Wasp Nest in Trees - Everything You Need to Know

If you have a wasp nest in your trees, it can be very dangerous. Not only are they unsightly, they can also be quite dangerous.

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about wasp nests in trees. We will also talk about how to get rid of them, and how to protect yourself from their stings.

What is a Wasp Nest?

A wasp nest is a structure that is built by wasps in order to house their larvae. The nests are made out of a material called “paper,” which the wasps create from their own saliva. The paper is then used to construct the hexagonal cells within the nest. These cells are where the wasp larvae will develop.

Once the larvae have pupated, they will emerge as adult wasps. The nests can vary in size, depending on the species of wasp that built it. Some nests can be as small as a golf ball, while others can be large enough to fill a car tire. In fact, the largest recorded wasp nest contained over a million wasps.

Wasp nests are typically built in trees, but they can also be found in bushes, under eaves, and even inside buildings. While most species of wasps will build their nests above ground, there are some that will build them underground.

Signs that You Have a Wasp Nest

Wasp nests in trees can be difficult to spot, but there are some signs that you can look for:

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Wasps can be dangerous, so you don’t want to wait until they become a problem.

Different Types of Wasp Nests

There are many different types of wasp nests, but the most common ones are:

Honeycombs or Paper nests

Honeycombs are the most common type of wasp nest. They are made out of a material called “paper,” which the wasps create from their own saliva. The paper is then used to construct the hexagonal cells within the nest. Paper wasps are usually small, and can be found in trees, bushes, and even inside buildings.

Satellite nests

Satellite nests are smaller than honeycombs, and are typically located near the main nest. They are used to house the wasp larvae until they pupate.

Mud nests

Mud nests are made out of a mixture of mud and water. The wasps will use their saliva to create the mud, and then construct the nest. Mud nests are usually small, and can be found in trees, bushes, and even on the side of buildings.

Yellowjackets

Also called “meat bees,” they are a type of wasp that is attracted to protein. This means they are often found near areas where people are cooking or eating outdoors. Yellowjackets will also eat other insects, so they can be beneficial to have around in some ways.

Bald-faced hornets

Also known as “BFFs,” these are a type of wasp that build their nests in trees. These pests are not only a nuisance, they can also be dangerous to humans and animals. If you have a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible.

Are Wasp Nests Always In Trees?

No, wasp nests are not always in trees. While most species of wasps will build their nests above ground, there are some that will build them underground. There are also some species of wasps that build their nests in trees, but the majority of them build their nests in other places.

Here are some of the places you might find a wasp nest:

How Do Wasps Build Their Nests?

The process of building a wasp nest begins when the queen lays her eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae are fed by the adults. After a few weeks, the larvae spin cocoons and pupate. Once they emerge from their cocoons, they are fully-grown adults.

The adults then take over the job of collecting food, and building the nest. They chew up wood to make a paper-like material that they use to build the walls of the nest. The nest is typically made up of many cells, each of which is used to raise a new generation of wasps.

When the weather begins to cool in the fall, the queen stops laying eggs, and the colony dies off, with only the new queens surviving to start the cycle anew the following spring.

The Danger of Wasp Nests in Trees

Wasp nests can be very dangerous, especially if they are located in trees. Here are some of the dangers that you should be aware of:

Wasps can sting you

Wasps can sting you if they feel threatened. Their stings are incredibly painful, and can even be deadly if you are allergic to them.

Wasps will defend their nests

If a wasp feels that its nest is in danger, it will aggressively defend it. This means that if you accidentally stumbled upon a wasp nest, the wasps could sting you in self-defense.

Wasps can cause property damage

If a wasp nest is located in a tree, there is a chance that the tree could be damaged. The weight of the nest can cause branches to break, and the wasps could chew through the bark of the tree.

These are just some of the dangers that you should be aware of if you have a wasp nest in your trees.

Step By Step Guide to Getting Rid of a Wasp Nest in a Tree

If you have a wasp nest in your tree, there are some steps that you can take to get rid of it. Here is a step by step guide:

What you need:

Before you start, make sure that you are wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants. You should also put on gloves and a mask to protect your face.

Step 1:
Find the nest

The first step is to find the nest. Wasps are most active during the day, so this is the best time to look for them. If you can’t find the nest during the day, you can try it at night with a flashlight.

Step 2:
Spray the nest

Once you have found the nest, you will need to spray it with wasp spray. Make sure to aim the spray directly into the nest. You might need to use more than one can of spray if the nest is large. If you can’t reach the nest, you can use a ladder. However, remember to be extremely careful when doing so, as getting stung by wasps can be surprisingly painful. The last thing you’d want is to be stung, and fall off your ladder.

Step 3:
Wait for the wasps to die

After you have sprayed the nest, wait for the wasps to die. This could take a few hours or even days. Once they are dead, you can remove the nest from your tree. You need to be careful when doing this, so you don’t get stung.

Getting rid of a wasp nest can be dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a professional.

How to Prevent Wasp Nests in Trees

The best way to prevent wasp nests in trees is to remove anything that might attract them. This includes food and water sources. You should also trim any branches that are close to your house. This will make it harder for wasps to build their nests.

You should also check your trees regularly for signs of wasp activity. If you see any, you can take steps to get rid of the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.

Wasps can be a nuisance, but you don’t have to live with them. By taking some preventative measures, you can keep them away from your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take down the paper wasp nest?

If the paper wasp nest is located in a tree, you should not take it down yourself. This is because it can be dangerous, and you could get stung. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a professional.

How do you get rid of a hanging wasp nest?

You can get rid of a hanging wasp nest by using peroxide. You will need to find the nest, and spray it with the chemical. The best time to do this is at night when the wasps are not active. You should also wear protective clothing, so you don’t get stung.

How do tree branches prevent wasps?

Trimming branches will make it harder for wasps to build their nests. This is because they won’t be able to reach as high, and there won’t be as many places for them to build their nests.

Does the eastern yellow jacket sting?

The eastern yellowjacket does sting, but it is not considered to be dangerous. If you are allergic to their venom, you may experience some swelling and pain. Otherwise, the string should not cause any serious problems.

Wasp nests in trees can be a nuisance, but they are usually not harmful. If you have a wasp nest in your tree, you can try to remove it yourself or hire a professional to do so. Be sure to take precautions, and wear protective clothing when dealing with wasps.