Last updated: January 2016 Site Created by: Andre Chagljevich
Wasps can become quite numerous in Toronto and the GTA, particularly in the late summer months. There are several varieties of wasps in North America, including the yellow jacket, hornet and paper wasp. Colour ranges from black to combinations of black with yellow, white or brown markings. The slim, winged body measures 10 to 19 mm (l/2" to 3/4"). All wasp species have chewing mouth parts and the females possess a stinger.
Wasps have large nests containing three types of individuals, or castes: queens, workers, and males. Eggs are laid in the cells of the nest, and the young larvae are fed bits of chewed up meat or insect parts by the queen and later by the workers.
They may nest in trees, wall voids, landscaping and in holes in the ground. Care should be taken before any yard work is performed as the vibration of lawnmowers and hedge trimmers will often cause a nest to become aggressive. Wasps are very protective of their nest and though they will use the nest for only one season the nest can contain as many as 10,000 to 30,000 individuals. Wasps are considered to be beneficial because they feed on a variety of other insects.
It is helpful to determine where the nesting area is located
but it is recommended to contact a pest control company to treat
and remove the nest since these nests can be quite large.
Target Pest Control will be injecting a pesticide directly
in the nest to kill all stages of the insect present in the
nest. If possible, we will remove the nest. Wasps that are out
of the nest at the time of the treatment may return to the area
and be controlled upon re-entering the nest. Where the nest has
been removed these insects will typically disperse from the area.