Common signs

• Wasps or hornets coming and going from one spot
• Paper nests under eaves, decks, or in shrubs
• More activity around trash and food outdoors
• Repeated wasp or hornet traffic to one spot on the house or in the yard
• A visible nest under eaves, in shrubs, in the ground, or in a wall void

Common causes

• Protected spots for nests under eaves and decks
• Open trash and food sources
• Untreated early-season nest starts
• Sheltered spots under eaves, in soffits, and in wall voids that make good nest sites
• Accessible food and sugary drinks outdoors, especially in late summer

About stinging insects in central New Jersey

The stinging insects around New Jersey homes — paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and yellowjackets — nest in different places and behave differently. Paper wasps favor eaves and railings, bald-faced hornets build large aerial nests in trees and shrubs, and yellowjackets often nest in the ground or in wall voids. All become larger and more defensive as summer turns to fall, which is when most stings happen. Accessible exterior and ground nests are treated; nests inside walls are assessed case by case.

Our inspection approach

We locate active nests and entry points and assess the safest way to address them based on location.

We locate active nests and identify the stinging insect where we can, since wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets nest in different places. We treat accessible exterior nests, ground nests, and other approved stinging-insect activity; nests inside walls or hard-to-reach voids are assessed case by case.

Treatment overview

Service addresses accessible active nests and likely starting points around the home, prioritizing safety near entries and gathering areas.

Specific products, application rates, intervals, and re-entry guidance are confirmed at your inspection and follow product label directions. [PENDING_COMPLIANCE_APPROVAL — treatment specifics]

What to expect

We explain the nest location, the plan, and how to reduce return activity.

Preparation

• Keep people and pets away from the active area
• Do not disturb the nest before the visit

Follow-up

We confirm the nest is no longer active and watch for new starts in season.

Prevention

• Keep outdoor trash covered and clean
• Inspect eaves and sheds early in the season
• Seal gaps where nests can start

FAQ

Should I knock the nest down myself?
Active nests near doors or play areas are best assessed by a professional rather than disturbed.

Do you remove nests inside walls? We treat accessible exterior and ground nests. Nests inside wall voids or other hard-to-reach areas are assessed during the visit, since access and approach vary by home.

Is it safe to knock a nest down myself? Disturbing a nest can provoke repeated stings, especially with hornets and yellowjackets. It is safer to have the activity assessed and treated than to remove a nest yourself.

When are wasps and hornets most active? Activity typically builds through summer and peaks in late summer and early fall as colonies grow and forage more aggressively.

What should I do before my visit? Note where you have seen the most traffic and keep people and pets away from that area. Avoid spraying or disturbing the nest beforehand.

What is the difference between wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets? They nest and behave differently — paper wasps under eaves, hornets in aerial nests, yellowjackets in the ground or wall voids — which affects how each is approached.

Why are stings more common in late summer? Colonies are largest and most defensive then, and foraging insects are more aggressive around food and drinks outdoors.

Recommended plan

Keera Pest Control presents HomeGuard for ongoing protection.

Service area

Serving Avenel, Iselin, Woodbridge, Fords, Colonia, Edison, and Metuchen. See all service areas.