What’s all the buzz?
How to deal with wasp and hornet nests
Wondering what to do if you see a wasp or hornet nest? While these insects benefit our ecosystems by controlling insect populations, they can become aggressive when their food supply diminishes. Managing their nests can be dangerous, so the City of Vaughan is providing resources on what to do if you notice a nest on public or private property.
Public property
You can report a nest on public property through Service Vaughan. City contractors will conduct an inspection once the report is received. If the nest is deemed to be a safety concern, it will be sprayed. Once sprayed, the nest will eventually fall on its own, usually within one week. The wasps and hornets will leave the nest area once it has been sprayed and will not return.
If City contractors inspect the nest and it turns out to be a bee’s nest, it will not be sprayed. Bees are a protected species as per the Government of Canada. By law, the spraying of bees is not permitted.
Private property
For nests on private property, the City recommends hiring a licensed landscape pest exterminator. They are professionally trained to handle and remove nests in a safe and efficient manner. You can also consult your local garden centre.
Here are measures you can take to avoid having wasps create a nest on your property:
Ensure garbage bags are tied up and cans have lids. Also, pay attention to recycling bins – wasps are attracted to the sugar in pop and juice.
Keep waste storage areas clean.
When eating outdoors, keep food containers closed and drinks covered. In late summer and early fall when food supplies are low, wasps scavenge for sweet-tasting food.
Seal any potential entry points, such as window cracks, doorframes and vents.
Wasps will seize any opportunity for food, so protecting your garbage by keeping it enclosed and the surrounding area clean is important.
For more information, visit vaughan.ca/forestry.
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