Identify Your Pest
Cicada Killer
Cicada killer wasps are large, solitary insects that can grow up to 2 inches long. They have brownish wings, a black and red thorax, and a black or reddish rear marked with yellow stripes. These wasps dig burrows in sandy or loose soil and are best known for hunting cicadas. They are not aggressive toward humans unless physically threatened.
Hornets
Hornets are social wasps known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They build paper nests in hard-to-reach areas. Hornets are highly territorial and will defend their nests when disturbed. They can grow up to 1.5 inches long and are typically brown with yellow or orange stripes. There are several subspecies, but the European hornet is most commonly found in the United States.
Mud Dauber
Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build distinctive mud nests in undisturbed areas like sheds, garages, and under eaves. They are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting, but they will defend their nests if threatened. These wasps are just over 1 inch long and are primarily black with yellow markings and yellow legs.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets are small and fast social wasps characterized by their striking black and yellow markings. They commonly build nests underground or in wall voids and are known for their aggression. Yellow jackets can sting multiple times and are particularly active during late summer and early fall.
Cicada Killer
Cicada killer wasps are large, solitary insects that can grow up to 2 inches long. They have brownish wings, a black and red thorax, and a black or reddish rear marked with yellow stripes. These wasps dig burrows in sandy or loose soil and are best known for hunting cicadas. They are not aggressive toward humans unless physically threatened.
Hornets
Hornets are social wasps known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They build paper nests in hard-to-reach areas. Hornets are highly territorial and will defend their nests when disturbed. They can grow up to 1.5 inches long and are typically brown with yellow or orange stripes. There are several subspecies, but the European hornet is most commonly found in the United States.
Mud Dauber
Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build distinctive mud nests in undisturbed areas like sheds, garages, and under eaves. They are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting, but they will defend their nests if threatened. These wasps are just over 1 inch long and are primarily black with yellow markings and yellow legs.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets are small and fast social wasps characterized by their striking black and yellow markings. They commonly build nests underground or in wall voids and are known for their aggression. Yellow jackets can sting multiple times and are particularly active during late summer and early fall.