• PEST LIBRARY
Wasps and Hornets
A paper nest under the gutter, or wasps circling the porch light at dusk.
• WHAT YOU SEE
A gray paper nest tucked under the gutter or the eave, or wasps circling the porch light as the sun goes down. Sometimes it's a single wasp investigating a gap in the fascia rather than a nest you can see yet. However it shows up, it's usually noticed from directly underneath, looking up.
• WHAT WE SEE
Paper wasps don't reuse an old nest, but the queen that starts a new one next spring tends to pick the same sheltered spot the old nest was in, which is why the same corner of the eave keeps producing nests year after year. An open soffit vent or a gap at the fascia is often the entry a queen used to get into a wall void in the first place, and that gap doesn't go away just because the nest does. Hornets behave similarly but tend to build larger, more aggressive colonies later in the season. Either way, the nest you see is the visible half of the problem; the gap that let it start is the other half.
• HOW WE FIX IT
We knock the nest down and treat the void it was attached to, then dust the entry gap so a new queen finds it a lot less inviting. Sealing the soffit or fascia gap is the part that actually stops it from coming back to that exact spot next year. This gets checked on every quarterly visit specifically because nests rebuild in the same sheltered corners. If a nest is active and aggressive, we'll treat it as soon as we can rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
• WHEN THEY SHOW UP
Spring through early fall is wasp and hornet season, starting when a single queen emerges and builds a small paper nest, and ending when the colony dies off with the first hard frost. Activity and nest size both build through summer, peaking in August and September when colonies are at their largest and most defensive. The eaves are where we find the large majority of nests; the yard sees more ground-nesting activity from certain wasp species.
• WHAT THE PROS KNOW
Paper wasps do not reuse a nest, but next year's queen picks the same sheltered spot. Removing the paper is the easy part; treating the spot is the job.
• WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY
The technicians are the reason people stay.
We have been very pleased with Clae Pest Control. Robby is particularly great to work with. Not only is Robby personable and friendly, he is very knowledgeable and has many tricks up his sleeve. He also has followed up to make sure that his services are working appropriately which has been such a relief. Communication is also fantastic, and they can text to confirm/change appointment times. 100% would recommended.
Great experience so far. Called due to hearing some sounds in the wall of our old OP house. Fast and responsive, did a thorough inspection, no high pressure sales. They didn't find definite evidence of mice, and even though I offered to just pay for service they insisted on putting out baits for free to see if I actually needed anything. The baits have caught a mouse so will be having them come back for full service.
Clae Pest Control is exceptional! They responded quickly, their team was knowledgeable and friendly, and their eco-friendly treatment effectively resolved my pest issue. Their transparent pricing and helpful prevention tips made the entire experience hassle-free. I highly recommend Clae Pest Control for top-notch service!
I am extremely happy with the service I received from Clae Pest Control. Robby is very professional, thorough, and friendly. I also received a detailed account of the services provided, and he arrived on time. The product really works, I no longer have problems with ants and spiders, all for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend them.