Stinging-Insect Help Starts With Identification
Wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bees do not behave the same way or build the same kinds of nests. The safest and most useful response depends on the insect, nest location, activity level, and whether people or pets regularly pass nearby.
Common Nest Locations
- Under eaves, rooflines, soffits, and siding
- Inside wall voids or around utility openings
- Underground in old burrows or landscape beds
- In shrubs, trees, sheds, play structures, and deck framing
- Around frequently used doors, patios, and walkways
Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, or Bees?
Paper Wasps
Often build open, umbrella-shaped nests under protected ledges. They can defend a nest when disturbed.
Yellow Jackets
May nest underground or in structural voids and can become especially defensive around a busy entrance.
Hornets
Some build enclosed aerial nests in trees, shrubs, or on structures. Avoid approaching or striking the nest.
Bees
Bees are important pollinators and may require a different response. Not every bee sighting calls for extermination; identification comes first and relocation may be appropriate depending on the situation.
What Service May Include
After the insect and nest location are assessed, the recommended work may include targeted treatment of an active nest, removal when appropriate and safely accessible, and practical advice about conditions that could invite future nesting. Structural access or repairs may be separate from pest-control work.
Oakland & Macomb County Service
PestCurb assists with wasp nest removal, yellow jacket control, and hornet nest treatment across communities in Oakland and Macomb counties, including Rochester Hills, Troy, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights. Call to confirm service at your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a nest at night?
Reduced activity does not make an active nest harmless. Nest location, access, species, and allergy risk all matter; professional assessment is the safer course when a nest is active or near people.
Should I plug the nest entrance?
No. Blocking an active opening can force insects toward another exit, potentially including indoor spaces.
Do you handle bee-related calls?
Yes, you can call for help identifying what you are seeing. The appropriate response may differ for bees, and relocation may be preferable where feasible.