Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Control in King, Pierce & Thurston Counties

Yellowjackets: repeated traffic can reveal a hidden nest

Yellowjackets may nest underground, in a building cavity or above ground. Sometimes the most noticeable sign is repeated traffic through one small opening. Some species also visit outdoor food, drinks and garbage.

A few insects around a meal and steady activity at a ground hole are different situations. Tell us whether you see scattered visitors or insects repeatedly entering the same spot. Leave a suspected entrance undisturbed.

Bald-faced hornets: enclosed paper nests near trees or buildings

Bald-faced hornets are mostly black with white markings. Their colonies build enclosed, papery nests that may hang in trees, shrubs or on structures. Workers can defend the nest when it is disturbed.

Tell us whether the nest is near a doorway, walkway, play area or other space you regularly use. You do not need to measure it or stand underneath it. Describe its location and approximate height from a distance.

Paper wasps: open nests under eaves and sheltered surfaces

Paper wasps often have slender bodies and long legs. Their familiar nests have exposed cells and an open, umbrella-like shape. They may be attached beneath eaves, beams, outdoor furniture or other sheltered surfaces.

The location helps determine the practical concern. A nest beside a frequently used door affects daily life differently from one in an undisturbed corner. Tell us about its location and any activity you've already seen.

Mud daubers: identification can help put the concern in perspective

Mud daubers make small mud nests, often on sheltered parts of buildings. These solitary wasps do not have a large worker colony defending the nest. They also collect spiders to provision their young.

Finding a mud nest does not automatically mean treatment is needed. Share what you've noticed, and we can discuss identification and whether any action would be useful.

Could they be honey bees or another pollinator?

Many people use the word bee for any flying insect that might sting. Identification matters because honey bees, bumble bees and wasps have different nesting habits and may call for different responses.

A cluster of honey bees resting on a branch may be a swarm looking for a new home. A beekeeper may be the appropriate person to help with a honey-bee swarm. Bees established inside a wall can involve a different, more complex assessment.

Keep your distance and tell us what you can see. We can discuss whether the situation calls for pest-control assessment or a beekeeper or other specialist.

The nest's location helps us understand the concern

In the ground

Tell us where the opening is and whether it is near a path, play area or mowing route. Keep people and pets away from that spot.

Inside a wall or roof cavity

Describe the opening the insects are using. Don't seal an active entrance before assessment or treatment; displaced wasps may find another route, including indoors.

Under an eave or porch

Tell us its approximate height and whether the doorway or space below is regularly used. No ladder inspection is needed before you call.

In a tree, shrub or outbuilding

Describe the location from a distance. Avoid pruning, moving stored items or disturbing the area around a suspected active nest.

Useful steps while you're arranging advice

• Use another route around a suspected nest and keep children and pets away from the area.
• Pause mowing, trimming or other work close to an active ground entrance or nest.
• Where you can do so without approaching activity, cover outdoor food and drinks and keep garbage containers closed.
• Leave the nest undisturbed. Let us know if a spray or another treatment has already been used.

If a photo requires moving closer, skip it. Your description is enough to start the conversation.

What we'll discuss when you contact Modern

We'll start with your city or ZIP code, where the activity is happening and how it affects use of your property. Tell us about children, pets, a known sting allergy or other circumstances that should be considered when planning a visit.

We can discuss identification, whether further inspection is needed and the proposed work. Ask whether the recommendation involves treating activity, physically removing an accessible nest or another approach, and what each part includes.

Before work is arranged, ask what areas to avoid, any preparation needed and what activity to report afterward. Nest access, repairs and follow-up should be clear parts of that discussion.