Wasp Season in Calgary

It’s a beautiful summer day in the Prairies. You’ve just stepped onto your deck with a cold drink in hand—and then, buzz. A wasp zooms by a little too close for comfort. Before you know it, there's a small swarm hanging around your eaves, garden, or even the BBQ. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever had a close encounter with wasps in your yard, you’re not alone. Wasps are a common summer nuisance across Calgary and southern Alberta, especially from July through early fall. While they play an important role in our ecosystem, that doesn’t mean you want them crashing your backyard gatherings. So what can you do when wasps become a problem?

Let’s break down why wasps are showing up and when to call in professional pest control help.

Why Are There So Many Wasps in Calgary?

Wasps—particularly the aggressive yellowjackets—are especially active in Calgary’s hot, dry summer months. These wasps are social insects that build large nests and become more noticeable as their colonies grow throughout the season.

In spring, a single queen emerges from hibernation and starts building a nest. As the summer progresses, that nest can house hundreds or even thousands of worker wasps. By late summer and early fall, food sources become scarce, and wasps get more aggressive in their search for sugar and protein—often leading them right to your backyard BBQ, picnic, or recycling bin.

Common Places Wasps Nest

One of the reasons wasps are so persistent is that they can build nests in some pretty sneaky spots. In homes and yards, we often find wasp nests in:

• Eaves, soffits, and roof overhangs

• Wall voids and attics

• Outdoor furniture or BBQs left unused

• Sheds, garages, or under decks

• Ground burrows (especially yellowjackets)

Some wasps, like paper wasps, build open nests that look like upside-down umbrellas. Others, like yellowjackets, prefer to hide their nests in wall cavities or underground. That’s why spotting the nest itself isn’t always easy—but if you're seeing a lot of wasps in one area, there’s likely a nest nearby.

What to Do if You See Wasps Around Your Home

1. Don’t Swat or Panic

Swatting at a wasp might seem instinctual, but it can actually make things worse. Wasps release a chemical pheromone when they feel threatened, which attracts other wasps to the scene. Staying calm and slowly moving away is your best bet.

2. Track Their Flight Path

If you’re seeing a lot of wasps in one area, try observing them from a safe distance. Do they keep flying in and out of a specific spot in your siding, deck, or garden bed? That’s a sign of a nearby nest.

3. Secure Food and Garbage

Wasps are attracted to food—especially sugary drinks, meats, and fruit. Keep outdoor garbage bins sealed tightly and rinse recyclables. If you’re eating outdoors, cover food and drinks, and clean up quickly after meals.

4. Seal Entry Points

If wasps are getting into your home or garage, check for cracks, gaps, or holes around windows, doors, and vents. Seal any openings to keep them out.

How Professionals Handle Wasp Nests Safely

At PreventX, we understand that wasps are more than just a nuisance—they can be a genuine safety risk. That’s why our pest control technicians are trained to assess and treat wasp infestations safely and effectively. Here’s what you can expect when you call us:

• Thorough inspection of your property to locate all active nests.

• Identification of the wasp species and nesting behavior.

• Targeted treatment using professional-grade solutions that are safe for people, pets, and the environment.

• Nest removal (when possible), followed by preventative advice to reduce the chance of reinfestation.

We also offer ongoing pest management plans for homeowners who want long-term protection from wasps and other seasonal pests.

How to Prevent Wasps from Nesting Again

Once the immediate problem is dealt with, it’s important to make your property less appealing to wasps going forward. Here are some simple prevention tips:

• Inspect your home in spring: Look for small starter nests under eaves and remove them early before the colony grows.

• Seal crevices: Caulk or patch up entry points where wasps might build nests in walls or attics.

• Use decoy nests: Wasps are territorial and may avoid areas that appear to be claimed.

• Keep food sealed: This includes pet food, compost bins, and garbage cans.

• Plant wasp-repelling herbs: Mint, citronella, and lemongrass can act as mild natural deterrents.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with wasps in Calgary can be frustrating—especially during the height of summer when you just want to enjoy your yard in peace. Whether you’re seeing a few stray buzzers or suspect a full-blown nest on your property, taking quick and informed action can save you time, stress, and potentially a few painful stings.

If you have a nest on your property, don’t take the risk. Contact a licensed pest control professional to inspect and treat it safely.

At PreventX, we’re here to help Calgary homeowners reclaim their yards with fast, friendly, and effective wasp control. Give us a call or request a free quote online—we’re happy to answer any questions you have.