10 Places to Check for Wasp Nests Right Now

Your house’s eaves are a prime spot for wasp nests because they’re sheltered and provide protection from the elements. Inspecting your eaves can help you catch signs of nesting early before it becomes an infestation. When you clean your eaves, be vigilant about looking for nests to avoid injuries.

Shannon Harlow-Ellis, Associate Certified Entomologist at Mosquito Joe, says that the underside of porches and decks is another favorite spot for wasps. The dark, quiet space is perfect for them to build their nests unnoticed. It’s a good idea to do a thorough check in these areas before spending time outdoors at the beginning of the season.

Sheds and garages are often poorly sealed and insulated, allowing wasps to easily find entry points. Because these areas are less frequented, wasps can nest there undisturbed. Look in the corners, rafters, and other secluded areas for signs of wasps nesting. To prevent your storage spaces from becoming wasp havens, keep them clean and tidy so that you can easily identify nests.

If you don’t use your grill in the off-season, wasps can make it their new home by entering through small openings to build nests. Before firing up the barbecue, give it a thorough inspection by checking the interior and exterior of the grill to make sure it isn’t housing a nest. This way, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises when you start grilling in the spring.

“A few common places that homeowners should check for wasp nests are hollow trees, tree branches, bushes with a lot of foliage,” says Harlow-Ellis. Wasps love hollow trees and the trunks of cut-down trees because natural cavities provide the perfect shelter for their nests. Regularly inspecting your trees can help you identify and remove nests before they become a problem. Look for any holes or cavities in the trunks, and check the branches and foliage.

Some wasps build their nests in the ground. Harlow-Ellis explains, “A few surprising places homeowners should look are underground — depending on the type of wasp, homeowners can find nests in the ground by roots or where the ground is soft.” Pay attention to any holes in your yard because they could indicate an underground nest. Ground-dwelling wasps can be particularly aggressive when they’re disturbed, so be extra careful and consider professional help if you suspect there’s an underground nest on your property.

In order to protect your little ones from stings, be sure to regularly check their outdoor play equipment for wasp nests. Wasps may be drawn to the areas under slides, jungle gyms, and trampolines because they’re sheltered.

If you have an unused or rarely used vehicle on your property, check it for wasp nests. These pests can enter through small openings and build nests in the engine compartments, wheel wells, and hidden compartments of cars, boats, and RVs. If a vehicle has been stationary for a long time, inspect it before using it again.

If you have firewood stacked near your home, it could be a prime place for wasps to hide and nest. The sheltered and shaded environment of the woodpile can be particularly appealing. Make sure to carefully check between logs before moving the wood to avoid inadvertently disturbing a nest.

Patio furniture can have lots of nooks and crannies that are appealing to wasps, especially in umbrellas and between seat cushions. At the beginning of the season be sure to inspect your outdoor furniture to make sure no wasps have nested there during the colder months. Look under each piece of furniture as well as in the frames of chairs and tables before you settle in to relax.