If you’re a homeowner in Georgia, chances are you’ve encountered your fair share of wasps buzzing around your backyard. While these stingers can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that they play an essential role in our ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common wasp species found in Georgia and provide tips on how to safely coexist with them.
For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.
Yellow jackets are perhaps the most well-known type of wasp found in Georgia. These black and yellow striped insects are social creatures, living in colonies that can contain up to 4,000 individuals. You’ll often find their nests in sheltered areas like eaves, attics, or even underground. If you see a small hole in the ground surrounded by a group of wasps, it’s likely a yellow jacket nest.
While yellow jackets are known for their painful stings, they also serve an important purpose as predators of other insects, including flies and caterpillars. If you find a yellow jacket nest on your property, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to remove it.
Paper wasps are another common wasp species found in Georgia. These slender insects are named for their distinctive nests which are made from paper-like material produced by the wasps themselves. Paper wasps are solitary creatures, meaning they live alone rather than in colonies.
If you see a paper nest on your property, it’s important to remember that paper wasps are generally not aggressive unless provoked. If you need to remove a paper nest, do so at night when the wasps are less active and wear protective clothing to avoid getting stung.
Mud daubers are a type of wasp that build nests out of mud. You’ll often find their nests on the sides of buildings or other structures. Unlike yellow jackets or paper wasps, mud daubers are solitary and don’t live in colonies.
While mud daubers aren’t typically aggressive toward humans, they can be a nuisance if their nests are located in high-traffic areas. If you need to remove a mud dauber nest, wait until after the wasp larvae have hatched and left the nest, then knock it down with a broom or other long-handled tool.
While bumblebees are technically a type of bee, they are often mistaken for wasps due to their similar appearance. These fuzzy insects are important pollinators and can often be found buzzing around flowers in your garden.
Unlike yellow jackets or paper wasps, bumblebees aren’t typically aggressive toward humans. However, if you disturb their nest or threaten them in any way, they may sting you in self-defense. If you find a bumblebee nest on your property, it’s best to leave it alone and allow the bees to go about their business.
We hope this guide has helped you get to know the wasps you may encounter in your Georgia backyard. Remember, while wasps can be intimidating, they play an important role in our ecosystem and should be treated with respect. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can safely coexist with these beneficial insects.