Hamilton-Niagara-Haldimand
When it comes to wasps and hornets, speed is essential. These pests are agressive and painful, so you need a solution that works quickly. Pestex delivers fast and effective results, using the latest techniques, products, and tools to get the job done right the first time.
No one likes unexpected costs, and we’re no different. At Pestex, we offer affordable and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We believe in honest communication and provide clear quotes before starting any work. This way, you know exactly what to expect, and there are no surprises.
Our team consists of experienced and certified technicians who are experts in pest control. They are trained to handle even the most challenging infestations while remaining professional, relying on their experience and skill. With Pestex, you can trust that your home is in capable hands.
We care about the environment as much as we care about eliminating pests. Our extermination methods are designed to be environmentally friendly, minimizing the impact on your surroundings while effectively dealing with wasps and hornets. All of our products and practices are approved by the Ministry of Environment.
We start with a thorough inspection to identify the location and extent of the infestation. Here, we come up with a plan to address the infestation and take the necessary steps to ensure effective removal.
Using effective and safe methods, we address the problem directly. Whether we need to spray the nest, remove it, or exterminate residual wasps & hornets, we’ve got you covered.
Our job isn’t done until you have peace of mind, we put measures into place to ensure no wasps, hornets, or carpenter bees return. After the treatment and nest removal, our exterminator will advise you on what steps you can take to ensure an infestation never returns in the future. However, if the infestation does return, so will we!
– Size: 12-16 mm
– Colour: Bright yellow with black bands on the abdomen
– Nesting: Underground or in cracked walls
– Behaviour: Highly aggressive when disturbed
– Size: 16-20 mm
– Colour: Brown with yellow or reddish markings
– Nesting: Open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves or in sheltered areas – typical ‘honeycomb nest’
– Behaviour: Less aggressive unless provoked
– Size: 15-20 mm
– Colour: Black with a white face and white markings on the abdomen
– Nesting: Large, grey, papery nests in trees or shrubs
– Behaviour: Highly defensive of their nests
– Size: 25-35 mm
– Colour: Brown with yellow markings on the head and abdomen
– Nesting: Large, paper nests in hollow trees, attics, or wall voids
– Behaviour: Aggressive when defending the nest
– Size: 20-30 mm
– Colour: Black or metallic blue
– Nesting: Mud tubes attached to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces – often referred to as ‘pasta nests’ due to their similarity to the shape of penne pasta
– Behaviour: Solitary and not aggressive
If you’ve noticed an uptick in wasps or hornets around your home, you’re not alone. It is common for wasp activity to increase during the summer, especially in August! Understanding what attracts these pests and how they behave is crucial to effectively managing and preventing infestations.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know if you’re a property owner:
Physical Characteristics: Hornets are generally larger and more robust than wasps. They also have a more rounded body shape compared to the slender, smooth bodies of wasps.
Behavioural Differences: Hornets are more aggressive and can be more dangerous due to their potent venom. Wasps, on the other hand, are more likely to be encountered in larger numbers.
Aggressive Nature: Wasps and hornets can become aggressive, especially if they feel their nest is in danger. They’re more likely to sting if they feel threatened, or sense danger to their colony.
Foraging Behaviour: These flying critters are attracted to food and sugary drinks, making outdoor gatherings a potential risk factor requiring extra caution. They’re also drawn to bright colours and floral patterns, especially those that resemble flowers and plants.
Typical Locations: Wasps often build their nests in sheltered areas like eaves, attics, or under decks. Different wasp species may build different types of nests, in distinctive shapes or patterns. Hornets prefer to nest in trees, shrubs, and underground, including inside openings of your property – watch out for this!
Nest Construction: Both wasps and hornets use paper-like material to build their nests, which they create by chewing wood fibers mixed with their saliva. Interestingly, wasps and hornet nest materials appear the same, although the nest shapes may vary.
Diet: Wasps are omnivorous and feed on both protein (like insects) and sugary substances. Hornets have a similar diet but are particularly aggressive when foraging for protein.
Seasonal Changes: In late summer and early fall, their diet shifts more towards sweets and carbohydrates, which is why you may notice an increase in wasp & hornet activity near your home, especially during outdoor social events.
Allergic Reactions: Stings from wasps and hornets can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. If you or a family member has a known allergy, it is best to deal with an infestation promptly by contacting a professional.
Multiple Stings: Unfortunately, in trying to deal with an infestation through DIY treatments, many homeowners face the risk of stings, especially when attempting to remove a nest themselves. If a nest of wasps or hornets becomes agitated and threatened, they will act aggressively and immediately, putting you and potentially your family members at risk of multiple severe stings. Without the proper protective equipment, tools, and training, it is unsafe to address infestations yourself.
Infections: Multiple stings or stings in sensitive areas can lead to infections, especially if the sting site is scratched or irritated.
Property Damage: Nests can cause structural damage to buildings, as they often chew through wood and insulation to build their nests. Carpenter bees are especially notorious for causing damage to wooden structures as their name suggests!
Increased Insect Activity: Seeing a large number of wasps or hornets around your home, especially near potential nesting sites, is a clear indicator of an infestation. If you have children who frequently play outside, it’s important to stay alert of wasp & hornet activity near your home, as infestations can develop rapidly in the summertime and put your children at risk.
Visible Nests: Large, paper-like nests that are visible in trees, under eaves, or in other areas are a clear sign that you have a wasp or hornet problem. Old nests which do not seem to have any wasps or hornets living inside are also a threat, as wasp and hornet populations will regularly reuse old nests instead of building new ones where possible.
Stinging Incidents: Frequent stings or the presence of wasps or hornets around outdoor activities can indicate that a nest is nearby. If there have been multiple stinging incidents in your area, it is usually a clear indicator of a nearby wasp or hornet nest.
Dealing with wasps and hornets is no fun. Although Pestex will never recommend that you try to deal with an infestation yourself, there are certain proactive steps homeowners can take to prevent infestations before they become a problem. Here’s how to reduce the likelihood of an infestation this summer:
Throughout your preventative measures, it is important to remain aware of potential infestations and ensure you do not agitate them! If you notice an increased wasp or hornet presence near your home, it’s best to avoid going near nesting grounds and instead call an experienced exterminator like Pestex.
It doesn’t matter if the nest is on a tree in your garden, hanging from your roof, or deep in the soffit. WE EXTERMINATE THEM ALL! The nest could contain Carpenter Bees, Yellowjacket Wasps, or Bald-Faced Hornets – Whatever the infestation, Pestex has your back!
Transparency is key. With Pestex, there are no hidden fees or unexpected costs. We provide a detailed quote before we begin any work, so you know exactly what to expect. Our goal is to keep the process straightforward and stress-free without ripping you off.
Pest issues can arise at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services. After all, pests don’t follow a 9-5 schedule, and neither do we. Whether it’s a sudden swarm or an urgent infestation, we’re here to help, no matter the hour.
Monday – Thursday: 8AM-6PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-2PM
Sunday: CLOSED
