How To Keep Wasps & Hornets Away In Maine

Wasps & Hornets in Maine: Why They're a Problem and How Pine State Pest Solutions Can Help

When the snow melts and the weather finally warms up here in Maine, it’s not just the locals who come back to life—wasps and hornets do too. From early spring through the dog days of summer and even into fall, these stinging insects become more active around homes, decks, gardens, and anywhere else we like to spend time outdoors. If you’ve noticed more wasps buzzing around your BBQ or hornets setting up shop under your eaves, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone.

At Pine State Pest Solutions, we’ve been helping Maine homeowners deal with stinging insects for years. In this guide, we’ll explain why wasps and hornets become more aggressive later in the season, which species to watch out for, and most importantly, how to keep them away from your home and your family.

Common Wasps & Hornets in Maine

You’re likely to encounter several species in Maine, each with its own behavior and nesting preferences. Here’s a quick introduction:

Further reading: Types of Stinging Insects In Maine

Why Wasps Get Meaner in Late Summer

In the spring, wasps and hornets focus on building their nests and raising the next generation. Their queens get to work laying eggs, and the colonies quietly grow in the background while you go about your daily routine.

But as the summer winds down, things change. The nest population peaks, food becomes harder to find in nature, and now you’ve got hundreds of hungry, anxious wasps competing for a shrinking food supply. That’s when they turn their attention to human hangouts—drawn to sugary drinks, meat scraps, and even garbage.

These insects are more likely to sting by late summer and early fall, often with very little provocation. And yes—some species are just naturally cranky. If they feel even slightly threatened, they’ll lash out. That’s why it’s so important to take proactive steps before the situation escalates.

How to Keep Wasps and Hornets Away from Your Family and Home

You don’t have to give up backyard dinners or worry every time your kids play outside. Here are Pine State’s top prevention tips:

• Keep trash sealed up tight
  Outdoor garbage cans should have secure lids, and it’s best not to let them overflow. Wasps will sniff out anything sticky, sweet, or meaty in no time.
• Tend to your garden and fruit trees
  Ripe fruit is irresistible to wasps. Pick produce before it overripens, and clean up any that falls to the ground.
• Don’t feed the insects
  If you’re dining outside, keep food covered and drinks capped. Wipe down spills and clear leftovers as soon as the party’s over. What smells good to you smells amazing to a wasp.
• Reconsider outdoor pet feeding
  If your pets eat outside, clean up right after they’re done—or better yet, feed them indoors during peak wasp season.
• Watch for early nest activity
  A new nest the size of a golf ball might be manageable—but once it grows, the danger increases. Never attempt to remove a mature nest yourself. That’s where the pros come in.

Need Help? That's What We're Here For

At Pine State Pest Solutions, we know Maine pests because we live and work here, too. If yellow jackets, hornets, or wasps are making your yard a no-go zone, we’re ready to help.

Our trained technicians provide expert wasp and hornet control in Auburn, Portland, Yarmouth, and across several counties in Maine. From identifying the problem to safely removing nests (below 20 feet), we’ve got the tools and knowledge to get the job done right.

Even better—if you sign up for one of our year-round home pest control plans, stinging insect control is included. That means you don’t have to wait for a problem to pop up. We’ll knock down nests before they become a threat, and protect your home from a whole range of pests throughout the year.

Compare our residential plans below or get in touch today! Let's make your outdoor space enjoyable again, with no surprise stings!