Yellowjacket & Hornet Nest Removal

At Southern Wildlife Management, we offer professional hornet, yellowjacket, and wasp control services designed to eliminate stinging insect infestations quickly and affordably across North Georgia. Hornet and wasp removal is one of our most requested pest control services during the warmer months, especially when nests are found near high-traffic areas like porches, decks, eaves, or play spaces. Whether you’re dealing with aggressive yellowjackets nesting underground or hornets constructing aerial paper hives, our expert technicians provide fast-response wasp extermination tailored to your specific situation. We aim for same-day or next-day service in most cases, and in many situations, we can eliminate the threat even if you’re not home—making this one of our most convenient and effective pest solutions.

Our yellowjacket and wasp extermination service is highly flexible, offering both pesticide-free nest removal and traditional pest control treatments depending on your needs & access to the hive! Physical nest removal is the most thorough and complete method, ideal for clients preferring a chemical-free option or needing immediate peace of mind. However, this method can take longer and may cost more due to labor intensity. For faster and more budget-friendly wasp control, we also offer targeted pesticide applications that work over 24–48 hours to shut down activity quickly. In many cases—especially with in-wall nests or hidden cavities—we combine both approaches to ensure returning workers are also eliminated, providing long-lasting relief and effective stinging insect control.

✅ Swift & Effective Hornet and Wasp Solutions

We safely remove nests and can apply targeted pesticide treatments—either alone or in combination—for maximum impact.

✅ Prompt Response Times

We often offer same-day service for hornet and wasp issues, reducing risk and restoring peace of mind quickly.

✅ Hassle-Free Service

Most treatments can be performed entirely from the outside, so there’s no need to disrupt your day or be on-site.

✅ Cost-Conscious Without Cutting Corners

Because these jobs are typically resolved in one visit, we keep our pricing competitive while maintaining top-quality service.

✅ Flexible Treatment Options

Prefer a chemical-free approach? We can skip pesticides and still remove the hive effectively—just let us know your preference.

The hunters that were out while we removed or treated the hive may return to the area temporarily. They may even appear to be rebuilding the hive – there is no Queen, no future HOPE! They’ll either move on after a couple of days or die off. Either way, they will not remain a problem.

• Appearance: Large, black-and-white hornet with a mostly white face and a robust body.
• Habitat: Builds large, paper-like nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves of houses. Nests can be found in both wooded and suburban areas.
• Danger: Known for being aggressive when their nest is disturbed. Their stings are painful, and they can sting multiple times. They may also spray venom into the eyes of perceived threats, causing temporary blindness or irritation.

• Appearance: Large, with reddish-brown and yellow markings on the body. Larger than most wasps, with a distinct, intimidating presence.
• Habitat: Nests are often built in hollow trees, wall voids, attics, and sheds. They prefer areas close to human dwellings.
• Danger: While not as aggressive as bald-faced hornets, they will defend their nests fiercely. Their sting is painful, and their large size can make them intimidating. They are also known to damage trees by stripping bark to feed on sap.

• Appearance: Black and yellow, with a smooth, compact body. Often confused with bees, but they have fewer hairs and more defined black and yellow bands.
• Habitat: Often build underground nests, but may also nest in wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces. They are attracted to sugary foods and garbage.
• Danger: Highly aggressive, especially in late summer and fall when food becomes scarce. They can sting multiple times and are known to attack in swarms if their nest is disturbed. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions.

• Appearance: Slender, with reddish-brown, yellow, or black markings. Known for their long legs that dangle during flight.
• Habitat: Builds small, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, in attics, or in trees and shrubs. Their nests are made from chewed wood and saliva.
• Danger: Less aggressive than yellow jackets and hornets, but will defend their nests if threatened. Their sting is painful but they generally do not attack unless provoked.

• Appearance: Very large, with black and yellow bodies, often mistaken for hornets due to their size. Can grow up to 2 inches long.
• Habitat: Nests in the ground, often in sandy or loose soil. Their burrows can be found in gardens, lawns, and flower beds.
• Danger: Not aggressive and rarely sting humans unless directly handled. Their size can be intimidating, but they primarily focus on hunting cicadas to feed their larvae. Their burrowing can disrupt gardens and lawns.

• Appearance: Large, with reddish-brown bodies and some black markings. Slender with long wings.
• Habitat: Builds nests in protected areas like attics, sheds, or under eaves. Nests are typically made of paper and have open cells.
• Danger: Can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed. Their sting is painful and can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They are more likely to sting in defense of their nest.

• Appearance: Slender, with a distinct “thread-waisted” body, often black or black and yellow. They have long, narrow waists and are less aggressive in appearance than other wasps.
• Habitat: Builds mud nests on the sides of buildings, under eaves, or in sheltered areas like garages and barns. Their nests are made of small, tube-like mud structures.
• Danger: Not aggressive and rarely sting. They are solitary wasps, meaning they do not defend their nests like social wasps or hornets. However, their mud nests can be unsightly and difficult to remove.

• Appearance: Similar to other yellow jackets, with black and yellow markings and a smooth, compact body.
• Habitat: Builds large underground nests or nests in wall voids, attics, or other sheltered areas. Nests can grow to be massive, housing thousands of wasps.
• Danger: Extremely aggressive, especially when food is scarce or their nest is disturbed. They are capable of stinging multiple times and will defend their nest vigorously. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions.

• Appearance: Medium-sized wasp with yellow and brown or black markings. Slender with long legs that hang in flight.
• Habitat: Builds small, open-celled nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves. Their nests are usually smaller than those of other paper wasps.
• Danger: Not overly aggressive but will defend their nest if threatened. Their sting is painful, though they are less likely to sting than yellow jackets or hornets.

Q) How do professionals get rid of wasps?
A) It depends on the hive and the location. Mostly pesticides, but other times we do a complete removal.

Q) Can I remove a wasp’s nest myself?
A) Absolutely. Many people do. Professionals are called in when a hive removal isn’t desirable or the homeowner lacks the motivation to DIY.

Q) What makes wasps go away?
A) Human Intervention! Pesticides or completely destruction of the hive.

Q) What is the fastest way to get rid of wasps?
A) Pesticide application or removal of the hornet nest or hive.

Q) How do you get rid of wasps when you can find the nest?
A) When you can find them, it is easy. Either spray the hornets nest with pesticides or remove the hive completely. Home Depot type stores sell hornet spray which propels the pesticides a FAR distance.

Q) Will wasps come back after you’ve sprayed the nest?
A) Generally, if the nest is thoroughly treated with insecticides, wasps should not return to the same nest. However, if any wasps survive or if the nest is not completely destroyed, there is a possibility of them returning or rebuilding in the area.

Q) What smell do wasps hate?
A) Supposedly Wasps dislike various strong scents, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella. Using these scents around your home are supposed to help deter wasps.

Q) What kills wasps instantly DIY?
A) Besides Hornet Spray? We’ve seen on google that a solution of soap and water can kill wasps on contact. The soap clogs their breathing pores, causing them to suffocate.

Q) What is the best killer for wasps?
A) The best wasp killer is a commercially prepared insecticide specifically designed for wasps and hornets. Look for products labeled for use against these pests and follow the instructions closely.

Q) Will WD-40 get rid of wasps?
A) While WD-40 can kill wasps by suffocating them, it is not recommended as a long-term solution for wasp control. It’s better to use products specifically designed for pest control.

Q) How long do wasps remember you?
A) We have not been able to get a straight answer from them directly so we have had to resort to researching this. Supposedly wasps have a limited memory for individual faces and are unlikely to remember a person over long periods. Their aggressive behavior is more instinctual than personal. Thank goodness or none of us at Southern Wildlife would still be alive after 15 years of destroying hives.

Q) Can I spray Raid on a wasp nest?
A) Yes, Raid and similar insecticides can be used on wasp nests. It is important to use the product according to the label instructions and take precautions to avoid stings. However, Raid does not have the jet spray like spray designed for hornet and wasp nests.

Q) Does leaving old wasp nests deter wasps?
A) Leaving an old, inactive wasp nest in place can sometimes deter new nests, but this is not a reliable method for wasp control. It’s better to remove old nests and take preventive measures. However, we’ve heard that Bald Faced Hornets are hyper-territorial and if they see a hive they won’t build one within eye-shot. We have personally removed two active hives on the same section of a home. So with pests & wildlife you can never say never.

Q) What time should I spray my wasp nest?
A) The best time to spray a wasp nest is in the evening or early morning when wasps are less active. This reduces the risk of being stung.

Q) How do I stop wasps from returning?
A) Prevent wasps from returning by sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using wasp deterrents around your property.

Q) What time of day are wasps most aggressive?
A) Wasps can be more aggressive during the day, especially in hot weather or when their nest is disturbed. They are less active and aggressive during cooler parts of the day.

Q) What happens to wasps after a nest is destroyed?
A) After a nest is destroyed, surviving wasps may attempt to rebuild in the area. It’s important to monitor for new nest construction and take preventive measures.

Q) Should you knock down a wasp nest or spray it?
A) Spraying a wasp nest with an appropriate insecticide is generally safer and more effective than knocking it down. If you choose to knock down a nest, do so with great caution and protective gear. Destroy the hive when it is down or they will just rebuild.

For professional assistance with hornet nest removal or any wildlife and pest control needs, you can reach out to Southern Wildlife Management at (678)935-5900 for expert help.