How to Identify Ground Wasp Nests

The traditional mind’s-eye picture of a wasp nest is one that hangs from a tree branch or eave. The papery texture, the honeycombs — a beehive is distinctive. What most people don’t realize, however, is that the majority of bees, wasps, and hornets actually nest underground. If you’ve seen wasp activity around your house but can’t find the nest, then these pests might be nesting underground. Here are some tips on how to identify wasp nest in the ground.

What Does a Ground Wasps Nests Look Like?

Underground wasp and hornet nests have a distinctive look that separates them from ant colonies. Ground wasp nests have a small, conical pile of dirt with a large hole in the center where the wasps enter. It’s not uncommon to find many similar-looking dirt piles in a small area. Ground hornets and wasps are “gregarious” nesters, meaning they nest individually but next to each other.

“Ground wasp” can also be a deceiving term, as sometimes wasps and hornets nest in shrubs, bushes, rotted wood, or piles of compost or mulch. The large entry-point holes look the same in each nesting spot, however.

Where Ground Wasps Like to Hide

• In cone-shaped dirt piles with large holes in the middle.
• The yard, as well as bushes, shrubs, and woodpiles.
• Near sugary foods.

Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Treatments For Your Home

If hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, or other stinging insects are invading your property, the safest option is to call a professional to help you get rid of them. The professionals at Eastside Exterminators can help take care of your stinging insect infestation quickly and efficiently. Since honeybees and certain other species are crucially beneficial to the environment as pollinators, we don’t treat for them. Instead, we call licensed bee handlers to come in and relocate the insects and remove as much of the nest as possible. We at Eastside Exterminators are committed to environmentally-conscious green pest removal, especially when it comes to bees.

Eastside Exterminators will solve all your pest issues, from ground wasps to beehives to yellow jackets and all other stinging insects. Call us today at 425-318-7912 to schedule an inspection with one of our certified exterminators in Seattle!