Do You Have A Wasp Problem? We Can Help!

Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma are home to several common types of wasps, each with its own behavior and level of aggression. Paper wasps are frequently seen building open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and decks; they are relatively non-aggressive if left alone, but will sting to defend their nests. Yellowjackets, which are actually a type of wasp, tend to nest in the ground or in wall voids and are much more defensive, often responsible for multiple stings when a nest is disturbed. Bald-faced hornets, another wasp species, build large, gray, football-shaped nests in trees and on structures and will vigorously defend those nests.

These states also have a variety of solitary wasps, such as cicada killers and mud daubers. Cicada killers are large, intimidating wasps that dig burrows in sandy soil but are generally not aggressive toward people. Mud daubers create small mud tubes on walls or in sheds and are considered beneficial because they hunt spiders and other insects. While most wasps play important roles as predators of pests and as pollinators, their nests near high-traffic areas may warrant careful management or professional removal to reduce sting risks.