Bee & Wasp Control Services
Fast, eco-conscious removal for bees, wasps, and hornets nesting in or around your home or business, backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
- Thorough Inspection & Nest Identification
- Safer, Targeted Treatments for Every Species
- Long-Term Prevention Solutions
Ontario’s Stinging Insects
Bees, wasps, and hornets, including yellowjackets, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and carpenter bees, are stinging insects common across Ontario. Each species has different nesting habits and threat levels, from ground and wall-cavity nests to the aerial paper nests built by hornets and paper wasps. Stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to emergency rooms each year in North America, and activity typically peaks in late summer as colonies reach their largest size.
Bees & Wasps We Treat
Bald-faced Hornet
Dolichovespula maculata
One of the more aggressive stinging insects you’ll find in Ontario, and colonies can grow into the hundreds by late summer. Find out why nests are never reused and what makes safe removal tricky.
Yellowjacket
Vespula spp.
The wasp most likely to turn up at a backyard barbecue, and one of the quickest to sting without much provocation. See how to tell a yellowjacket nest from a beehive before you get too close.
Paper Wasp
Polistes spp.
Calmer than most stinging insects on this list, and even helpful in the garden by preying on caterpillars and other pests. Learn when a paper wasp nest is nothing to worry about, and when it’s time to call us.
Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa species
Often mistaken for a harmless bumblebee, but the bigger concern is the damage they cause, not the sting. They bore straight into deck rails, fascia, and siding. See how to spot it early.
Bee, Wasp, or Hornet? How to Tell Them Apart
| Species | Appearance | Nest Location | Aggression | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bald-faced Hornet | Black body, white-patterned face | Enclosed grey paper nest, 3+ ft up in trees, eaves, sheds | High, can sting repeatedly | Late summer |
| Yellowjacket | Black and yellow banded abdomen | Underground burrows or wall/attic cavities | High, territorial, swarms if disturbed | Late summer to early fall |
| Paper Wasp | Brown with yellow markings, slender | Open umbrella-shaped nest under eaves, frames, railings | Low to moderate, stings if nest is threatened | Spring through summer |
| Carpenter Bee | Black/yellow, shiny hairless abdomen | Round holes bored into bare, unpainted wood | Low, males can't sting, females rarely do | Spring emergence |
Signs You Have a Bee or Wasp Problem
- A visible nest under eaves, in trees, along the foundation, or tucked into a shed or garage
- Steady buzzing or insect traffic concentrated around one spot outside your home
- Small, round holes bored into deck rails, fascia boards, or fence posts
- Wasps or bees repeatedly flying in and out of a gap, vent, or crack in the siding
- Increased activity near garbage bins, outdoor eating areas, or flowering plants in late summer
- Papery nest material or debris on the ground beneath eaves or tree branches
Our Bee & Wasp Removal Process
Step 1. Consultation and Inspection
A licensed technician inspects your property to locate active nests, above ground, underground, or in wall cavities, and identifies the species involved.
Step 2. Full-Site Inspection Report
You'll get a clear summary of what we found: nest location, species, size of the colony, and any entry points or attractants nearby.
Step 3. Custom Pest Control Action Plan
We build a treatment plan around the specific species and nest, as each calls for different approaches.
Step 4. Putting Your Plan Into Action
We apply targeted, eco-conscious treatments to eliminate the colony and safely remove the nest, in a process that’s safer for people and pets.
Step 5. Strategies for Staying Pest-Free
We confirm the nest is fully cleared and provide you with a list of steps you can take to prevent re-infestation
Why Choose GreenLeaf?
Eco-Friendly
Methods
Science-based treatments with proven, maximal effectiveness and minimal impact that are safer for your family, pets, and the environment.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Your peace of mind is our priority. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Trusted Since
1999
We’re a team of licensed, experienced technicians proudly serving homeowners and businesses across the GTA and Southern Ontario since 1999.
Customized Treatment Plans
We identify current and potential infestations based on your property’s characteristics and location to design an action plan that keeps you protected.
The GreenLeaf Pest Control Home Protection Plan
For businesses and homeowners dealing with persistent or recurring pest issues, our Home Protection Plan (HPP) offers a long-term solution. It begins with an intensive first visit to resolve any immediate infestations, followed by scheduled inspections and responsive service calls throughout the year, anytime pests reappear.
Learn More About Our Home Protection Plan
What Our Customers Say
Get Help With Bees & Wasps Today
Spot a nest or noticing more activity than usual? Contact GreenLeaf today for a free estimate and fast, safe removal.
Frequently Asked Bee & Wasp Control Questions
How much does it cost to have wasps exterminated?
Cost depends on the species , nest size, and how accessible the nest is. A small paper wasp nest under an eave costs less to treat than an underground yellowjacket colony or a nest high in a tree. We provide a free, no-obligation estimate after a quick inspection so you know the cost upfront before any work begins.
What's the difference between a bee, wasp, and hornet?
Bees are pollinators covered in fine hair, while wasps and hornets have smoother bodies and are more predatory. Nest shape and location are the fastest way to tell them apart at a glance. Our species pages above break down exactly what to look for with each type found in Ontario.
What attracts bees and wasps to a property?
Sweet food and drinks left outdoors, uncovered garbage, flowering plants, and standing water are the most common draws. Gaps in siding, soffits, and around window and door frames give them an easy way inside. Sealing these entry points is one of the simplest ways to keep them from coming back after treatment.
What month are wasps most aggressive?
Wasps are most aggressive in late summer and early fall, when colonies reach their largest size and natural food sources start to dry up, pushing them toward picnics, garbage, and anything sweet. Spring colonies are smaller and calmer by comparison, which is why nests spotted early in the season are easier and safer to deal with.
What does WD-40 do to wasps?
WD-40 can kill an individual wasp on contact by coating its body and clogging the spiracles it breathes through, but it won’t do anything to a nest or the colony living inside it. It’s also flammable and not registered as an insecticide, so spraying it near a nest can provoke a defensive swarm rather than solve the problem. This is true of most DIY methods, sprays, home remedies, and store-bought foggers included: they can knock out a few wasps you can see, but an established nest usually has dozens to thousands of members that a surface-level treatment won’t reach. For anything beyond a stray wasp, professional removal handles the entire colony safely in one visit.
What is the best way to get rid of wasps and bees?
Professional removal is the most reliable way to deal with an established nest, since it addresses the whole colony rather than the wasps you happen to see. DIY sprays and home remedies can handle a stray wasp here and there, but they rarely reach a full nest safely. For lasting results, especially with aggressive species like yellowjackets, professional treatment is worth the call.
Are professional wasp removal services worth it?
For anything beyond a single stray wasp, yes. Professional removal handles the entire nest safely, comes with a guarantee, and avoids the risk of multiple stings or an incomplete job that lets the colony rebuild. Every GreenLeaf removal is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if activity returns, we do too, at no extra cost.
Are your treatments safe for pets and children?
Yes. We use eco-conscious, low-impact products applied directly to the nest and surrounding area, which limits exposure elsewhere on the property. Our licensed technicians follow strict safety protocols on every visit, so your family and pets are protected throughout the process.
Do you offer ongoing bee and wasp prevention?
Yes, through our Home Protection Plan. It includes scheduled visits and inspections throughout the year, so new nests and returning activity are caught early, preventing a full infestation. It’s a good fit for properties with a history of stinging insect problems.
Do you guarantee your bee and wasp removal?
Yes. Every job is backed by the GreenLeaf 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If activity returns after treatment, we’ll come back and address it at no additional cost.
