Yes, paper wasps often nest under window ledges. They like building their open umbrella-shaped combs under protected overhangs like window ledges and shutters.
Paper wasps don’t want to be exposed to the elements. So they like to build underneath surfaces that can block rain. Window ledges, shutters, sill overhangs, and pieces of trim can give them lots of opportunities to do exactly that.
Wasp colonies start in earnest in the spring. It’s at this time that the queen works to start building a nest. It grows over the months to follow. Workers start to emerge through early summer, and by the time August comes around, a window ledge nest can hold dozens of wasps and be huge.
Depending on where nests are built, this can be very inconvenient. If you open and close the window a lot, the wasps can easily fly in. But at the same time, you won’t necessarily easily see them. You could open and close the window, raise and lower the blinds, and never see the wasp nest because it’s placed under a structure that you can’t see from the inside.
Paper wasps, mercifully, are not particularly aggressive. But they will defend the nest when bumped or vibrated. So you don’t want them by windows or, for that matter, doors or walkways. Why take the chance?
If you find a wasp nest early in the season, you can often knock it down and clean the surface to discourage rebuilding. But by the time the nest is established, it’s better to call a professional.
If wasps are nesting on your house, Mosquito Squad of Fenton - Brighton can help. Mosquito Squad locates and removes stinging insect nests and treats the spots where they build. This will help you protect your family from the nests you walk past without seeing.
