How to identify paper wasps, yellowjackets and mud daubers around San Antonio homes, and when a wasp or hornet nest is too risky to remove yourself.
By Time's Up Pest Control. Published 2026-10-22.
Wasps are a normal part of spring and summer in San Antonio. A small nest under an eave may be easy to deal with. Others are dangerous to touch. Knowing which kind you have, and where it is, tells you whether to handle it or call for help.
Paper wasps are long-legged, slender wasps that build open, gray, umbrella-shaped nests with visible cells. You'll find them under eaves, porch ceilings, patio covers, play sets and grill covers. They usually only sting when the nest is disturbed.
Yellowjackets are compact, black and yellow wasps. They often nest in the ground, in old rodent burrows, or inside wall voids and attics. They defend their nest aggressively, can sting many times and are drawn to food and sugary drinks outdoors. The so-called "bald-faced hornet" is actually a type of yellowjacket.
Mud daubers are slim, solitary wasps that build tube-shaped mud nests on walls, ceilings and in garages. They rarely sting people, but their nests can be messy.
A small paper wasp nest, about the size of a golf ball, that's low and easy to reach may be safe to treat yourself. Use a product labeled for wasps, follow the directions, treat at night when wasps are calm and inside the nest, and wear long sleeves.
If wasps are flying into a gap in your siding or eaves, don't plug the hole. Trapped wasps may chew through drywall and come out inside your home. A professional should treat the nest first, then the gap can be sealed.
Move away from the nest, wash the sting and apply a cold compress. Call 911 for signs of a serious allergic reaction, like trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or hives spreading over the body, or for many stings at once.
Time's Up Pest Control safely removes wasp and hornet nests from San Antonio homes and businesses, including hard-to-reach nests and wall voids. A prevention plan includes treating the eaves and entries where wasps build. If there's an urgent stinging insect problem, read when same-day service makes sense.
Most "hornets" people see in San Antonio are paper wasps or yellowjackets. The bald-faced hornet is actually a type of yellowjacket.
Activity builds in spring as queens start nests, and peaks in late summer when colonies are largest.
It's safer at night, when wasps are inside and less active. For large or hidden nests, call a professional.
Time's Up Pest Control is a family-owned San Antonio pest control company serving homes and businesses. Licensed technicians (TPCL #877175), free estimates, satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 emergency service.
Phone: (210) 868-2267
Email: info@timesupbugs.com
Address: 1800 NE Interstate 410 Loop, Suite 216-B, San Antonio, TX 78209
Services: Pest Control, Termite Control, Pest Prevention, Commercial Pest Control