Florida’s sunshine and warm climate make it a paradise for people, but it is also ideal for wasps. From buzzing paper wasps under eaves to aggressive yellowjackets near trash cans, these stinging insects thrive across Brevard County and beyond. While some species play a role in controlling garden pests, their painful stings and tendency to nest near homes make them one of the most dreaded backyard invaders.
This guide covers the most common wasps you will encounter in Florida, how to identify them, what makes them dangerous, and how to protect your family from stings and infestations.
The Most Common Wasps in Florida
Here are five common types of wasps you’re most likely to encounter in Brevard County and beyond… plus tips on coexisting with them safely.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are among the most common wasps seen around Florida homes. They are named for the papery nests they build, often under eaves, porch ceilings, and other sheltered spots. Their nests look like upside down umbrellas with exposed cells, often no bigger than a hand.
Paper wasps are usually brown with yellow or reddish markings. Their slender bodies and long legs set them apart from bulkier species. Although less aggressive than yellowjackets, they will defend their nests if disturbed, and their sting is painful.
Risk: Their nests are often built close to people’s daily activities, which raises the chance of accidental contact. Children and pets playing near porches are especially at risk.
Yellowjackets
If there is one wasp Floridians dread, it is the yellowjacket. These wasps are short, stocky, and bright yellow and black. Unlike paper wasps, they usually nest underground, in wall voids, or inside structures. Because of this, people often do not realize a nest is nearby until it is too late.
Yellowjackets are extremely aggressive. They can sting repeatedly, and they swarm in large numbers to defend their colonies. Their stings are painful and can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Risk: Because nests are hidden, people often stumble into them while mowing lawns, gardening, or even walking across the yard. Multiple stings are common in these encounter
Cicada Killers
Cicada killers look frightening because of their massive size, up to two inches long, but they are far less dangerous than they appear. These solitary wasps dig burrows in sandy soil, often in yards, sidewalks, or playgrounds.
As their name suggests, cicada killers hunt cicadas, paralyzing them and dragging them into their burrows to feed their larvae. Males cannot sting at all, and females rarely sting unless handled directly.
Risk: They are mostly a nuisance because of their burrows and intimidating appearance. However, multiple burrows can make lawns unsightly, and their size can frighten children and pets.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Despite the name, bald faced hornets are actually a type of yellowjacket. They are larger than typical yellowjackets and are easily recognized by their black bodies with striking white markings on the face and thorax.
Bald faced hornets build large, gray, football shaped nests high in trees, shrubs, or under roof overhangs. These nests can contain hundreds of workers by late summer. Bald faced hornets are very aggressive in defending their colonies and can deliver multiple painful stings.
Risk: Their aerial nests are often highly visible, but their aggressive defense makes approaching one dangerous. Even vibrations from a lawnmower can provoke an attack.
European Hornets
European hornets are another large wasp species in Florida, measuring up to 1.5 inches long. They are brown with yellow markings and are often mistaken for giant yellowjackets. These hornets prefer to nest in hollow trees, attics, or wall voids.
Unlike some wasps, European hornets are active at night, which increases the risk of accidental encounters. They are drawn to porch lights and windows, which can bring them uncomfortably close to people.
Risk: Their size alone is intimidating, and their sting is powerful. Because they are nocturnal, people may not realize they have a nest nearby until they notice large wasps circling outdoor lights.
Understanding Wasp Behavior and Aggression
Each wasp species behaves differently, but they all share one thing: the ability to sting. Paper wasps and cicada killers are less aggressive, but their stings still hurt. Yellowjackets, bald faced hornets, and European hornets are much more aggressive and are known to attack in swarms.
Wasps can sting multiple times, unlike bees. Their venom causes sharp, burning pain, redness, and swelling. For most people, the reaction fades within a few hours or days, but allergic individuals can experience life threatening reactions.
Besides the species, there are two key factors that tend to make wasps more aggressive:
- Seasonal Aggression: The summer heat doesn’t just make your neighbors grumpy. Yellowjackets often exhibit increased aggression from late summer to early fall. This period coincides with their colony’s growth and the need for more resources.
- Nest Disruption: Hornets and wasps may become disoriented and search for new locations if their nests are removed. This behavior underscores the importance of professional removal to prevent follow-up attacks. You never know when you leave angry survivors behind after you take a wasp nest down!
How to Stay Safe Around Wasps in Florida
First Aid After a Wasp Sting
If you are stung by a wasp, immediate care can reduce pain and swelling. Wash the site with soap and water, apply a cold pack, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. Antihistamines help with itching, while hydrocortisone cream can soothe irritation.
Call a doctor if you experience:
- Severe swelling that spreads beyond the sting site
- Signs of infection such as redness, pus, or fever
- Multiple stings on the face or neck
- Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or hives
Any signs of a systemic allergic reaction are a medical emergency.
Preventing Wasps Around Your Home
Preventing wasps is often easier than dealing with them after they have nested. Here are key strategies for homeowners in Florida:
- Keep garbage cans sealed and food covered outdoors.
- Trim shrubs and trees near your home where aerial nests may form.
- Seal cracks and entry points in walls, attics, and eaves.
- Avoid leaving sugary drinks or meat scraps outside.
- Inspect your property regularly for early signs of nests.
Early detection is critical. A small nest is far easier to deal with than a colony of hundreds by late summer.
Myths and Misconceptions About Wasps
Not everything you hear about wasps is true. Let’s clear up a few common myths:
- Myth: All wasps are aggressive. In reality, species like cicada killers are mostly non aggressive.
- Myth: Wasp nests can be safely removed with a can of spray. DIY attempts often make the problem worse by provoking swarms.
- Myth: Wasps die after stinging. Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly.
How Orange Pest Control Can Help
At Orange Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective wasp control throughout Brevard County. Our technicians know how to:
- Identify wasp species and nesting sites
- Remove nests with proven methods
- Provide guidance to make your property less attractive to wasps
- Ensure your family and pets can enjoy outdoor spaces safely
Florida’s warm climate means wasps are here to stay, but that does not mean you have to live with the threat of painful stings in your own backyard. By learning to recognize common species, understanding their behavior, and taking preventive steps, you can reduce the risks. If you suspect wasps are nesting near your home, do not put yourself in danger with DIY removal. Contact Orange Pest Control today for safe, effective solutions and the peace of mind that comes with a wasp free yard.
Did You Know?
The paper wasp nest, shaped like an inverted umbrella, is a fascinating engineering feat. A single comb can host up to 250 wasps, with eggs laid in individual cells. Once they hatch, larvae are fed primarily with small insects like caterpillars.
FAQ
How can I prevent wasps from nesting around my home?
To deter wasps in Florida from building nests, regularly inspect and remove potential nesting spots like eaves, porch ceilings, and dense shrubs. Seal trash bins tightly and avoid leaving sugary drinks outdoors, as they attract certain species like yellowjackets.
Are wasps beneficial to the environment?
Absolutely! Wasps like paper wasps and mud daubers help control pest populations by feeding on insects. Cicada killer wasps also serve a crucial role in the food chain.
Which wasps are the most dangerous in Florida?
Yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets are the most aggressive, capable of stinging repeatedly when provoked. Exercise caution and stay away from their nests.