Every summer around Kent the calls are the same: a wasp nest under the eaves, or yellowjackets pouring out of a hole in the yard. If you're wondering whether it'll get worse, the honest answer is usually yes — and here's the timeline.
The Western Washington wasp calendar
- Spring: a single queen starts a small nest. Barely noticeable.
- Early summer: the nest grows quietly. This is the easiest, cheapest time to deal with it.
- Late summer (August–September): the nest hits peak size — sometimes thousands of workers — and they get aggressive as food gets scarce. This is when most stings happen.
- First frost: the nest dies off on its own, but that doesn't help you in August.
Why late summer is the dangerous window
A nest you ignored in June becomes a serious problem by late August. Yellowjackets in particular defend ground nests fiercely, and a lawnmower or footstep can trigger a swarm. People allergic to stings shouldn't take chances.
When to call a pro
Wasp and hornet nests high up, inside walls, or underground are not DIY jobs — knocking one down at the wrong time is how people get hurt. A professional treats the nest at the source, usually in a single visit.
See our Kent wasp & hornet removal page, or request a free quote before the late-summer peak.
Dealing with this yourself?
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