My Pest Pros warns late-summer wasps and hornets are more aggressive

My Pest Pros is urging Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. homeowners to remove stinging-insect nests before Labor Day gatherings and fall yard work. The company says late August is the peak season because colonies are largest and food sources are declining, pushing more insects into outdoor living areas.

Why it matters: - Late-summer stinging insects are more likely to disrupt patios, cookouts and yard work across Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. - Nest encounters can trigger stings, especially when homeowners disturb a nest with mowing, trimming or other yard work. - Families with sting allergies face higher risk, and nests near homes or in hidden spaces can become a safety issue fast.

What happened: - My Pest Pros is urging homeowners to schedule professional nest removal before Labor Day gatherings and fall cleanup. - The company says late August is the busiest stinging-insect season of the year in the region. - Homeowners who find a nest can schedule same-day or next-day treatment by calling 703-665-4455 or visiting the company's website.

The details: - Colonies reach their largest size in late summer. - Food sources decline at the same time, sending more insects toward patios, grills, trash cans and picnic tables. - University of Kentucky Extension entomologists say yellowjackets are among the most unpredictable stinging insects in the country. - Yellowjackets usually sting when a nest is disturbed. - My Pest Pros says professional removal is recommended when a nest is near a door, deck, patio, playset or walkway. - My Pest Pros also recommends professional removal when a nest is in the ground, inside a wall, soffit or attic, or when a ladder would be needed. - The company says sealed openings in wall, soffit or attic nests can push activity indoors. - The company says households with sting allergies should not attempt removal themselves. - Until treatment happens, families can keep drinks covered outdoors, close trash and recycling lids, clear fallen fruit from the yard and walk away calmly instead of swatting.

Between the lines: - The warning is less about a seasonal nuisance than about timing: nests that went unnoticed in early summer can become much harder to handle by late August. - Lieberman framed the issue as a simple size-and-location problem, saying a nest can double or triple before homeowners realize it. - The company's message is also a reminder that many dangerous encounters happen during routine yard maintenance, not only during obvious pest activity.

What's next: - My Pest Pros says homeowners should inspect outdoor areas before Labor Day plans and fall yard work begin. - The company is directing residents to call 703-665-4455 or visit the company's website to schedule inspection or stinging-insect removal.

The bottom line: - Late August is when a nuisance can turn into a hazard, and My Pest Pros says the safest move is to have risky nests removed before they are disturbed.