Bees, Wasps, and Hornet Season in Knoxville
If you’ve noticed more stinging insects buzzing around your Knoxville yard lately, you’re probably seeing the effects of nesting season. Nesting season typically begins in the spring and continues through the summer, when stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets become more active as they build and defend their nests. In this blog, we will help you understand these pests’ behavior and how to safely deal with nests.
In this blog
- Nesting season: When bees and wasps get the most aggressive
- The “Void Dwellers”: Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets
- Safe ways to deal with nests
Understanding stinging insects during nesting season
Nesting season is when stinging insects are the most aggressive. During this time, queens emerge from winter shelters and begin creating new colonies. The nests start small but grow quickly as worker insects take over and continue expanding their home. This is when you’ll start noticing more activity around your property.
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets: The Void Dwellers
In Knoxville and the surrounding areas, some of the most common stinging insects are wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. These pests are known as “void dwellers,” meaning they often build their nests in hard-to-see places like inside walls, attics, sheds, under eaves, or even underground. Yellow jackets especially love to nest in the ground, making them easy to disturb accidentally. Wasps and hornets prefer elevated spots and sheltered areas where they’re less likely to be bothered.
Knowing where they shelter
To stay ahead of a potential infestation, it’s important to regularly inspect areas around your home where stinging insects might build nests. Common hiding spots include:
- Eaves and overhangs
- Gutters and rooflines
- Decks and patio furniture
- Hollow trees or stumps
- Inside garages, sheds, and wall voids
- Underground in yards, especially around tree roots or near foundations
If you see one or two flying insects regularly returning to the same spot, there’s a good chance a nest is nearby.
Safe ways to deal with nests
Treating for flying and stinging insects should always be approached with caution. Attempting to knock down a nest or spray it with over-the-counter insecticide can result in painful stings and even dangerous allergic reactions. The safest and most effective way to deal with a nest is to call a professional pest control company like Pest Ops.
The pest control experts at Pest Ops have the right protective gear and treatments to eliminate nests without putting you or your family at risk. They’ll also be able to locate hidden nests you may not have noticed and recommend ways to prevent future nesting around your home.
Schedule your bee or wasp treatment today
If you suspect stinging insects are building a nest on your property, don’t wait. Nesting season is when these pests are the most active, and the longer a nest is left alone, the bigger and more dangerous it becomes. Our Knoxville pest control team is here to help you treat and prevent wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and other flying insects safely and effectively.
Call us now to book your appointment and keep your home pest-free with Pest Ops this spring!