Welcome to Stewart Pest Solutions, your trusted pest control experts serving mid-Michigan, from St. John’s to Jackson and Ionia to Fowlerville. If you’re dealing with yellowjackets or baldfaced hornets, we’re here to help!
Understanding Yellowjackets and Baldfaced Hornets
Yellowjackets and baldfaced hornets are stinging insects commonly encountered in Michigan. These pests can build nests in and around homes, posing risks to residents, especially during late summer and early fall when their colonies are at their largest.
What Are Yellowjackets and Baldfaced Hornets?
Yellowjackets:
These social wasps belong to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. They are not technically “paper wasps” (genus Polistes), though they do construct paper-like nests. Yellowjackets are black and yellow, with black antennae and legs, and they tuck their legs close to their bodies while flying. In Michigan, common subspecies include:
- Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons): A ground-nesting species prevalent across the state.
- German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica): Often nests in structures like walls or attics; highly adaptable.
- Common Yellowjacket (Vespula vulgaris): Less common but still present, typically nesting underground or in cavities.
Baldfaced Hornets:
Scientifically classified as Dolichovespula maculata, these are not true hornets but a type of yellowjacket. They are larger than typical yellowjackets, black with distinctive white markings, and known for their aggressive defense of nests.
Nesting Habits
Both yellowjackets and baldfaced hornets build paper nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. Their nesting locations vary:
Yellowjackets:
- Ground Nests: Often in abandoned burrows or soil cavities (e.g., Eastern Yellowjacket).
- Aerial Nests: In trees, bushes, or along eaves (e.g., German Yellowjacket).
- Structural Nests: Inside walls, attics, or soffits of buildings.
Baldfaced Hornets:
- Construct large, football-shaped nests typically in trees, shrubs, or on building exteriors.
Nests are used for one season only. In winter and early spring, abandoned nests are common, and while they’re usually inactive, always exercise caution. Contact Stewart Pest Solutions for a professional inspection if you’re uncertain.
Life Cycle of Yellowjackets and Baldfaced Hornets
The life cycle of these wasps consists of four stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—and follows a seasonal pattern:
Spring:
- Overwintered queens emerge from hibernation and begin constructing small nests (about golf ball-sized).
- Queens lay eggs and raise the first generation of workers.
Summer:
- Worker wasps expand the nest, forage, and care for new larvae.
- Colonies grow significantly, reaching hundreds or thousands of individuals.
Fall:
- New queens and males are produced for mating.
- Fertilized queens seek sheltered spots (e.g., under bark or in logs) to overwinter.
- The original colony dies off after the first hard frost.
- Nests peak in size by early fall, making this the most dangerous time around active colonies.
Habits of Yellowjackets and Baldfaced Hornets
Understanding their behavior helps in managing these pests effectively:
Foraging:
- Workers: Collect protein (e.g., insects, small worms, or meat scraps) to feed larvae and sugary substances (e.g., nectar, fruit juice, or soda) for adult wasps.
- Baldfaced Hornets: Often seen hovering around bushes and flowers in summer, scavenging for food.
Diet:
- Larvae eat protein-rich foods provided by workers.
- Adults consume sugars and do not eat meat directly.
Defensive Behavior:
- Both species are highly protective of their nests and can sting repeatedly if threatened.
- Disturbing a nest may trigger swarming, especially in late summer when colonies are large.
In Michigan, from St. John’s to Jackson and Ionia to Fowlerville, these wasps are active from spring through fall, with increased aggression as sugary food sources dwindle late in the season.
Professional Yellowjacket and Baldfaced Hornet Control
If you spot a nest on your property, don’t risk a DIY solution—call Stewart Pest Solutions for safe, effective removal.
What to Expect During a Service
Inspection:
- Our experts will visit your home or business in mid-Michigan to locate and evaluate the nest.
Treatment:
- We apply targeted insecticides using professional-grade equipment.
- Important: Never seal a nest entrance (e.g., in a wall or building), as this traps wasps inside and complicates treatment.
Post-Treatment:
- Some wasp activity may persist for a few days as the treatment takes effect.
- Stay clear of the area to avoid stings.
- You might notice sluggish wasps crawling on the ground as the colony dies.
- Pupae may hatch over the next 1-2 weeks, but emerging wasps will encounter the insecticide.
Why Choose Us?
- Fast Results: Some clients see no activity within 4 hours of treatment.
- Guaranteed Service: We stand by our work and offer follow-ups if needed.
- Local Expertise: Serving the region from St. John’s to Jackson and Ionia to Fowlerville, including Lansing and nearby areas.
Contact Stewart Pest Solutions Today
Don’t let yellowjackets or baldfaced hornets ruin your outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re in St. John’s, Jackson, Ionia, Fowlerville, or anywhere in between, Stewart Pest Solutions is your local pest control specialist. Call us as soon as you notice a nest or increased wasp activity!
- Phone: (517) 525-4753
- Email: Ben@Pestsolutions.co
Stay safe and let us handle your yellowjacket and baldfaced hornet problems with professional care!