Paper wasps under the eaves, yellow jackets in the lawn, bald-faced hornets swinging from a tree — Durham summers turn stinging insects into a real backyard hazard, especially for kids, pets, and anyone with sting allergies. Castle Exterminators identifies the species, removes the nest safely (usually at dusk when the colony is inactive), and treats the area so it does not become a hotspot again next season.
Common signs you need help
- Umbrella-shaped paper nest under eaves, decks, or porch ceilings (paper wasps)
- Large grey football-shaped nest hanging in a tree or on the building (bald-faced hornets)
- Stinging insects darting in and out of a hole in the ground or wall void (yellow jackets)
- Steady traffic of wasps around a specific eave, soffit, or attic vent
- Aggressive stings around outdoor food, drinks, or trash cans in late summer
How Castle Exterminators handles it
Species ID + risk assessment
Paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets each behave very differently. We identify the species, locate the nest, and assess sting risk before recommending an approach — DIY hardware-store sprays scatter the colony and multiply the danger.
Dusk treatment & nest removal
We treat at dusk when the entire colony is home and inactive, using professional-grade formulations and full PPE. Accessible nests are physically removed after the colony is neutralized so scavengers and future queens are not attracted back.
Residual perimeter barrier
A targeted perimeter treatment on eaves, soffits, and common nesting zones discourages new queens from starting a fresh nest — critical because a mature colony can grow from a single spring queen to thousands of workers by August.
Frequently asked questions
Should I try to knock the nest down myself?
No — please do not. Paper wasps sting when threatened, yellow jackets and hornets sting aggressively and repeatedly, and disturbed colonies can release swarms that will chase and re-sting. If anyone in your household has a sting allergy, this is a medical-risk situation. Call us first.
How fast can you come out?
Wasp and hornet calls are prioritized. Most Durham homes are treated the same day or next business day, and the appointment itself takes 30–60 minutes.
What about honey bees?
We do not treat honey bees. If you have a honey bee swarm or hive, we will refer you to a local Durham beekeeper who can safely relocate the colony at no cost.