You must remove the wasp nest as soon as possible to avoid it from spreading and inflicting pain on anyone. If you spot a lot of hornets or wasps in your backyard, there’s a possibility that they’re of a nest close by. There are thousands of wasps within a single adult nest, which is why it’s crucial to pinpoint the root of the issue.

• Increased wasp activity: A sudden surge in wasp sightings around your property, especially near eaves, overhangs, or in the garden, may indicate a nearby nest. Keep an eye out for wasps flying to and from a particular location.
• Visible nests: Wasp nests can vary in size and appearance, from small papery structures to large honeycomb-like formations. Look for them in sheltered areas like attics, under eaves, sheds, or in trees.
• Chewing sounds: If you hear faint chewing or scraping sounds from walls or ceilings, wasps might be constructing their nests within the structure. This could be a sign of an infestation that requires immediate attention.
• Wasp stings: Multiple stings in a short period, particularly when outdoors, can be a strong indicator of a nest nearby. Wasps are territorial and will defend their nests aggressively.
• Wasps around food: If you notice wasps frequently hovering around garbage cans, outdoor dining areas, or sweet food sources, they may have established a nest nearby. This is especially common during late summer when wasp colonies are at their peak.

It’s helpful to understand what kind of nest each kind of wasp builds so that you can know what to look for on the kind of wasp you observe moving around to recognize the nest.