Get to Know Your Backyard Buzzers: Wasps in Omaha, Nebraska

Posted by Matthew Rathbone on February 11, 2023 · 3 mins read

If you’re a homeowner in Omaha, Nebraska, it’s likely that you’ve encountered some buzzing visitors in your backyard. While some of these might be friendly bees, others could be wasps, which can be more of a nuisance or even a danger. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some common wasps in Omaha, Nebraska, and help you identify them.

DIY Wasp removal recommendations

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.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are one of the most common types of wasps found in Omaha, Nebraska. They build their nests out of paper-like material, which they make by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva. Their nests can be found hanging from trees, shrubs, or eaves.

Paper wasps are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. However, if their nest is disturbed, they may become defensive and attack. If you find a paper wasp nest in your backyard, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to remove it.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are another type of wasp that you might encounter in Omaha, Nebraska. They are typically smaller than paper wasps and have black and yellow stripes on their bodies. Yellow jackets are social insects that live in large colonies and build their nests in the ground or in other enclosed spaces, such as walls or attics.

Yellow jackets can be very aggressive and will defend their nests vigorously. If you see a yellow jacket nest in your backyard, you should avoid getting too close to it and call a professional exterminator to remove it.

Mud Daubers

Mud daubers are a type of wasp that build their nests out of mud. They are usually black or metallic blue in color and have a long, narrow waist. Mud dauber nests are often found on walls or under eaves.

Unlike paper wasps and yellow jackets, mud daubers are not social insects and do not live in colonies. They are also not aggressive and rarely sting humans.

Hornets

Hornets are a type of large, social wasp that are less common in Omaha, Nebraska than some other types of wasps. They have large, round heads, and their bodies are black and white or brown and yellow. Hornet nests are often found in trees, bushes, or on the sides of buildings.

Like yellow jackets, hornets can be very aggressive and will defend their nests vigorously. If you find a hornet nest in your backyard, it’s important to call a professional exterminator to remove it.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the different types of wasps that you might encounter in your Omaha, Nebraska backyard, you can stay safe and take appropriate action if necessary. Remember, if you find a wasp nest on your property, it’s always best to call a professional exterminator to remove it safely.