Wasp & Hornet Removal — GTA

Wasp Removal GTA — Hornet & Wasp Nest Removal | AstraHive

Safe, professional wasp and hornet nest removal across the GTA. Don’t risk a sting — let our licensed technicians handle it.

📞 Call 905-925-8427 Free Consultation

Wasp and Hornet Species in the GTA

Yellowjackets (Vespula spp.): The most common and aggressive wasp in Ontario. Black and yellow, 12–16mm. Build paper nests in wall voids, attic spaces, underground burrows, and eavestroughs. Colonies reach 4,000–5,000 workers by late summer. Will sting repeatedly when the nest is disturbed.

Baldfaced Hornets (Dolichovespula maculata): Larger (18–20mm), black and white. Build distinctive football-shaped paper nests in trees, shrubs, and under eaves. Extremely aggressive when disturbed.

Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.): Slender, 16–20mm, brown with yellow markings. Build small open-celled umbrella nests under eaves, decks, and window frames. Less aggressive but will sting if threatened.

Signs of a wasp problem

Visible nest on or near your home
High wasp traffic in and out of a specific gap, crack, or eavestrough area
Wasps entering and exiting a gap in siding or roofline
Chewing sounds in walls (yellowjackets chew through drywall to expand nests)

Why Wasp Nests Are a Serious Problem

Sting risk and allergic reactions: Wasps sting repeatedly. A disturbed yellowjacket nest can trigger dozens of stings at once. For the 1–7% of the population with venom hypersensitivity, a sting can cause anaphylaxis — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate epinephrine and hospital care.

Colonies grow all summer: A queen starts alone in spring. By August a yellowjacket colony may have thousands of workers and be highly defensive. A nest that seems small in May becomes a major hazard by August. Do not wait.

Structural damage: Yellowjackets nesting in wall voids chew through drywall and insulation to expand their nest. Late-season nests can grow to basketball size or larger inside walls.

Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Wasp Nest Removal

Consumer sprays do not penetrate enclosed nests. A can of spray reaches the entrance but not the queen or workers deep inside wall voids or underground nests.
Underground nests are especially dangerous. You may not see the nest before you disturb it. Mowing near an underground yellowjacket nest is a common cause of mass stinging incidents in the GTA.
Wasps in walls require expert treatment. Spraying the entrance without treating the void can force wasps through drywall into living spaces.
Timing is critical. Incorrect removal timing leaves surviving foragers aggressively searching your property with no nest to return to.

How AstraHive Removes Wasp Nests — Step by Step

Assessment — we identify the species, nest size, location, and safest treatment approach for your specific situation.
Protective preparation — we suit up with professional-grade protective equipment and ask residents to remain indoors during treatment.
Treatment application — professional-grade insecticidal dust or liquid applied directly into the nest or entrance. Dust treatments are highly effective for enclosed nests — workers carry the product throughout the nest. Colony typically eliminated within 24–48 hours.
Nest removal — after the colony is eliminated, the physical nest is removed where safely accessible to prevent odour and discourage re-nesting the following season.
Prevention advice — we advise on sealing access points and reducing wasp attractants to lower the chance of re-nesting in the same location next season.

What to Expect After Treatment

Forager wasps that were away during treatment will return and find no living colony — they will disperse within 24–48 hours.
The colony should be fully eliminated within 24–48 hours of treatment.
Avoid the treatment area for 2–4 hours as directed by your technician.
Do not block the nest entrance immediately after treatment — wasps need to carry the insecticide back into the nest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wasp nest removal cost in the GTA?

Standard accessible nest removal ranges $150–$200. Underground nests, wall void nests, or large hornet nests may be higher based on complexity and access. Call 905-925-8427 for a free consultation.

When is wasp season in the GTA?

Wasp colonies activate in May, grow through June and July, and reach peak size and aggression in August and September. Treat early — a small May nest becomes a major hazard by August.

Will the same nest come back next year?

Wasps do not reuse old nests. However, the same attractive location will draw new queens the following spring. We advise on sealing access points to reduce the chance of re-nesting in the same spot.

What if the nest is inside my walls?

Wall void nests are treated with insecticidal dust applied through the nest entrance or a small access hole — no need to open walls. The dust permeates the void and is carried throughout the nest by workers.

Is it safe to be home during treatment?

Yes, with precautions. All people and pets remain indoors and away from the treatment area. Our technician gives you specific instructions. Most treatments take 20–45 minutes.