Paper Wasps Nest Under Stairs in Jackson, NJ
Challenge
A new residential client in Jackson, NJ contacted Cowleys saying that her children kept getting stung by wasps in her backyard. Upon arrival, I began my inspection in the backyard and noticed a high activity of wasps flying near the porch. I took a closer look and discovered a paper wasps nest on the underside of one of the steps.
Paper wasps get their name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests. They are sometimes called umbrella wasps, after the shape of their distinctive nests and often build nests in residential yards. Their body shape is similar to that of yellowjackets but is slightly slimmer with a thin “waist,” six long legs, and an almost triangular side view. Each of their nests has open, uncovered cells where the eggs are laid. Paper wasps aren’t aggressive unless they are disturbed or their nest is threatened.
Solution
The most effective treatment was to apply a knockdown aerosol application directly to the nest. Once this application is applied the paper wasps are immediately eliminated. In order to prevent any injury to myself or the homeowner, I attached the aerosol application to my extendable pole and treated the nest from a distance. Once all the wasps were gone I used a scraper to remove the nest from under the stairs. After the nest was removed, I treated the area with a residual product, so the wasps would not want to rebuild the nest at the same site. Another satisfied and relieved customer of Cowleys!
