Maine Wasps: A Guide to Identifying and Dealing with Common Species

Posted by Matthew Rathbone on May 05, 2023 · 3 mins read

Are you seeing wasps buzzing around your backyard and wondering what kind they are? As a homeowner in Maine, it’s important to know which species of wasps you may encounter and how to deal with them. In this article, we’ll provide a guide to identifying and dealing with some of the most common types of Maine wasps.

DIY Wasp removal recommendations

For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are one of the most common and aggressive species of wasps found in Maine. They are black with yellow markings and are often seen flying near garbage cans or other sources of food. If you see a lot of yellow jackets in your yard, it’s important to take action as they can pose a threat to people and pets.

To deal with yellow jackets, it’s best to call a professional exterminator. They’ll be able to safely remove the nest and ensure that the wasps don’t return. If you do decide to try and remove the nest yourself, make sure to wear protective clothing and approach the nest at night when the wasps are less active.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are another common species of wasp found in Maine. They are brown with yellow markings and are often seen building their nests under eaves or in other sheltered areas. While paper wasps can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed, they are generally less aggressive than yellow jackets.

If you discover a paper wasp nest on your property, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to remove it. However, if you want to attempt to remove the nest yourself, make sure to approach it at night when the wasps are less active and wear long sleeves and pants for protection.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are the largest species of wasp found in Maine. They are black with white markings and are often seen building their nests in trees or shrubs. Like yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets can be very aggressive and should be dealt with by a professional exterminator.

If you come across a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it’s important to stay away from it and call a professional exterminator immediately. These wasps can pose a serious threat to people and pets, and attempting to remove the nest yourself could be dangerous.

Conclusion

As a homeowner in Maine, it’s important to be aware of the different types of wasps you may encounter and how to deal with them. If you see a lot of wasps in your yard or discover a nest on your property, don’t hesitate to call a professional exterminator. With their help, you can safely remove the wasps and prevent them from returning.