Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

How to Get Rid of Ground Wasps

Written by Aptive Environmental April 18, 2019

Getting rid of ground wasps can be tricky. Ground wasp nests can be difficult to find, and if you accidentally disturb one, you may end up getting stung multiple times. In order to get rid of a ground nest, you first need to locate the nest and come up with a well-thought-out treatment plan. Wasps, particularly yellow jackets, can be very aggressive. In order to get rid of ground wasps without you or a loved one getting stung, leave removal up to a pest expert.

Identifying a Wasp Nest in the Ground

When you think of a wasp nest, you probably imagine a paper-like nest hanging from a tree or attached to a porch eave. However, if you have ever stumbled upon a swarm of yellow jackets, then you know certain types of wasps build nests in the ground. While ground wasps prefer to build wasps in well-protected areas away from foot traffic, it is common to disturb a nest when landscaping or gardening.

If you notice wasp activity in your yard or around your house, but can’t locate a hanging nest, try looking for cone-shaped dirt piles with a large hole located at its center. In addition to the ground, ground wasps commonly build nests in shrubs, mulch, and rotten wood. In order to keep from getting stung, we suggest setting out food wasps like, such as fruit, and watching where they fly to from the food.

What Kind of Wasps Build Ground Nests

There are many different types of ground wasps. As a result, not all ground wasps look the same, or even behave the same. Some are harmless, like the ground digger, or cicada killer, wasp. While others, like the yellow jacket, are aggressive. Given the sheer number of species, it is easier to break up ground wasps into two categories – social and solitary.

Social wasps build nests that are populated by queens, male adults, and developing wasps. These nests can host over 500 wasps and are defended aggressively. A well-known social ground wasp is the yellow jacket. Meanwhile, solitary wasps build a nest for themselves and their offspring. Because there is only one female occupying the nest, hunting for prey, and taking care of her young, solitary ground wasps aren’t as combative as their social counterparts.

Wasp Nest Removal

When it comes to removing a wasp nest, it is best to leave it to the experts to handle. What may seem like a relatively easy job can quickly turn into a painful, and potentially dangerous, situation. When you use Aptive Environmental, an experienced service professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property and determine the best way to eliminate the ground nest. That way, you don’t have to worry about getting stung by a swarm of wasps multiple times. Our professionals will also provide you with do-it-yourself control options to help prevent wasps from returning and re-establishing nests.

Understanding the Threat of Ground Wasps in Your Area

While many residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin might be familiar with the common sights of wasps, it’s important to specifically note the presence of ground nesting wasps like the black wasp in PA and NJ, and the variety of digger wasps in Wisconsin. These types of wasps can create nests underground or in low-lying areas, which might be camouflaged by their surroundings, posing risks for accidental disturbances. It’s crucial to identify these wasps, as species like the digger wasp can have painful stings and are considered dangerous if provoked. Residents dealing with ground wasps should exercise caution and consider professional removal services to handle infestations safely.

Aptive’s dedication to customer service distinguishes us from our competitors. If you have a pest problem that needs controlling, call Aptive Environmental today.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

A Warm Evening View Of A Modern Home, Looking Through Large Windows Into A Kitchen Where A Family Of Four Is Gathered Around A Kitchen Island. Outside, The Patio Area Is Surrounded By Lush Greenery And Outdoor Furniture.

Top 10 Move-In Checklist Items for New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, marking the start of a fresh chapter in life. However, once the thrill of unpacking subsides, the reality of settling in and organizing your new space kicks in. To ensure a smooth transition and establish a...

Nov 15, 2024
Lack Football Helmet With A Yellow Stripe Along The Edge And A White Circular Logo. The Logo Contains Three Bees In Yellow, Red, And Blue. The Helmet Includes A Black Faceguard.

If Pests Took Over the NFL

Imagine a world where pests ruled the NFL. The teams you know and love would be transformed into the creepy, crawly, and downright persistent creatures that invade our homes. Thankfully, pest control experts make sure these critters stay off your real home turf....

Nov 5, 2024
Turkey-Themed Craft Made From Brown Plastic Cups Decorated With Googly Eyes, Orange Paper Beaks, And Colorful Paper Feathers In Red, Yellow, And Green.

Thanksgiving Party Games to Do with Family

Thanksgiving means delicious meals, shared stories, and time spent playing games with loved ones. These fun, Thanksgiving-themed activities will make your gathering unforgettable. Keep your home ready for the festivities without any unwelcome guests by using...

Nov 4, 2024
Sliced Apple Cider-Glazed Turkey Breast Arranged On A White Platter, Garnished With Fresh Sage Leaves And Thyme, With A Side Of Iced Apple Cider.

7 Thanksgiving Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Thanksgiving offers the perfect chance to delight your guests with seasonal flavors and comforting dishes. These seven recipes will help you create a memorable spread from start to finish. And with a quick check from Aptive’s pest control experts, you can be sure...

Oct 29, 2024
A Front Porch Decorated For Autumn With Pumpkins Of Various Sizes, Hay Bales, Potted Plants, And Faux Cobwebs On The Railings.

5 Simple Ways to Properly Dispose of a Pumpkin and Avoid Pests

Pumpkins are a classic symbol of fall, but as the season wraps up, it’s important to properly dispose of them to avoid attracting pests like ants, flies, and rodents. Left to rot, pumpkins can quickly become a magnet for unwanted critters. For help with keeping...

Oct 24, 2024
Oreo Cookies Decorated As Bats With Candy Eyes, Chocolate Chips For Ears, And Cookie Halves As Wings, Displayed On A Wooden Board With Bowls Of Chocolate Chips And Candy Eyes In The Background.

6 Creepy Crawly Snacks for a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Halloween is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with spooky, bug-inspired treats! Whether you're throwing a Halloween bash or just looking for fun food ideas to share with family and friends, these creepy crawly treats will add a...

Oct 22, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) Peeking Out From Underneath A Wooden Structure, Surrounded By Scattered Sunflower Seed Shells. The Rat'S Whiskers And Fur Details Are Clearly Visible As It Cautiously Observes Its Surroundings.

HVAC Pest Control: How to Keep Pests Out of Your System

Cranking up the AC on a sweltering summer day only to be greeted by a swarm of uninvited guests blowing out of the vents is a nightmare scenario. Believe it or not, your HVAC system can also be a prime target for sneaky pests. Let's explore why these systems appeal...

Sep 17, 2024
Aptive Employee Standing In The Front Yard Talking To A Customer.

Best Time for Pest Control Services: When to Act

When it comes to pest control services, timing is everything. Imagine this: it's a beautiful summer evening, the grill is fired up, and friends are coming for a backyard barbecue. But as you open the back door, you're greeted by an unwelcome surprise—a parade of...

Sep 17, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Interior Showcasing A Sleek Black Sink With A Matte Black Faucet. The Kitchen Features A Wooden Countertop With Various Appliances Like A Microwave And Coffee Maker, And Is Decorated With Multiple Indoor Plants And A Small Fruit Bowl, Adding A Touch Of Nature And Color To The Space. Natural Light Streams In Through A Window, Illuminating The Area.

Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Home’s Plumbing System

Hearing strange scratching sounds coming from your walls can be unsettling. It might be mice, but it could also be sneaky pests living inside your plumbing system. While the idea might be alarming, these tips for plumbing pest prevention can help reduce the risk of...

Sep 16, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.