🪰Aggressive Flying Devils Were Hiding Just 15 Feet from the Back Door

🕵️‍♂️The Inspection Insider

The Inside Scoop for Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors

This Week's Inspector Spotlight: The Flying Black Devils Were Just 6 Feet Off the Ground—And Ready to Strike

Just 15 feet from the back door, I spotted something that could’ve turned a happy move-in day into a trip to the ER—a massive black wasp nest hiding in plain sight, just six feet off the ground.

Warm sunny morning
It was one of those warm summer mornings that makes inspecting homes extra enjoyable. The sun was out, the air was warm, and the birds were busy doing their thing. I’d been called out to inspect a cozy little bungalow on the edge of town. A young couple had an offer on the place, and they were counting down the days until move-in.

They had two little kids. A golden retriever named Max. And big dreams of filling that backyard with laughter, toys, and maybe even a hammock or two.

The home looked great—clean siding, solid roof, no red flags at first glance. The backyard was neatly fenced in, with garden beds already showing signs of life. And on the far side of the lawn stood a mature tree that offered some nice afternoon shade.

Everything seemed perfect—until I took a closer look.

The Black Devils
I was doing my usual lap around the property when I noticed something odd hanging from one of the lower branches of that backyard tree—about six feet off the ground, well within arm’s reach.

It looked like a rough, blackish-grey lump. Could’ve been a chunk of bark or even a leftover birds nest. But I’ve learned over the years to never assume.

I stepped a little closer, tilted my head—and froze.

That “lump” was a wasp nest. A big one. The size of a football. Matte black, papery texture, with dozens of wasps crawling all over it. And it was active. These weren’t sleepy stragglers—they were busy, aggressive, and ready to defend their turf.

And that turf? Just 15 feet from the back door.

They never saw it
The buyers hadn’t noticed it. I don’t blame them—unless you’re looking up and paying attention, these things blend right in. But once you see it, it’s impossible to unsee. And the fact that it was just six feet off the ground made it even more dangerous.

A toddler could wander under it in seconds. The dog could easily brush against the branch chasing a ball. Even mowing the lawn could’ve set it off.

And I know exactly how bad that can get.

A few years ago, I was inspecting a detached garage. I stuck my head up into the rafters to check for signs of sag or damage—and walked right into a wasp ambush. I didn’t see the nest until I heard the buzz. I got stung on my neck, another on my hand, and one got down my shirt. I must have looked like a maniac, running full tilt , waving my arm in the air and trying to get my shirt off so I didn’t get stung again and again. In case you didn’t know wasps don’t lose their stinger when they sting you. they can just keep stinging over and over again.

Lesson learned: never assume a space is empty just because it looks quiet. Wasps are sneaky—and mean.

Lesson Learned
I flagged the nest right away and told the buyers to call pest control before move-in day. The pest tech confirmed it was an active black wasp nest—possibly bald-faced hornets or paper wasps, both of which are highly territorial and aggressive.

Had they moved in without spotting it, this could’ve gone very differently. The dad told me later, “We were planning to let Max out in the yard while we unpacked boxes. Our daughter probably would’ve followed him out.”

It gives me chills to think how quickly that perfect day could’ve become an emergency room visit.

This is one of those “you don’t know what you don’t know” situations. Most people wouldn’t think to inspect trees or eaves when buying a house. They’re focused on the kitchen cabinets and flooring. And while all that matters, it’s the hidden stuff—the dangerous stuff—that can really ruin your day.

The Black Devils!

Always walk the yard. And always look up—especially in spring or summer. Wasps love to build nests in trees, under decks, on fence posts, in shed rafters, and just about anywhere else they won’t be bothered.

If you see a papery nest the size of a golf ball or bigger, or notice unusual insect traffic in one area, don’t wait. Call pest control. The sooner it’s gone, the better.

And if you have small kids, pets, or allergies in the family, make wasp nest checks part of your regular home maintenance routine.

It takes five minutes to check. And it might save you from five days of swelling, stinging, and Benadryl (or a hospital trip)

It looked like just another home office setup—until I spotted scorch marks behind the nightstand. A cheap phone charger had nearly caught fire, and the homeowners had no idea. If I hadn’t found it, this house could’ve gone up in flames.

Ron Henderson, CMI
Certified Master Inspector

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