Wasp and Hornet Removal in Long Island and Queens: Safe, Professional Service

Stinging Insects on Long Island: When to Call a Professional

Wasps and hornets are among the most dangerous pests on Long Island and in Queens — not because they're uncommon, but because homeowners too often attempt to remove nests themselves and end up with painful, sometimes dangerous stings. In the August–September peak season, a mature yellow jacket colony may contain 4,000–5,000 workers. Disturbing an established nest without proper protective equipment and treatment can result in a mass sting event.

Quest Pest Control removes wasp and hornet nests safely across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens. Here's what you need to know about the stinging insects you'll encounter in our region.

Stinging Insect Species in Long Island and Queens

Yellow Jackets are the most aggressive and most commonly encountered stinging insect across our service area. They're medium-sized (1/2 inch), yellow and black, and frequently build underground nests — in soil, in wall voids, in hollow logs, and under concrete slabs. Homeowners in Huntington, Babylon, and Brookhaven often discover underground yellow jacket nests when mowing the lawn. Their colonies peak at 4,000–5,000 workers in late summer. Yellow jackets are highly aggressive when their nest is disturbed and will chase perceived threats.

Bald-Faced Hornets build the large, papery, football-shaped nests you see in trees and shrubs across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Nests can reach 15–20 inches in length by late summer and contain 400–700 workers. Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually a species of yellow jacket. They're protective of their nests from a 3-foot radius and will sting repeatedly if disturbed.

European Hornets are the only true hornet in North America — large (1 inch), brownish-yellow, and capable of foraging at night. They nest in wall voids, attics, and hollow trees. Common in wooded areas of Suffolk County, including Smithtown, Commack, and Hauppauge.

Paper Wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, in garage rafters, and along fence rails. They're less aggressive than yellow jackets but will sting if the nest is touched. Found throughout the region.

Why DIY Nest Removal Is Risky

• Nest size — by August, yellow jacket colonies are at maximum population. What appears to be a small hole in the ground may connect to a nest the size of a basketball

• Nighttime foraging — yellow jackets and hornets are active at night in warm weather, meaning "after dark" approaches don't guarantee safety

• Structural nests — nests inside wall voids require treatment and (sometimes) opening the wall to remove the comb; improper treatment leaves dead bees and larvae that attract other pests

• Allergic reactions — up to 5% of the population has systemic allergic reactions to stings; a mass sting event can be life-threatening

Our Removal Process

Quest Pest Control technicians use professional-grade protective equipment and targeted insecticide applications to eliminate stinging insect nests safely. For underground nests, we treat the entrance with a fast-acting dust or liquid insecticide that penetrates the colony. For aerial nests, we treat after dark when foragers have returned and the colony is at minimal activity. Structural nests in wall voids receive targeted treatment followed by sealing to prevent re-infestation.

We serve homeowners and businesses across Suffolk County (Huntington, Babylon, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Islip), Nassau County (Garden City, Hempstead, Manhasset, Great Neck), and Queens (Flushing, Jamaica, Astoria, Forest Hills, Howard Beach).

If you have a wasp or hornet nest and need an exterminator near me fast, contact Quest Pest Control. We respond same day or next day.