WASP EXTERMINATOR - MONTREAL & SOUTH SHORE

Activity
Wasps are most active during warmer months, with their presence becoming more noticeable from late spring through early autumn. Their behavior is strongly influenced by temperature and sunlight, and they tend to be particularly aggressive in late summer when food becomes scarce and colony defense intensifies. Unlike ants, most wasps are diurnal, spending the day foraging for food and returning to their nests at dusk. In regions like Quebec, wasp activity slows dramatically once cooler weather sets in, often disappearing entirely with the first frost.

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Diet
Wasps are not picky eaters. Many species are predators, feeding on other insects such as caterpillars, flies, and spiders, which makes them helpful in controlling certain pests. Others are drawn to sweet substances like ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and nectar. During the height of summer, they may scavenge from garbage bins or picnic tables, attracted by both protein and sugar. Adult wasps often seek out sweet liquids, while larvae inside the nest are fed protein-based meals brought back by the workers.

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Size
The size of wasps varies widely depending on the species. Most common wasps measure between 10 and 25 millimeters in length. Yellowjackets and paper wasps, for example, are medium-sized and fast-moving, while larger species like hornets can reach up to 30 millimeters. Queens are typically larger than the worker wasps and play a key role in establishing and expanding the nest during the warmer season.

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Habitat in Quebec
Wasps thrive in both natural and urban settings across Quebec. They often build nests in areas that provide warmth, shelter, and access to food.

Inside buildings: Wasps may enter attics, wall voids, sheds, or garages, especially if entry points like vents or small cracks are present. Once inside, they can become highly territorial, especially if their nest is disturbed. Indoor nests are often hidden and harder to detect until the wasps become a visible problem.

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Outside structures

Wasps often build nests under eaves, in shrubs, trees, or attached to the underside of decks and balconies. Some create suspended nests in open spaces, while others prefer concealed spots like hollow tree trunks or abandoned burrows. Yellowjackets may also build underground nests that are difficult to detect until disturbed.

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Nest Preferences

Different species choose different nesting materials and locations. Paper wasps create open-comb nests shaped like umbrellas, while hornets form large enclosed nests with a papery outer shell. These nests are made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. The location of the nest can determine how aggressive the colony becomes.

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Common Wasps in the Montreal Area

Yellowjackets (Vespula spp.): These wasps are highly aggressive and known for their painful stings. They are frequently seen around garbage cans, sugary drinks, and outdoor gatherings. Yellowjackets are fast to defend their nests and may sting multiple times when provoked.

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Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.): Paper wasps are slimmer and less aggressive but will still sting if their nest is disturbed. Their nests are typically built under overhangs or on the sides of buildings. They are beneficial predators in gardens but pose risks when nesting close to people.

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Bald-Faced Hornets (Dolichovespula maculata): Despite the name, these are a type of yellowjacket. They build large aerial nests and are extremely protective. Their stings are powerful and often occur in swarms if the nest is threatened.

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Wasps can be difficult to manage once a nest is established. Their ability to build in hidden or high places, combined with their defensive nature, makes professional removal essential in many cases. Prevention and early detection are the most effective strategies to reduce the risk of wasp infestations.