Stinging Insects Removal in NJ
Serving Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Union Counties
Stinging insects like yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets pose real risks to families and pets—especially in late summer and early fall when nests are at their peak. Whether you're dealing with an active infestation or want to prevent future problems, Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control provides safe, effective solutions tailored to your property and level of risk.
We provide expert stinging insect control for homes and properties throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Union Counties.
Common Stinging Insects We Treat
1. Yellow Jackets
- Identification: Small (~½ inch) with bright black-and-yellow bodies and a narrow waist.
- Behavior & Risks: Build nests underground, in walls, or attics. Very aggressive—especially late summer. Multiple stings can trigger allergic reactions, especially near doors, trash bins, or playgrounds.
- Control & Prevention: Seal gaps around the home, secure trash, and remove fallen fruit. Place traps away from people. Pros safely neutralize nests and seal entry points to prevent return.
2. Paper Wasps
- Identification: Slender, ~¾ inch long, with long legs and reddish to metallic blue coloring.
- Behavior & Risks: Nest under eaves, in attics, or on branches. Less aggressive, but will sting if threatened.
- Control & Prevention: Remove early nests in spring. Treat eaves to stop nesting. Pros apply treatments during cool hours and help prevent future activity.
3. Hornets
- Identification: Larger (up to 1¼ inches), often with white or red markings. Bald-faced hornets are common in NJ.
- Behavior & Risks: Build aerial nests and swarm if disturbed. Multiple stings are dangerous for sensitive individuals.
- Control & Prevention: Check for aerial nests in spring. Avoid sweet foods outside. Pros remove nests at night and seal up nesting spots to keep hornets away.
Why Stinging Insects Are a Serious Concern
Unlike honeybees, which rarely sting unless provoked, yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets are territorial and aggressive — especially during late summer and early fall. Their nests often go unnoticed until activity spikes, and some species can sting multiple times. Homeowners often discover them:
- In attic vents, sheds, and wall voids
- Under decks, railings, and playground equipment
- Inside bushes, shrubs, or tree limbs
- Near trash cans or pet food
Do-it-yourself sprays rarely eliminate the entire colony and can provoke dangerous swarming. That’s why professional treatment is the safest solution.
Our Stinging Insect Control Process
- Inspection & Species ID – We locate the nest and identify whether you're dealing with yellow jackets, paper wasps, or hornets.
- Targeted Nest Treatment – Using low-odor, EPA-approved products, we treat nests directly and apply perimeter protection to prevent new colonies.
- Nest Removal (when accessible) – We remove accessible nests to prevent reuse and discourage future nesting.
- Follow-Up & Seasonal Recommendations – For high-risk areas, we offer seasonal programs to protect your home through peak sting season.
Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?
Don’t let stinging insects take over your outdoor space. Whether you're in Middletown, Asbury Park, Freehold, or Union County, Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control provides expert service to eliminate nests and reduce risk all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I safely remove a yellow jacket nest?
For ground or wall-void nests, wear protective gear and treat the opening with a fast-knockdown insecticidal dust at night when the colony is least active; retreat 24 hours later if activity remains. Never flood or burn the nest—both tactics drive surviving wasps into new locations and increase the risk of stings. If the nest is larger than a softball or in a hard-to-reach spot, calling a licensed professional is the safest route.
What time of day is best to treat a wasp nest?
Dusk or pre-dawn. Most workers have returned, the temperature is cooler, and wasps are sluggish, reducing the chance of swarming during treatment.
How do I tell the difference between a hornet, yellow jacket, and paper wasp?
Yellow jackets are the smallest (≈ ½ inch), with bright black-and-yellow bands and a shiny, narrow waist. Paper wasps are slender (≈ ¾ inch) with long legs and build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves. Hornets (e.g., bald-faced hornets) are larger (up to 1¼ inches), often black with white or reddish markings, and make large, football-shaped aerial nests. Identifying the species helps determine the safest removal method.
Will sealing the entrance to a yellow jacket nest work?
No. Workers will chew a new exit—often into living spaces—making the colony harder to eliminate and more aggressive.
When do wasps and hornets usually die off in fall/winter?
Most colonies collapse after the first hard frost. Fertilized queens overwinter in sheltered crevices and start new nests in spring; old nests are not reused.
What attracts yellow jackets to my picnic area or trash cans?
Late-season yellow jackets crave sugars and proteins. Open soda cans, fruit, meat scraps, and uncovered trash provide easy meals. Keep lids tight, rinse recyclables, and move food indoors promptly.
Do wasp nests buzz or make noise inside my walls?
Yes. As larvae pupate and adults chew through drywall, you may hear a faint buzzing, scratching, or rustling—especially in quiet rooms at night.
Can wasps build nests in attic spaces or wall voids?
Yes. Gaps around rooflines, vents, or siding let queens establish concealed nests that can grow undetected for months.
What natural deterrents help keep wasps and hornets away?
Peppermint, clove, and lemongrass oils can deter scouting queens when sprayed on eaves early in spring. Hanging faux wasp nests or decoy hornet bags may also discourage new nesting, though results vary.
What should I do immediately after disturbing a wasp hive?
Move indoors or to a sheltered area as quickly as possible—wasps pursue only short distances. Do not swat; rapid motions trigger further attacks. Once safe, treat stings with cold compresses and antihistamines if needed.
How can I prevent yellow jackets from nesting near my home?
In early spring, inspect eaves, soffits, and ground voids; seal gaps with caulk or mesh. Keep garbage sealed, clean up fallen fruit, and maintain tight-fitting screens on attic and crawl-space vents.
How do I treat someone for a wasp or hornet sting at home?
Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, give an oral antihistamine for itching, and elevate the limb if possible. Call 911 immediately if signs of anaphylaxis appear (hives, trouble breathing, dizziness).
Are DIY or store-bought wasp sprays effective?
Store-bought sprays can work for very small, visible nests in accessible locations—especially in early spring when colonies are small. However, they often don’t eliminate the entire colony or prevent future nesting. If the nest is hidden, large, or located in a hard-to-reach area, it’s safer and more effective to call a licensed professional who can fully remove the nest and apply long-lasting deterrents. Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control offers targeted treatments that reduce risk and prevent reinfestation.