Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
With cooler temperatures and shorter days, residents of Nashville and Middle Tennessee know that fall has arrived—and with it, the chillier weather isn’t far behind. Even though summer is officially over, it’s important to remember that wasps remain active during the fall and can still become a problem in or around your home.
In our region, several types of wasps can be seen, each with subtle differences in appearance and behavior. Knowing how to identify these stinging insects and understanding their nesting habits can help keep you safe from painful stings throughout the fall and beyond.
Common Wasps in Tennessee
- Yellow Jackets – Yellow jackets typically measure between 17 and 18 millimeters long. They are black with bright yellow markings and build nests in vegetation as well as on houses, sheds, and garages. Some nests may also be found underground. Yellow jackets are very common and are known to follow people, though not necessarily with the intent to sting. Because their colonies can grow quite large, having a nest near your home can be dangerous. Queens often survive through the winter, and sometimes entire colonies do as well.
- Red Paper Wasps – The red paper wasp is one of the most common—and most aggressive—wasps in Middle Tennessee. They range from about ¾ inch to 1 inch long. These narrow-waisted wasps have reddish-brown to dark red or orange coloring. They are famous for building papery nests that hang down and resemble an upside-down umbrella. You’re most likely to find these nests in sheltered areas like the eaves of your home or garage, overhangs, light fixtures, inside dwellings, or in tree branches.
Stay Safe This Fall
If you encounter yellow jackets or paper wasps around your home, garage, shed, or garden in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or surrounding areas, it’s best to avoid disturbing them. Wasps can become aggressive, especially when protecting their nests.
If you suspect wasps are nesting near or on your property, or if you’re seeing increased wasp activity, it’s a good idea to have the situation evaluated and treated by experienced pest control professionals.
Need Help With Wasps?
Ameri Care Services Pest Control offers effective, safe solutions to manage wasps and other stinging insects in homes throughout Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the surrounding areas. Our expert team can help identify nests and provide treatment options to keep you and your family safe this fall and year-round.
Get started with one of our pest control programs today — protecting your home is just a step away.