Stinging Insect Exterminator in Pittsburgh and Surrounding Areas
Bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets are two of the most aggressive stinging insects homeowners deal with here in the Pittsburgh area, and unlike a lot of pests, they don't wait for you to find them. A nest tucked under your deck or in a tree line can go unnoticed until someone gets stung, and both species will defend their territory hard if they feel threatened. If you've spotted increased activity around your home or found a nest, our team at Witt can help you deal with it safely, so you and your family can enjoy your yard again without watching every step.
We treat all of the common stinging insects found throughout Western PA, including:
- Yellow Jackets
- Bald-Faced Hornets
- Paper Wasps
- European Hornets
- Mud Daubers
- Cicada Killer Wasps
Every stinging insect service is backed by TopCareâ„¢, our promise of Total Ongoing Protection. As a family-owned business serving Western PA for over 118 years, we know how to identify what you're dealing with and handle it the right way the first time. Our team is QualityPro Certified, so you can trust that the people treating your property are trained, careful, and take your family's safety as seriously as you do.
How We Handle Your Stinging Insect Problem
When you call our exterminators for a stinging insect problem, we start by figuring out exactly what we're dealing with before we treat anything. Nest location, species, and how close it is to where your family spends time all shape our approach, so here's what that process looks like:
- We'll inspect your property to locate any active nests and identify the species involved.
- We'll assess how close the nest is to high-traffic areas of your home and yard so we can prioritize your family's safety during treatment.
- Our team will use targeted treatment methods suited to the species and nest location to eliminate the colony.
- We'll take precautions to protect people, pets, and landscaping during the visit.
- After treatment, we'll check for any additional activity to confirm the issue has been resolved.
- You'll get a detailed service report by email so you know exactly what was done.
Why Choose Witt for Yellow Jacket & Hornet Removal?
Stinging insects aren't a pest you want to guess your way through. Bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets are territorial and will sting repeatedly when they feel provoked, which makes DIY removal risky, especially if the nest is in a hard-to-reach spot. With over 118 years serving Western PA, QualityPro Certification, and TopCareâ„¢ backing every visit, Witt Pest Management gives you a safer, more reliable way to get rid of a nest and keep it from coming back.
How We Treat Bald-Faced Hornets, Yellow Jackets, & Wasps
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets build large, football-shaped paper nests in trees, shrubs, and along roof eaves. They're one of the more aggressive stinging insects in Western PA and will defend their nest as a group if they feel it's threatened, which is what makes DIY removal risky.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets often nest underground, in wall voids, or inside other hidden cavities, which makes them easy to disturb without warning. Activity tends to ramp up in late summer, and they're known for being especially protective of their colony.
Wasps
Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under porches, decks, and eaves. They're generally less aggressive than hornets or yellow jackets unless their nest is disturbed, but a nest near a doorway or patio is still a real risk to your family.
Get a free estimate and let our team handle it safely.
Get a Free EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a stinging insect problem instead of just a few bugs flying around?
If you're seeing repeated activity in the same spot, especially near your porch, eaves, deck, or a tree, there's likely a nest nearby. Increased aggression, especially if disturbed, is also a strong sign. If you're not sure what you're dealing with, we can identify the species and locate the nest for you.
Is it safe to remove a wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket nest myself?
We don't recommend it. Bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets in particular are known for defending their nest aggressively as a group, and a disturbed nest can lead to multiple stings very quickly. Professional removal keeps you and your family out of harm's way.
What should I do if I've already been stung and think there's a nest on my property?
If you're having a normal reaction, over-the-counter treatment is usually enough. If you're having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away. Once you're safe, avoid the area and give us a call so we can locate and handle the nest before anyone else gets stung.
What's the difference between wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets?
Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests and are generally the least aggressive of the three unless provoked. Bald-faced hornets build large, enclosed, football-shaped nests and are more defensive. Yellow jackets often nest underground or inside wall voids, which makes them easy to disturb without warning.
When are wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets most active in Western PA?
Activity typically builds through the summer and peaks in late summer and early fall, especially for yellow jackets. Nests that started small in the spring can grow large by the time they're noticed.
Spotted Lantern Fly Treatment Service Area
Witt Pest Management has been providing the best spotted lantern fly treatment in Pittsburgh since 1908. We’re proud to help our neighbors achieve pest-free homes and can’t wait to help you! We also service the following areas in Western Pennsylvania; see what residential pest control services we offer in a city near you.
Allegheny County
Armstrong County
Butler County
Washington County
Westmoreland County
