Pest control referrals, Augusta, Georgia
Wasp, yellow jacket and hornet control in Augusta, Georgia
An umbrella nest over the porch light, a busy hole in the ground or a big gray ball in a tree. These call for different handling, and yellow jackets call for the most care.
Call (706) 538-9714Calls answered: early morning to late evening
How to recognise them
Paper wasps. They build small open nests that hang from a short stalk, often under eaves, on porches or in shrubs. A new nest is started each year.
Yellow jackets. Fast, about half an inch, black and yellow. The Southern and Eastern yellow jackets are the two most common in Georgia. They nest in the ground and sting in numbers when the nest is threatened. Look for steady traffic in and out of one hole.
Hornets. Baldfaced hornets hang gray paper nests from trees and shrubs. European hornets, the largest type, build in hollow trees and buildings.
Sources: UGA Extension Circular 782 and pest guide B1412.
Why the Augusta, Georgia season runs late
Colonies start small in spring and build through the summer, reaching peak size in fall. UGA says yellow jacket colonies may stay active well into November in Georgia. That is why late summer and fall are when most people notice them, often while mowing or clearing beds.
They're also drawn to food and trash outdoors. UGA notes that yellow jackets often scavenge around picnic and garbage areas, so keep bins closed and clear up after a cookout.
Sources: UGA pest guide B1412 and UGA Circular 782.
What a visit usually involves
The company locates the nest and treats it, often when the insects are least active. Ground nests and nests in wall voids take more care than an open one under an eave. Ask if the nest will be removed afterward, and what to do if you see activity later.
Tell them on the call if anyone in the house has a sting allergy. Keep everyone away from the entrance until the work is done.
When to call
Call if a nest is near a door, walkway, play area or mower path, if you can't see where they're going, or if anyone at home is allergic. UGA warns that people allergic to the venom can have a life-threatening reaction, so anyone with those symptoms needs emergency care, not pest control.
If a nest is well out of the way and bothers no one, UGA says you can leave it. These insects hunt garden pests, and a paper wasp colony ends with the season.
Source: UGA Extension pest guide B1412.
Wasps and hornets: common questions
Why are yellow jackets so aggressive in fall?
Colonies are at peak size then. Away from the nest they rarely bother anyone, but they defend it vigorously, per UGA.
I can't see a nest. Can they still be treated?
Often, yes. Point out where you see them coming and going. Traffic at a crack or hole is usually enough to find it.
Can I just knock an empty nest down?
Make sure it's empty first. If you see any activity, leave it and call. Paper wasps are protective of a live nest.
Got pests right now? Make the call.
You'll be connected with an independent pest control company that serves your part of the Augusta, Georgia area. Have your ZIP code ready, and say what you've been seeing and where.
Call (706) 538-9714Calls answered: early morning to late evening
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