What's the difference between bee removal and wasp removal?

Honeybees are often relocated alive by a beekeeper because they are beneficial pollinators. Wasps and hornets are typically exterminated, as they are more aggressive and do not have the same ecological value in a residential setting .

I found a nest inside my wall. What happens during removal?

Nests inside walls or attics are more complex. A professional will locate the exact nest site, which may require cutting a small access panel in the drywall or siding. After treatment and removal, they will often seal the entry point and may provide minor repair guidance or services .

Are wasps more aggressive at certain times of the year?

Yes. Wasps and hornets are most aggressive in late summer and fall (September-October). As their natural food sources disappear, they become more desperate and are more likely to sting in defense of their nest, which is also at its largest population then .

Can I remove a wasp nest myself?

It is not recommended, especially for large nests or aggressive species like yellow jackets. DIY attempts can be dangerous, leading to multiple stings and severe allergic reactions. Professionals have the protective equipment, correct insecticides, and expertise to do the job safely .

How quickly can a local professional come out?

Many Hammond-area pest control companies offer same-day or next-day service for urgent issues. For true emergencies, such as a nest near a high-traffic doorway, some providers offer 24/7 emergency response for an additional fee .

What should I do if I'm stung?

Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, and take an antihistamine if needed. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a rapid pulse.

Do you offer guarantees on your removal service?

Most reputable pest control companies will offer some form of guarantee or warranty on their work, ensuring the nest is fully eliminated. Be sure to ask about service guarantees when receiving your quote.

Pest Control in Hammond, IN,

Discovering a buzzing nest on your property can be unsettling. Professional bee and wasp removal is a specialized service focused on safely eliminating or relocating stinging insect colonies from residential and commercial properties. This matters because improper handling can lead to painful stings, dangerous allergic reactions, and potential property damage. For Hammond residents, finding a qualified local expert ensures the job is done safely, effectively, and in accordance with local regulations, protecting your family and your home.

Landmark Pest Management

chicago

Landmark Pest Management provides science-based, environmentally-friendly pest control services in Chicago, IL, and surrounding counties. They handle a wide range of pests including ants, wasps, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and wildlife, using humane and green methods. Founded in 1976 by a wildlife biologist, the company combines expertise from biologists and epidemiologists to deliver effective pest exclusion and control. Landmark offers a Complete Home Care program with year-round protection and 24/7 monitoring to maintain pest-free homes.

5.0

332 Reviews

Mom & Pop Pest Control Services, LLC

chicago

Mom & Pop Pest Control Services, LLC is a pest control company based in Chicago, IL, offering services for a wide range of pests including ants, roaches, bedbugs, rodents, wasps, and more. They provide both residential and commercial pest control solutions, serving restaurants, factories, offices, and apartment buildings with flexible service schedules. A notable capability is their rodent exclusion service, which includes sealing entry points and placing barriers to prevent rodents from entering homes. The company emphasizes a family-oriented approach and values customer care, distinguishing itself from larger corporate pest control providers.

5.0

191 Reviews

Effective Pest Solutions

chicago

Effective Pest Solutions provides comprehensive pest control services in Chicago, IL, serving both residential and commercial clients. Their offerings include treatment for bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, and wildlife removal, with customized solutions for unique pest challenges. The company also supports institutions like schools and restaurants with pest management programs that comply with regulatory standards. They specialize in rodent control using trapping, monitoring, exclusion, and sanitation, and offer termite inspections and prevention plans to protect property integrity.

5.0

154 Reviews

US Pest Control

chicago

US Pest Control is a pest control company serving Chicago, IL, and the Southwest and Western suburbs including Orland Park, Naperville, Lemont, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and Tinley Park. They provide services for a variety of pests such as ants, rodents, bees, wasps, and pantry pests. Their offerings include both indoor and outdoor treatments, with specific capabilities like wasp proofing and rodent control. The company employs trained, licensed, and insured staff and emphasizes safety and quality standards. They provide seasonal bee and wasp proofing with a one-season guarantee from March through December.

5.0

149 Reviews

Pest Busters Pest Control

515 Ogden Ave #305, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Pest Busters Pest Control is a pest control company based in Chicago, IL, offering services for bed bug treatment, cockroach control, ant control, rodent control, and bee and wasp removal. Their approach includes thorough inspections of both the interior and exterior of homes to identify pest activity and root causes. They provide customized treatment plans using Integrated Pest Management practices and offer ongoing seasonal treatments to manage pests year-round. The company emphasizes eco-friendly products and guarantees follow-up treatments if pests return.

5.0

137 Reviews

See more providers in Hammond, IN

Understanding Stinging Insects in Northwest Indiana

The region around Hammond is home to a variety of stinging insects, each with distinct behaviors and nesting preferences. Correctly identifying the species is the first step toward a safe and effective resolution. Common culprits include yellow jackets, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and carpenter bees. While honeybees are valuable pollinators and are often candidates for live relocation by a beekeeper, most wasp and hornet species are typically exterminated due to their aggressive nature and lower ecological value in an urban setting ¹ ².

Knowing what you're dealing with helps set expectations for the removal process and cost. Aggressive species like yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets pose a significant sting risk, making professional intervention strongly advised over DIY attempts ¹ ³.

Common Nesting Sites Around Your Hammond Home

Stinging insects are opportunistic when choosing a nesting site, seeking out sheltered spots that offer protection from the elements. Being aware of these common locations can help you spot a problem early.

Under Eaves, Porch Ceilings, and Rafters: These are prime real estate for paper wasps and bald-faced hornets, who build their distinctive papery nests in these elevated, covered spots ⁴ ⁵.
Attics, Wall Voids, and Chimneys: Yellow jackets and European hornets often venture inside structures to build hidden nests. These interior infestations are particularly complex to address, as they may require accessing spaces within your home's walls ¹ ⁶ ⁷.
Underground Burrows: Many yellow jacket colonies establish themselves in abandoned rodent burrows, in soil near foundations, or in garden beds. An underground nest can be a hidden hazard in your yard ² ⁸.
Sheds, Garages, and Behind Fixtures: Sheltered, infrequently disturbed areas like storage sheds, garages, behind shutters, or within outdoor lighting fixtures are attractive to mud daubers and some paper wasps ⁴ ⁹.
Trees and Dense Shrubs: Bald-faced hornets construct large, gray, football-shaped nests high in tree branches or within thick shrubbery ¹ ⁴.
Structural Wood: Carpenter bees, which are solitary, bore perfectly round holes into soft, unpainted wood like deck railings, soffits, and fascia boards to lay their eggs, causing gradual structural damage over time ⁷.

The Seasonal Cycle of Bees and Wasps in Indiana

Activity levels for stinging insects in Hammond are directly tied to the seasons. Understanding this cycle explains when you're most likely to encounter problems and why aggression spikes at certain times of the year ¹⁰.

Spring (March-May): As temperatures consistently rise above 50°F, overwintering queens emerge from hibernation. They begin scouting for new nesting sites and laying eggs to establish their colonies. Early spring is the ideal time for preventative inspections, as nests are still small ¹¹ ¹² ¹⁰.
Summer (June-August): This is peak activity season. Colonies expand rapidly as workers forage for nectar and protein. Nests can grow to the size of a basketball by late summer, housing thousands of individuals. This is when most removal services are requested ¹³ ¹⁴.
Fall (September-October): As natural food sources dwindle, wasps and hornets become more aggressive and are drawn to human foods and drinks at outdoor gatherings. The colony's lifecycle is ending, and the workers' behavior becomes more unpredictable ¹⁰ ¹⁴.
Winter (November-February): Most workers die off with the frost. Fertilized queens survive by hibernating in insulated spots like soil, hollow logs, or within the voids of your home's structure, waiting to start the cycle anew in the spring ¹⁵.

Find the perfect bee & wasp removal for your needs

Get personalized recommendations and expert advice

What to Expect from Professional Removal Services

When you contact a professional for bee or wasp control in Hammond, the process typically involves an inspection, a customized treatment plan, safe removal, and often preventative advice. Reputable local providers serving the area, such as Franklin Pest Solutions, Guardian Pest Control, and R.B. Pest Solutions, follow a structured approach ¹⁶ ¹⁷ ¹⁸.

A technician will first identify the species and locate all nesting sites, including any secondary or satellite nests. For wasps and hornets, treatment usually involves applying professional-grade insecticides directly to the nest or entry points, often during cooler evening or early morning hours when insects are less active. For accessible honeybee hives, they may coordinate with a local beekeeper for live relocation. The goal is complete elimination with minimal disruption to your household.

Cost Factors for Bee and Wasp Extermination in Hammond

The cost for stinging insect removal in Hammond can vary widely, typically ranging from $150 to $700 or more, depending on several key factors ¹⁹ ¹⁶ ¹⁷ ²⁰ ²¹. A single visit is usually sufficient for most exterior nests, but complex situations will cost more ²².

Factor	Average Price Range (Indiana)	Notes
Basic/Accessible Nest Removal	$150 - $400	For small, visible nests in easy-to-reach outdoor locations (e.g., under eaves or on a tree branch).
Complex/Inaccessible Nest Removal	$350 - $875+	For nests inside walls, attics, or deep underground. These require more labor, expertise, and sometimes minor demolition for access and repair.
Species (Yellow Jackets/Hornets)	$300 - $750+	Aggressive species that often nest in difficult locations command higher prices due to the increased risk and specialized handling required.
Bee Removal/Relocation	$150 - $500	Often more affordable; some local beekeepers may offer free swarm collection for healthy honeybee colonies.
Emergency/After-Hours Service	Adds $150 - $350 premium	Additional fees for services requested outside of standard business hours, on weekends, or for urgent situations.

Choosing a Local Hammond Provider

Selecting the right professional is crucial. Look for companies that are licensed and insured to operate in Indiana. Local expertise is valuable, as providers familiar with Hammond and Northwest Indiana will understand the common species and seasonal patterns. Consider companies that offer clear, upfront quotes and explain their process. Some, like Guardian Pest Control, offer 24-hour emergency services, which can be vital for aggressive infestations ¹⁷ ²³. Others, like Franklin Pest Solutions and R.B. Pest Solutions, emphasize customized treatment plans and preventative strategies for long-term peace of mind ¹⁶ ²⁴ ¹⁸.

Safety and Prevention Tips for Homeowners

While professional removal is best for an active nest, you can take steps to make your property less inviting:

Seal Entry Points: In early spring, inspect and seal cracks and crevices in your home's exterior, especially around rooflines, siding, and utility penetrations.
Manage Food Sources: Keep trash cans tightly sealed, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food uncovered during outdoor events in late summer and fall.
Reduce Nesting Sites: Fill in abandoned rodent burrows in your yard, and consider painting or staining untreated wood surfaces to deter carpenter bees.
Do Not Disturb: If you find a nest, avoid spraying it with water or attempting to knock it down. This will aggravate the colony and increase the risk of stings.

Find the Best Bee & Wasp Removal for Your Business

Why you can trust Pest Crews

Select your city

Search providers near you