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Wasps in New Jersey: Stings, Nest Risks & Safe Removal

What Are Wasps?

Wasps are stinging insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. While they play an important role in nature by pollinating plants and preying on other insects, many species are aggressive when disturbed. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the most common nuisance species include yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets.

Are Wasps Harmful?​

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  • Painful Stings: Wasps can sting multiple times, unlike bees, and their venom causes pain, swelling, and itching.

  • Allergic Reactions: For sensitive individuals, stings may cause severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis).

  • Aggressive Behavior: Yellowjackets and hornets defend their nests aggressively, swarming in large numbers if threatened.

  • Outdoor Nuisance: Wasps build nests near homes, decks, and playgrounds, making outdoor activities risky.

Wasp Control​

  • Professional wasp removal is the safest option, as DIY attempts can trigger aggressive swarms.

  • Inspection: Locate nests in trees, shrubs, attics, soffits, or underground.

  • Protective Gear: Trained professionals safely approach and treat nests.

  • Treatment: Residual insecticides and dusts eliminate active colonies.

  • Nest Removal: Old nests are removed when possible to reduce future attraction.

  • Prevention: Seal gaps, keep garbage covered, and limit outdoor food exposure.

Image by Duncan Sanchez

Types of Wasps in NJ, PA & DE​

  • Yellowjackets: Small, aggressive wasps that often build underground or wall void nests.

  • Paper Wasps: Build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, decks, and porches.

  • Bald-Faced Hornets: Large, black-and-white wasps that build football-shaped paper nests in trees and shrubs.

Wasps Appearance​

  • Size: ½ inch to over 1 inch depending on species.

  • Color: Yellow and black (yellowjackets), reddish-brown (paper wasps), or black and white (bald-faced hornets).

  • Body: Slender with narrow “waist” between thorax and abdomen.

  • Wings: Transparent, folded lengthwise when at rest.

Wasps Habitat​

  • Outdoors: Trees, shrubs, eaves, soffits, and underground burrows.

  • Indoors: Occasionally in attics, wall voids, and sheds.

  • Seasonal: Most active in summer and early fall, with colonies dying off after the first frost.

Wasps Diet​

  • Adults: Feed on nectar, fruit, and sugary liquids.

  • Larvae: Fed insects, spiders, and meat by adult workers.

  • Yellowjackets: Known for scavenging human food and garbage.

Wasps Life Cycle​

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  • Wasps undergo complete metamorphosis:

  • Eggs: Laid by the queen in spring.

  • Larvae: Fed by workers until pupation.

  • Pupae: Transform into adult wasps inside cells.

  • Adults: Workers expand the colony through summer, while new queens and males are produced in fall.

  • Colonies die out in winter, but fertilized queens survive by hibernating and starting new nests in spring.

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