Which Wasps Are Most Aggressive?

There are over 30,000 species of wasps. These stinging insects, like bees, belong to the Hymenoptera family. You’re likely to come across them during daylight hours in the summer and early fall months.  

What makes wasps particularly dangerous is that unlike a bee, which can only sting you once, a female wasp has the ability to sting you several times, while the male wasp bites. 

The most common types of wasps found in Canada are yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets. Unfortunately, these wasps also happen to some of the most aggressive of the species. If you need help call our wasp removal Toronto services.

The 3 Most Aggressive Wasps

1. Yellow Jacket

The yellow jacket is probably one of the most common types of wasps. In North America, there are around 16 types of species. They are also often mistaken for bees due to being similar in size, however, they have a brighter yellow pattern with shiny black bodies.

Like most insects, they are social creatures, with their colonies reaching up to 5,000 workers during peak season. You’re likely to find their nests in trees, close to roof gutters, shrubs, or even under awnings on your property.

Yellow jackets are naturally very territorial and will become aggressive and sting multiple times when they feel that their nest is threatened. Because they’re attracted to sweet items like sugary drinks, they’re commonly found invading outdoor events such as picnics or barbecues, where sugary items can easily be found. 

2. Cicada Killer Wasp

This type of wasp gets its name from the fact that it hunts and eats cicada. It is also considerably larger than most wasps as it can grow up to about two inches long. The aggression with these wasps comes particularly from the male cicada killer wasp. They become highly aggressive during mating season and are easily triggered. 

3. Paper Wasp

The paper wasp is most commonly found during the spring, summer, and fall months. They are considerably smaller than the cicada killer wasp as they grow to be about one inch in length. They are identifiable by their reddish-brown frame with yellow rings around. 

Paper wasps are dangerous because, like the yellow jacket, they are capable of stinging multiple times. What’s also most intriguing about them is how they’re able to call their fellow colony members, using alarm pheromones, to assist them in protecting the nest against someone they deem to be a threat.

Hornet VS Wasp

Hornets and wasps are often mistaken for each other, but there are some small differences. Hornets are larger than wasps and have black and white wings. Wasp wings are black and yellow. The bald-faced hornet is the most common species in Canada and can be identified by its black and white appearance. Adults usually measure 19mm in length.  

With regards to behaviour, hornets are known to be less aggressive than wasps. It is best that you do not provoke these insects, however. Wasps and hornets are very similar to each other, and they may sting you when they feel threatened. Hornet stings are usually more painful. Best to stay away and take preventative measures to avoid a nest.

How Should You Handle a Wasp Infestation?

As we’ve already highlighted, wasps can be very dangerous insects. Trying to get rid of them yourself is not advised. If you suspect that wasps have made a nest for themselves on your property, the safest option you have is to contact our pest control Toronto company. They will be able to bring a skilled professional to assess the infestation, determine the type of wasps, and then quickly and efficiently remove their nest from your property before any stinging occurs.