Hornet & Wasp Exterminator: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
The only sure sign of a hornet or wasp infestation is finding a nest around the property. Full Force provides Fast, Safe & Effective Hornet and Wasp Nest Removal
CALL 347-773-9093 | 24/7 | NEW YORK CITY EXTERMINATORS — MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN, QUEENS
Hornet Exterminator
Vespa crabro – The European Hornet, 1-1.5 in. long. Black, White, Reddish-brown
Hornet colonies thrive if their queens survive winter. In spring, the queens will seek out food, build new nests, and lay eggs. The rest of them leave the nest and mate. New, fertile queens emerge, and the cycle continues as they seek to survive the next winter and build more nests.
European Hornets eat insects and plant nectar. Hornets build paper nests with one hundred to seven hundred workers by mixing their saliva and wood fibers from fences, logs, and old (non-painted) wood buildings.
People find hornet nests in attics, trees, porches, and wall voids. Hornets will defend their nests aggressively and deliver painful stings if provoked. But the upside is they’ll keep the insect population under control.
Wasp Exterminator
Scolia dubia & Atanycolus spp, 1 inch or less. Variety of colors.
Some wasps, like the erroneously named Bald-faced Hornet, will build round, gray paper nests on tree branches and inside tree hollows and thick bushes. Most wasps prefer underground nests and employ one hundred to five thousand workers. They eat insects but also hunt for other proteins and sweets.
Yellowjackets are the most aggressive. They’ll use their stingers repeatedly to ward off an intruder. Paper wasps will only sting if threatened. Problems arise if they’re nested where humans go, such as in doorways or around fruit trees.
Common Stinging Insects in NYC
In Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, the most frequently encountered species include:
- European Hornets — Large, aggressive, often nest in wall voids or trees
- Bald-faced Hornets — Build large gray paper nests in trees or under eaves
- Yellowjackets — Highly aggressive, often nest underground or in wall cavities
- Paper Wasps — Build open-comb nests under eaves, railings, or doorways
Signs of a Hornet or Wasp Nest
- Visible paper nests (gray, football-shaped, or umbrella-shaped)
- Increased activity around eaves, soffits, attics, or trees
- Buzzing sounds or frequent flying near a specific area
- Aggressive behavior when approaching certain spots
- Finding dead wasps or nest material near entry points
Hornet and Wasp Stings & Safety
Hornet and wasp stings cause swelling, itchiness, and redness that recede within a few hours. Anyone with sting allergies should get medical assistance immediately.
Never attempt to remove a nest yourself — disturbing an active nest can trigger a swarm and multiple stings. Professional removal is the safest option, especially in urban areas with high foot traffic.
Prevention Tips for Hornet & Wasp Nests
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, soffits, and vents
- Keep garbage cans tightly closed and remove food sources
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house
- Inspect eaves, porches, and attics regularly in spring and summer
- Avoid leaving sugary drinks or food outdoors
