Spider Control
Web removal, treatment of harborage areas and fewer insects for spiders to feed on — usually part of recurring pest service.
Wasp and yellowjacket nest removal in Los Angeles
Paper wasps under the eaves and yellowjackets nesting in the ground or walls are common in Los Angeles yards, especially from late spring into fall. A nest near a doorway, play area or patio is worth dealing with — carefully. Before anything else, it’s important to know whether you’re looking at wasps or honey bees, because they’re handled very differently.
- Don't disturb an active nest
- Wasps and honey bees are handled differently
- Removal timing and method depend on nest location
- Hidden nests in walls or ground need extra care
Wasps, yellowjackets or honey bees?
| Feature | Paper wasps | Yellowjackets | Honey bees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Slender, long dangling legs, brown or yellow markings | Compact, bright yellow and black, shiny, fast | Fuzzy, golden-brown, rounder |
| Nest | Open, umbrella-shaped paper comb under eaves, railings, light fixtures | Enclosed paper nest, often hidden in the ground, walls, shrubs or attics | Wax comb, often inside walls, roofs, trees, meter boxes; or a temporary swarm cluster |
| Behavior | Defends nest if disturbed | Defends nest aggressively; scavenges food and drinks in late summer | Generally docile away from the hive; defends the colony |
If you’re not sure, stay back and describe what you see when you request service. A photo taken from a safe distance helps.
Safety first
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Don’t spray, block, flood, burn or knock down a nest. Yellowjackets in walls can chew through to the inside if their entrance is blocked.
- Avoid running lawn mowers or trimmers near ground nests.
- If someone has a severe reaction to a sting — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat — call 911.
How nest removal works
The technician assesses the species, nest size and location, then chooses a method. Exposed paper wasp nests can often be treated and removed in one visit. Yellowjacket nests hidden in the ground or in a wall void are typically treated at the entrance, sometimes with a return visit to confirm activity has stopped and to remove accessible nest material.
Timing matters: activity is lower in the early morning and evening, and treatment is often scheduled accordingly. Your provider will explain any precautions for the treated area.
If it’s honey bees
Honey bees are valuable pollinators, and they aren’t interchangeable with wasps. Options depend on the situation:
- A swarm — a cluster of bees hanging from a branch or fence — is often temporary and may move on within a day or two. Keep your distance.
- An established colony inside a wall, roof or meter box usually means opening the structure to remove the comb, because comb and honey left behind can attract pests and cause damage.
- Live removal and relocation by a beekeeper or bee removal specialist is sometimes possible, but not every colony can be relocated safely.
We don’t arrange live bee relocation through this website. For established colonies or swarms, contact a local beekeeping association or a bee removal specialist. The Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures also publishes guidance on bees.
Preventing nests
- Check eaves, railings, play structures and outdoor light fixtures in spring, when new nests are small.
- Seal gaps in siding, soffits, block walls and meter boxes.
- Keep trash bins and recycling closed; cover food and drinks outdoors in late summer.
- Pick up fallen fruit from citrus and other backyard trees.
Frequently asked questions
Should I knock down a small wasp nest myself?
We don't recommend disturbing any active nest. Even small nests can produce multiple stings, and it's easy to misidentify a yellowjacket or bee nest.
There are yellowjackets coming out of a hole in my wall. Should I seal it?
No. Sealing the entrance can force them to find another way out — sometimes into the house. Leave the entrance open and request service.
Will you kill honey bees?
Requests involving honey bees are directed toward beekeepers or bee removal specialists, who can assess whether live removal is possible.
When are wasps most active in Los Angeles?
Nests grow through spring and summer and are often largest in late summer and fall, when yellowjackets also start scavenging around food and trash.
Related services
Recurring Pest Control
Monthly, every-other-month or quarterly visits that keep ants, spiders, roaches and other everyday pests from coming back.
Mosquito Control
Private-property mosquito reduction: finding breeding sites, reducing standing water and targeted yard treatment.
Wasp & yellowjacket requests across Los Angeles
We accept requests from the City of Los Angeles and nearby Los Angeles County cities. Availability is confirmed for each address.
Request wasp or yellowjacket nest removal
Give us a call — we'll arrange an inspection and explain your options before any treatment.