DE residents recommend Viking Pest Control. Our local certified technicians offer exceptional service to help eliminate the pest problem that is present and prevent it from occurring in the future. For more information on our Home Protection Plans, please contact Viking Pest Control today!

Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about fall pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!

As temperatures begin to cool across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, many homeowners assume stinging insects disappear completely for the winter. But while some species die off after the first hard freeze, others survive the cold in surprising ways. Late summer and fall are often when wasps become most aggressive, and understanding the difference between bees and wasps can help protect your family and property.

At Viking Pest Control, we regularly help homeowners identify stinging insects, remove nests safely, and prevent future infestations before winter arrives.

How to Tell the Difference Between Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are commonly mistaken for one another because many species share similar black and yellow coloring. However, there are several key differences homeowners can look for.

Bees

Bees typically have:

• Thick, rounded bodies
• Dense, fuzzy hair covering their body
• A more docile temperament
• Hooked stingers that are usually lost after stinging once

Most bee species are pollinators and generally only sting when threatened or protecting their hive.

Wasps

Wasps usually have:

• Thin, narrow waists
• Smooth, shiny bodies
• Longer, more slender appearances
• Straight stingers that allow them to sting multiple times

Wasps, especially yellow jackets, are much more aggressive than bees and may attack even without direct provocation.

Why Wasps Become More Aggressive in the Fall

During late summer and early fall, natural food sources begin to decline. As colonies compete for resources, yellow jackets and other wasps become increasingly aggressive around homes, gardens, trash cans, and outdoor gatherings.

Homeowners often encounter wasps while:

• Raking leaves
• Pruning shrubs
• Mulching gardens
• Cleaning outdoor spaces
• Disturbing hidden underground nests

Unlike bees, yellow jackets may sting repeatedly and often attack in groups when they feel threatened.

What Happens to Wasps in the Winter?

Most wasp colonies do not survive the winter.

Once freezing temperatures arrive:

• Worker wasps and drones die off
• The nest becomes abandoned
• Only newly fertilized queens survive

These queens burrow underground or hide in protected spaces until spring, when they emerge to build entirely new colonies.

This is why old wasp nests are usually not reused the following year, although new nests may appear nearby.

What Happens to Bees During Winter?

Bees survive winter very differently than wasps.

Honey bees remain active inside their hives throughout the colder months by:

• Clustering together for warmth
• Feeding on stored honey
• Protecting the queen
• Maintaining hive temperatures

As soon as spring arrives, bees resume pollinating flowers and plants.

Because bees play an important role in pollination, professional identification is extremely important before attempting any treatment around your property.

Which Insects Stay Active During Winter?

Not all insects disappear during cold weather. Some pests remain active all winter long, especially when they move indoors.

Winter-Active Pests Include:

• Carpenter ants
• Pharaoh ants
• Termites
• Stink bugs
• Boxelder bugs
• Cluster flies
• Asian lady beetles

Some insects survive by nesting deep underground below the frost line, while others enter a dormant state called diapause and hide inside attics, soffits, and wall voids.

On warm winter days, homeowners may suddenly notice these overwintering pests emerging indoors.

Why You Should Never Handle Stinging Insect Nests Yourself

Attempting to remove or spray a bee or wasp nest without professional equipment can be dangerous. Disturbing a colony may trigger aggressive defensive behavior and increase the risk of multiple stings.

Professional identification matters because treatment methods vary depending on:

• The insect species
• Nest location
• Colony size
• Time of year
• Risk to people and pets

At Viking Pest Control, our trained technicians can safely identify and remove stinging insect nests while helping prevent future activity around your home.

Professional Bee and Wasp Control From Viking Pest Control

Whether you are dealing with aggressive yellow jackets in the fall or overwintering insects around your home, Viking Pest Control provides effective seasonal pest control services throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Our experts can:

• Identify bees, wasps, and other stinging insects
• Remove dangerous nests safely
• Treat overwintering pest problems
• Provide year-round pest prevention plans
• Help protect your family from recurring infestations

If you notice increased wasp activity or suspect a nest on your property, contact Viking Pest Control today for a professional inspection and treatment plan.