Been buzzed lately?
If you’ve spent any time in the backyard lately and noticed a little too much buzzing near the porch or around the shed, you’re not alone. Wasps love Southern Utah just about as much as we do. And when summer rolls around, they show up in full force—especially around Cedar City.
For most homeowners over 50, the temptation is strong to grab a can of spray or knock down the nest with a broom. But here’s the thing—knocking down a wasp nest is like kicking a hornet’s nest, literally and figuratively. It can trigger an immediate and aggressive defense response from the colony. Even worse, if you knock it down without killing the queen, they’ll just rebuild—often in the exact same spot. Wasps are wired to protect their queen and territory, and disturbing the nest without proper treatment only makes them angrier and more dangerous.
Also, wasp nests are often larger than they appear from the outside. What you see might just be the tip of the iceberg, with dozens—or even hundreds—of wasps inside. Trying to handle it without protective gear and the right tools is a recipe for a bad day. Before you suit up in your Sunday work boots and a ballcap, here’s what you should know.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Wasp Removal
We get it. You’re handy. You’ve handled worse. But wasp nests are a different kind of trouble. Here’s why tackling them yourself can go sideways:
- They’re territorial and aggressive. Wasps won’t wait to see what you’re doing with that broom—they’ll attack. Paper wasps, yellow jackets, and bald-faced hornets all defend their nests fiercely, and many can sting over and over. A simple knock could send dozens into defense mode in seconds.
- Stings hurt, and they’re dangerous. Even if you’re not allergic, getting stung multiple times can cause severe swelling, pain, and potential infection. For those with allergies or asthma, it can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. Southern Utah emergency rooms see more than a few wasp-related visits each year.
- They build nests in tricky, hard-to-reach spots. Most nests aren’t at eye level. You’ll find them tucked under rooflines, buried in wall cavities, wedged in vents, or dangling from tree branches 15 feet up. That means climbing ladders while wielding a spray can—and that’s a recipe for falls, slips, and regret.
- You might make things worse. If you spray and miss the queen, she could abandon the nest and start over somewhere else on your property—or worse, inside your home. Wasps are survivors, and incomplete treatments just teach them to get sneakier next time.
A $30 can of spray might seem cheaper—until it isn’t. When you’re nursing a swollen arm and patching a wasp-sized hole in your screen door, that can feels a whole lot more expensive.
How the Pros at Newby’s Handle It (Step-by-Step)
Let us paint you a quick picture of what happens when you call Newby’s for a wasp nest problem.
First, one of our techs—let’s say it’s Mark—pulls up in a clearly marked truck, right on time. He’s local, friendly, and knows exactly what to look for. You walk him to the area where you’ve been hearing the buzzing or where you spotted the nest. Mark doesn’t just look at that one spot—he does a full scan around your property. Eaves, gutters, play sets, fence lines—anywhere wasps like to hide. He’s trained to identify different species and spot satellite nests you might not have even noticed.
Next, Mark suits up. Not just gloves and goggles, but full protective gear—because safety’s no joke. He mixes and applies a professional-grade solution designed specifically for the kind of wasps you’re dealing with. No over-the-counter guesswork—just precise, targeted treatment that works fast.
Then comes the removal. Mark treats the nest, waits for activity to stop, and removes it carefully if it’s safe to do so. He also cleans up the area, knocking down any other signs of wasp activity so they don’t come sniffing back.
Before he packs up, Mark walks you through some prevention tips—what to seal, what to keep an eye on, and how to avoid future infestations. He leaves you with peace of mind and zero buzzing overhead.
It’s fast, it’s safe, and it’s done right the first time. We’re in and out before you can say, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
Where Wasps Love to Nest in Southern Utah
Different towns have different trouble spots. Here’s what we see most often:
- Cedar City: Lots of wasp activity near rain gutters, attic vents, and under patio covers
- St. George: Backyard sheds and playgrounds are frequent hotspots
- Kanab: Eaves and fence lines near flowering plants attract them big time
- Beaver & Sevier Counties: Older barns and wood structures = prime real estate for nests
If you’ve had a nest before, odds are they’ll be back—unless it’s handled right.
How to Keep Wasps From Coming Back
A few smart steps can make a big difference:
- Seal cracks and gaps in your siding, vents, and soffits
- Keep food and trash sealed up, especially outdoors
- Limit sweet-smelling flowers and hummingbird feeders near seating areas
- Schedule seasonal pest inspections (that’s where we come in)
You don’t have to live with wasps every summer.
Did You Know?
- Wasps are pollinators too. Just like bees, many wasps help pollinate flowers and gardens. The trick is keeping them in nature—not in your attic.
- One nest can contain thousands of wasps. Especially late in the season. That’s a lot of buzzing neighbors.
- Queens can live for years. If not removed properly, nests can come back season after season.
- They mark you when you swat them. Seriously. Some wasps release a pheromone that tells the rest of the colony you’re a threat.
FAQs About Wasp Nest Removal
Q: How do I know if it’s a wasp or a hornet?
A: Hornets are a type of wasp, but they tend to be larger and more aggressive. Our techs can identify what you’re dealing with and treat accordingly.
Q: Is the treatment safe for kids and pets?
A: Absolutely. We use professional-grade products applied in a way that targets the nest without harming your family or pets.
Q: How long does removal take?
A: Most wasp nest removals take under an hour from start to finish. Bigger infestations might need a follow-up visit.
Q: Will they come back next year?
A: They can. But with proper removal, sealing, and prevention tips from our team, the odds are much lower.
Q: Do you service Cedar City year-round?
A: We sure do. Wasps may be seasonal, but we’re always here to help. Rain or shine, summer or fall.
Need Help? Just Call Newby’s.
We know Southern Utah because we’re from Southern Utah. Whether you’re in Cedar City, St. George, or somewhere in between, we’re ready to help you enjoy your home again—without the sting.
Local, professional, and easy to work with. Call or text Newby’s Pest Control today: (435) 586-7337 or Schedule online today!
