If you’ve seen red wasps circling your eaves, buzzing along overhangs, or showing up around your attic vents, you’re not alone.
Red wasps are active in Michigan from April through late August, with peak activity typically in July and early August when colonies are largest and most defensive.
Whether you’re dealing with a small colony or a full-blown infestation, this guide will help you understand how professionals approach red wasp problems and how you can keep them from coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Red wasps are aggressive and territorial, which is why removing them yourself is never a safe option.
- Pest Pros professionals identify the wasp species, treat nests safely, and remove them to prevent more stings.
- Nest removal also gets rid of larvae and new queens, so the infestation doesn’t return a few weeks later.
- Keeping red wasps away means sealing up gaps, managing food sources, and sticking with a seasonal pest plan.
How Professionals Get Rid of Red Wasps in Michigan
Trying to knock down a red wasp nest with a broom or spray it from a distance might seem like a quick fix, but we strongly advise against it.
Because of the risk and the locations these nests are usually found, here’s how our professionals safely and thoroughly get rid of red wasps in Michigan:
Identification of the Wasp Nest and Wasp Species
The first step is identifying the wasp species.
Red paper wasps are distinguished by their reddish-brown coloration, long antennae, and tendency to fly with their legs hanging down. Their nests are often umbrella-shaped and open-faced, unlike the enclosed football-like nests of bald-faced hornets, German yellowjackets, or eastern yellowjackets.
Our technicians confirm whether you’re dealing with red wasps, European paper wasps, or other types of wasps that can coexist in Michigan environments.
Safety Preparation Around Nesting Sites
Once we’ve pinpointed the nesting sites, which may be tucked into attics, overhangs, or behind siding, our team prepares to treat the wasp nest.
Because these wasps are social wasps, their large colonies become protective, especially when they sense vibration or movement nearby.
Our techs wear full protective suits and use tools designed to reach high or tight areas safely.
Direct Treatment and Elimination of the Colony
Using specialized materials, our team treats the nest at the source. This kills adult wasps, larvae, and any new queens that may be developing in the colony.
This is crucial because red wasps overwinter and return in spring to expand. Eliminating potential breeders means your infestation won’t just come back in a few weeks.
Wasp Nest Removal and Sanitation
Once the nest is inactive, we remove it to avoid attracting more wasps. Even abandoned nests contain pheromones that invite new queens to settle.
This clean-up process also helps prevent scavenger pests like ants and rodents from moving in. Plus, it keeps curious kids and pets safe from forgotten stingers left behind in the nest remnants.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Pest Control Service
If the infestation was extensive or if the area sees recurring wasp activity from species like the mud dauber or cicada killer, we may recommend follow-up visits.
Our wasp control service plans include year-round monitoring so you don’t have to worry about future stinging insects disrupting your home.
How to Prevent Red Wasps from Coming Back
Getting rid of red wasps is only part of the job. Keeping them from coming back is just as important. Here’s what we recommend to help prevent another infestation:
Seal Gaps and Openings in Attics and Siding
Michigan’s types of wasps, especially red wasps, often overwinter inside wall voids and attics. Early spring is the best time to seal up any gaps along the roofline, soffits, or exterior vents.
Blocking off potential nesting sites before they settle in makes a big difference.
Reduce Nearby Food Sources
Red wasps are scavengers that hunt for caterpillars, sugary liquids, and even scraps of meat. Keeping trash bins sealed and cleaning up after picnics can make your yard less attractive.
Also, don’t leave pet food or open soda cans outside for extended periods.
Deter Other Pollinators and Flying Insects
While we want to protect beneficial pollinators like honeybees and bumblebees, an abundance of flying insects near your home can draw in paper wasps looking for prey.
Using yellow-tinted bug lights at night and trimming back flowering plants near patios can help limit wasp foraging zones.
Keep Eaves and Overhangs in Good Shape
Damaged or rotting wood in eaves, overhangs, or porch ceilings offers ideal shelter for red wasps to build nests. Maintaining your exterior prevents moisture buildup and gives wasps fewer footholds.
Stay on a Preventative Pest Solutions Plan
At Pest Pros of Michigan, our seasonal pest solutions include preventative treatments for red wasps, yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, and more.
We apply materials to high-risk areas where wasps are likely to return year after year, including high peaks, rooflines, and siding seams.
We treat stinging pests across Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and everywhere in between. Our expert techs can reach nests up to 25 feet high and are trained to handle social wasps, Vespula species, and everything in between.
Contact us today and schedule your professional pest control service.
