If you’ve ever spent time in your backyard during the summer months, chances are you’ve encountered a few buzzing insects. While some of these insects might be harmless bees, others could be stinging wasps. In this article, we’ll help you identify the most common wasps found in Denver, Colorado.
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.
Paper wasps are slender, long-legged wasps that typically build their nests on the underside of eaves or other covered areas around your home. They are usually brown with yellow or red markings, and they have long, thin bodies that can grow up to one inch in length.
Paper wasps are generally not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. If you see a paper wasp nest near your home, it’s best to contact a pest control professional to remove it.
Yellowjackets are small, aggressive wasps that are commonly found in Denver during the summer months. They are black and yellow with a distinctive pattern on their abdomen. Yellowjackets build their nests underground and can be easily provoked if their nest is disturbed.
If you encounter a yellowjacket nest in your yard, it’s important to call a pest control professional to remove it. Trying to remove the nest yourself can be dangerous and lead to multiple stings.
Bald-faced hornets are a type of wasp that are black with white markings. They build large, spherical nests that can be found hanging from tree branches or other high places. Like yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
It’s important to leave bald-faced hornet nests to the professionals. Attempting to remove the nest yourself could result in serious injury.
While wasps can be a nuisance, there are steps you can take to manage them in your backyard:
By following these tips and learning how to identify common wasps in Denver, you can keep your backyard safe and enjoyable all summer long.