If you’ve been noticing more wasps flying around your yard, gathering near your eaves, or hovering around your deck, you’re not alone. This time of year, wasp activity really picks up across Seattle neighborhoods like Ballard, Magnolia, and Capitol Hill. At Alta Pest Control, we’ve been getting more calls lately for wasp nest removals and buzzing swarms—and while it can feel like they’re suddenly everywhere, there’s a good reason why.
What’s Causing All the Wasp Activity?
Wasps become more active in spring and summer as temperatures rise. In Seattle, this typically starts around late April and continues through the fall.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Early spring: Queen wasps emerge from hibernation and start building nests. This is when small paper-like nests start to show up under rooflines, in sheds, or inside attic spaces.
- Summer: Nests grow larger, and the number of worker wasps increases fast. They’re out looking for food—especially protein early in the season and sugary foods later on.
- Late summer to early fall: Food sources begin to run low, and wasps become more aggressive and territorial. This is usually when stings become more common.
If you’re seeing a sudden spike in wasps, it probably means there’s a nest nearby—or one forming. It’s also possible that last year’s nests weren’t removed properly, and the area is still attracting new queens.
What Kinds of Wasps Are in Seattle?
Seattle is home to several types of wasps, but these are the ones we deal with most often:
- Paper Wasps: These wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves or porch ceilings. They aren’t usually aggressive unless disturbed but will sting to protect their nest.
- Yellowjackets: These are the most aggressive wasps in the Seattle area. They build nests underground, in wall voids, or in bushes—and are known to sting multiple times if threatened.
- Bald-Faced Hornets: Technically a type of yellowjacket, these black-and-white wasps build large, round, gray nests high up in trees or on structures. They’re extremely defensive around the nest.
If you’re not sure what kind of wasps you’re seeing, it’s always best to leave the nest alone and call for help. Identifying the species helps determine the best removal approach.
What Month Are Wasps Most Aggressive?
In Seattle, August and September are typically the peak months for aggressive wasp behavior. By then, nests are at their largest, food sources are running out, and worker wasps are more easily provoked. They’re also more likely to swarm during this time.
This is when we get the most calls about wasp stings and nests being too close for comfort—especially in places like backyard play areas, sheds, or under the eaves of homes. If you’re dealing with wasps, contact us for wasp nest removal in Seattle, WA.
What We Do to Get Rid of Wasp
If you have a wasp problem, we’ll start by:
- Locating and treating the nest
- Using a specialized spray to knock down active wasps
- Removing any visible nests with a long dewebbing tool fitted with a wasp head
- Applying a residual barrier around problem areas to prevent future nesting
Our home pest control service includes quarterly treatments, which help stop wasps from coming back—100% guaranteed. Get full comprehensive coverage when combined with mosquito and tick control in our Premium Package.
Book a Wasp Removal Service in Seattle
Don’t wait for a sting to take action. If wasps are taking over your yard or showing up near your home, let us help. We offer wasp removal throughout Seattle, including neighborhoods like Ravenna, West Seattle, and Fremont.
Contact us today and we’ll take your wasps to a better place.
Branch Location:
Alta Pest Control
1721 W Valley Hwy N Ste 3
Auburn, WA 98001
(425) 528-2524
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