A Nest Near Your Home Calls for a Clear Plan
Not every flying insect means the same thing. We identify what is there, look at where it is active, and decide whether a targeted treatment is needed.
Free & no obligation · By appointment · Southern MD & Northern VA
The real question
A nest is only part of the picture
A nest near a doorway or deck can make it hard to feel at ease outside with your family and pets. The right response begins with identifying the insect and understanding how that part of the property is used.
A nest in an out-of-the-way location may call for a different decision than activity beside the place where your dog goes into the yard. We do not treat the whole property because one nest was found.
Not sure what you’re seeing? An inspection tells you exactly what’s going on.
What to do when you notice a nest
Give the area space. Keep children and pets away from active insects and avoid disturbing the nest. If someone is having trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or another serious reaction after a sting, call 911.
For a non-emergency concern, contact PFPC and tell us where you have noticed activity. We can assess the situation during an inspection. We do not promise emergency or same-day response.
How we make the decision
- Identify the insect before choosing a treatment.
- Inspect the nest location, activity, access points, and nearby areas.
- Consider entry doors, decks, outdoor living spaces, and where pets spend time.
- Explain whether treatment is appropriate and where it would be placed.
- Record the findings, decisions, and treated areas in a written report.
Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees
Different insects use different spaces. Paper wasps may build under eaves. Yellow jackets may be active near the ground or in hidden spaces. Carpenter bees may use exposed wood. A guess based only on what the nest looks like can lead to the wrong response.
We base the plan on the insect, the site, and the activity we observe. We also explain any conditions that may lead to new nesting later.
Our position on honeybees
PFPC does not provide honeybee removal. If you are unsure which insect you are seeing, tell us what you have noticed. When honeybees are involved, a qualified local beekeeper or appropriate specialist may be a better resource.
Your report and ongoing protection
After the visit, we provide a written inspection report showing what we found and why we made our recommendations. PFPC clients can keep that report with their home’s service history in the customer app.
If new insect activity appears, the Pest Problem Alert tool lets you send a photo, comments, and the location of the concern. That gives us a clearer starting point before we recommend more work.
Why prevention is not one-time nest work
New insects can find favorable places around a home as seasons change. That is why we look beyond the visible nest at shelter, openings, and how the property is used. Good pest protection is an ongoing process of noticing changes and responding with care.
Where we work
We treat stinging insects in homes across Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia. For the full service, see our stinging insect control page.
Reviews
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations.
Excellent on Google
Josh F.
Google review · Sep 2026
Alex was great! Very professional and explained the whole process before doing any work. We had a wasp nest in our wall, getting in through a seam between our brick and siding. I thought it would be a costly problem, but it was taken care of in about 15 minutes.
Amy B.
Google review · Sep 2026
I am very pleased with the work of Planet Friendly Pest Control. I had a large wasp nest in the garage and they came out to treat it the same day! The process was clear and professional. I was told the price when I called and they didn't try to upsell me on a monthly or quarterly contract. As mentioned above, they came out the same day I called and they texted me when they were on their way. They treated the nest and then came back a week later to confirm it was taken care of and removed the nest. It's now been a couple of weeks since the initial visit and no sign of new wasps! I would not hesitate to use them again.
Cheryl P.
Google review · Aug 2026
Tech was very nice, explained what the chemical is designed to do.
Patrick H.
Google review · Jul 2026
I want to sincerely thank Planet Friendly Pest Control and its owner, Gene Wright, for their immediate response and action to deal with a hive of Bald Face Hornets who, unbeknownst to me, had taken home in a fair size shrub at the back of my house. As I attempted to trim the shrub, I was swarmed by Hornets and stung 8 or 9 times before I could get to safety. I left my tractor and tools in a hurry and was afraid to retrieve them until the bee issue was addressed. Again, PFPC responded quickly and allowed me to get my tools and continue my recovery from the bee stings. I considered the price to be very fair for the treatment of the issue at hand and the sharing of knowledge to avoid further such mishaps. I will only call PFPC when in need of pest control.
Betty E.
Google review · Jul 2026
Roger came out and killed hornets in large nest on our house. It was taken care of the day after I called for service.
Ken C.
Google review · Jun 2026
Planet Friendly has been doing our pest control for several years now. They are reliable, and perform a great service for us. We are notified by email when the appointment is confirmed. They are always professional and knowledgeable.
Nikole R.
Google review · Jun 2026
Really appreciate Roger coming out to the house to not only treat for common insects that like to make their way into the house (regularly scheduled maintenance), but also exterminate a hornet nest we found on our deck this last week. Great service, arrives on schedule (and sends a text with arrival time when he’s on his way), and most importantly - no critters coming inside my house - or hornets potentially stinging us. Recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control to anyone looking for an exterminator.
Kathleen M.
Google review · Jun 2026
Great service. No bugs in the house! They quietly and quickly get the job done, no hastle.
San D.
Google review · Jun 2026
Roger was very kind and professional. He did an excellent job attending to areas of the exterior of our home that required extra attention.
Patti W.
Google review · Jun 2026
Gene Wright came highly recommended by multiple neighbors. He came out the same day I called and showed great knowledge about our mouse problem! Gene was responsible, knowledgeable and a delight to deal with. We highly recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control.
Denise A.
Google review · Apr 2026
This is my third year using Planet Friendly to control ants in my home. I have yet to see an ant. What a relief. This is a real necessity where I live. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Not automatically. We consider the insect, activity, location, and risk of contact before recommending a treatment.
The answer depends on the product and location. Your technician will give the directions that apply to your property, and those directions must be followed.
No. PFPC does not provide honeybee removal. We can help clarify what you are seeing and may suggest contacting a qualified local specialist.
New nests are possible when conditions remain favorable. We explain what we observe and what to monitor as the seasons change.
We do not promise emergency or same-day visits. If there is a medical emergency after a sting, call 911. For property concerns, contact us for the next available assessment.
Yes. Each visit includes a written inspection report describing the conditions, decisions, and treated areas.
Trusted locally
Local Nest Removal Experience You Can Trust
Gene Wright began solving pest problems in 1998. He founded Planet Friendly Pest Control in 2010 to provide a more thoughtful, inspection-driven approach for homeowners.
Planet Friendly Pest Control serves Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia with inspection-first, exterior-first pest control for homes with pets.
- Licensed in MarylandLicense #31162
- Licensed in VirginiaLicense #13372
- A+ BBB ratingNot BBB accredited
- MSPCA memberMaryland State Pest Control Association
- NPMA memberNational Pest Management Association
Questions About Nests
Stay back, keep people and pets away, and don't disturb it. The full answer covers what to do next.
Read the full article: What should I do if I see an active nest right now?Often, but not always. The full answer explains what to look for.
Read the full article: Does seeing one wasp mean there's a nest nearby?Yes. The full answer explains the signs of a nest in a wall.
Read the full article: Can stinging insects nest inside walls?They're often hidden, in the ground or inside a structure. The full answer explains what to look for.
Read the full article: What do yellow jacket nests look like?Read the full answer before you take one down yourself.
Read the full article: Should old nests be removed?Carpenter Bees, Yellow Jackets and Paper Wasps
Round holes in wood with sawdust below are the usual sign. The article explains when it's time to call.
Read the full article: When should I call a professional about carpenter bees?They rarely sting, but their tunnels can weaken wood over time. The article explains the damage and what to do.
Read the full article: Are carpenter bees destructive?High activity, a visible nest or repeated stings are the signs. The article covers when to bring in a professional.
Read the full article: When should I call for help with yellow jackets?Paper wasps build the open, umbrella-shaped nests you often see under eaves. Our article explains how to recognize them.
Read the full article: What is a paper wasp?
Free & no obligation
Found a nest on your property?
If a nest is affecting the way you use your home, we can help you understand the next step. Schedule a free initial home assessment for a clear explanation and a careful recommendation.
If a covered pest returns while the customer's service is active, Planet Friendly Pest Control will return and address the problem at no additional charge.
- Free initial inspection
- No long-term contracts