Wasps and Hornets Around Your Property? Act Early
Wasps and hornets are part of life on Vancouver Island, but a nest near a doorway, deck, playground, walkway, or work area can quickly become a safety concern. Activity typically increases through the warmer months, with colonies growing larger and often becoming more noticeable later in summer.
Pacific Coastal Pest Control provides professional wasp and hornet control across Campbell River, Courtenay, the Comox Valley, Black Creek, Port Hardy, and communities throughout North Vancouver Island. We assess the activity, locate the nest where possible, and determine the appropriate approach based on the insect, nest location, and surrounding property.
Don’t Disturb the Buzz
A few flying insects around the property may be normal. Repeated traffic to and from one location, however, can indicate a nest nearby. Wasps and hornets may build in visible or concealed areas, including eaves, trees, sheds, decks, attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, retaining walls, and underground openings.
Proper identification matters. Wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and bees have different behaviours and nesting habits, and bees are important pollinators that should not automatically be treated as nuisance pests. Our team evaluates the situation before recommending the appropriate response.
Common Stinging Insects on Vancouver Island
Learn more about these species, their common signs, seasonal activity, and prevention tips in our Common Pests on Vancouver Island guide.
➔ Wasps
Wasps may establish nests around rooflines, decks, sheds, trees, wall voids, and ground openings. A nest located close to people, pets, or frequently used areas can become a concern as the colony grows.
➔ Hornets
Hornets and larger wasp species may build visible paper-like nests in trees, shrubs, under eaves, or around protected exterior areas. They can become defensive when their nest is approached or disturbed.
Often recognized by their yellow-and-black markings, yellowjackets may nest underground or inside hidden spaces such as walls and retaining structures. Their nests can be difficult to spot until activity becomes significant.
➔ Bees
Bees are valuable pollinators, and proper identification is the first step. Depending on the species, location, and level of risk, a different response may be more appropriate than the one used for a wasp or hornet nest.
Our Wasp & Hornet Control Process
1. Tell Us Where the Activity Is
We begin by asking what you have noticed. Are insects repeatedly flying to one location? Is the nest visible or hidden? Is the activity near an entrance, deck, play area, business, or another frequently used space?
2. Identify the Insect
Wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and bees should not automatically be handled in the same way. We assess the insect and its behaviour to determine the appropriate response.
3. Locate and Assess the Nest
Nests can be exposed, concealed inside structures, or located underground. We inspect the activity and surrounding area to better understand where the insects are nesting and any risks associated with the location.
4. Recommend the Appropriate Treatment
The treatment approach depends on the species, nest location, property, and level of activity. We focus on targeted treatment and use the right product in the right area.
5. Treat the Problem Safely
Once the situation has been assessed, we carry out the appropriate control measures while providing clear information about any precautions to follow before or after service.
6. Help Reduce Future Nesting
Although new nests can appear from one season to the next, we can identify potential nesting areas and provide practical recommendations to help reduce future activity around the property.
