Summertime in Vermont means more insects buzzing around. While this is to be expected, it’s important to keep an eye out for an increase in wasp activity. If you’ve observed a growing number of wasps flying to or from a certain area near your home, there’s a likely chance a nest is nearby. Wasp nests should never be approached—doing so puts you at risk of being stung.

Regardless, it’s important to learn how to identify the many different types of wasp nests you may see near your Vermont property. Read on to learn everything you need to know about wasp nest identification with the experts at Vermont Pest Control.

What Do Different Wasp Nests Look Like?

Different wasps build different nests, and it’s easy to confuse them. Here are the main types of nests we see in our region:

Paper wasps. Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
Yellowjackets. Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
Mud daubers. True to name, these nests are made out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

Are Wasp Nests Always in Trees?

No! Wasp nests certainly can be in trees, but they often are built on buildings and in other spots as well. Paper wasp nests can be located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas.

Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings. Lastly, the bald-faced hornet builds its nest oftentimes in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but they also can build them on buildings.

What to Do About a Wasp Nest Near Your Home

If you noticed a wasp nest on or near your property, don’t panic. For the most part, wasps will not sting unless they feel threatened. Therefore, attempting to knock down a nest on your own is never recommended. Always call your local wasp control experts for help with any type of stinging insect.