South Carolina is no stranger to pests that make homeowners uneasy—but few spark the same level of dread as wasps. Whether it’s paper wasps hovering near your porch light, yellowjackets defending a ground nest, or mud wasps quietly building in the eaves, these buzzing insects command attention.
And if recent headlines are any indication, wasps are grabbing attention in a whole new way. In July 2025, officials discovered a radioactive wasp nest at the Savannah River Site, a former nuclear production facility in South Carolina. Thankfully, there were no wasps inside the nest itself—just leftover contamination from the site’s past. Still, it was the kind of story that went viral quickly. After all, “radioactive wasps” sound more like a comic book villain than a backyard pest problem.
While glowing wasps aren’t about to take over your backyard, the everyday species here in South Carolina are plenty real—and they bring risks that every homeowner should know about.
This guide takes a closer look at the wasps you’re most likely to encounter, separates myth from reality on exotic species, and explains why professional wasp control is often the safest solution.
Radioactive Wasps? The Strange but True Story
Let’s start with the obvious question: were there really radioactive wasps in South Carolina?
Surprisingly, yes—sort of. In July 2025, a wasp nest was discovered at the Savannah River Site. Testing revealed the nest contained radioactive contamination, but there were no wasps inside. The contamination likely came from the environment surrounding the old nuclear site, not from the wasps themselves.
The find quickly made headlines, with jokes about “mutant wasps” and “glowing stingers” spreading online. While it was a one-off incident, it shows just how much wasps capture people’s imagination. The truth? You don’t need to worry about radioactive insects in your backyard—you’re far more likely to face a paper wasp nest under your porch or a ground-nesting yellowjacket colony in your lawn.
Types of Wasps in South Carolina and Safe Removal Methods
South Carolina’s warm climate makes it a haven for a wide variety of wasp species. Some are aggressive and social; others are solitary and beneficial. Knowing the difference can help you decide when to leave them alone and when to call in a professional.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are among the most common backyard pests. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests on eaves, porch ceilings, and sheds. According to Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management program, paper wasps are “generally not aggressive unless their nest is threatened,” though stings can still be painful (Cornell CALS, 2024).
The Washington State University Environmental Health & Safety guide notes that paper wasps often resemble yellowjackets but are thinner-bodied with longer legs (WSU, 2019).
Yellowjackets and Ground Wasps
Yellowjackets are the wasps most homeowners dread. They nest underground or in cavities and will aggressively defend their colonies. WSU’s guide warns that yellowjackets “defend their nests vigorously,” and multiple stings are common when nests are disturbed (WSU, 2019).
Ground nests are especially dangerous because they’re easy to step on accidentally while mowing or gardening.
Mud Daubers (Mud Wasps)
Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build small mud tubes on walls or rafters. They’re less aggressive than social wasps and primarily prey on spiders. Cornell CALS emphasizes that they “rarely sting and are considered nuisance pests more than a threat.”
Black-and-White Wasps (Four-Toothed Mason Wasp)
This striking species looks more intimidating than it is. The Backyard Ecology blog explains that the four-toothed mason wasp is solitary and actually helps control caterpillar populations (Backyard Ecology, 2020). Still, they will sting if provoked.
Cicada Killers
The eastern cicada killer is one of the largest wasps in South Carolina, with females reaching up to two inches long. Despite their size, they rarely bother people. South Carolina Public Radio explains that cicada killers focus on paralyzing cicadas for their young and usually ignore humans (SC Public Radio, 2022).
Great Golden Digger Wasps
With their bright orange and black coloring, great golden digger wasps look dramatic but are known for being docile. The Florida Wildflower Foundation calls them “gentle giants of the wasp world” (Florida Wildflowers, 2020), and HoneyBeeSuite adds they “rarely sting and are considered non-aggressive” (HoneyBeeSuite, 2017).
Exotic and Unusual Wasps People Talk About
Beyond the wasps you’ll actually see in your backyard, South Carolinians sometimes hear about exotic or dramatic species.
Japanese Giant Hornet (“Murder Hornet”)
Native to Asia, these hornets caused a stir when they were detected in Washington State in 2019. The Washington State Department of Agriculture explains that while they pose a real threat to honeybee populations, they have not spread widely in the U.S. (WA Dept of Agriculture, 2023). JustJapanStuff stresses that they’re often misunderstood, noting they are large and powerful but not quite the “killer” the media portrays (JustJapanStuff, 2020).
Warrior Wasp
The warrior wasp (Synoeca septentrionalis) is known for its powerful sting and unique wing-buzzing behavior when threatened. iNaturalist describes how they swarm aggressively when disturbed, producing a “distinct warning sound” (iNaturalist, 2023). Thankfully, they are found in Central and South America—not South Carolina.
Radioactive Wasps: The Meme That Wrote Itself
Unlike warrior wasps or Japanese hornets, “radioactive wasps” don’t exist outside of the single nest discovered in July 2025. Still, the viral story shows how quickly sensational pest tales spread. As fun as the idea is, South Carolina homeowners are far more likely to deal with paper wasps on the porch than with glowing insects from a sci-fi script.
Risks of Wasp Nests Around Your Home
Wasps aren’t always villains—many help with pollination and pest control. But when they build nests too close to human activity, the risks increase.
- Health Risks: Stings are painful and, for allergic individuals, potentially life-threatening.
- Aggression: Social species like yellowjackets defend nests in swarms, making accidental disturbances especially dangerous.
- Property Issues: Nests in walls, attics, or under decks can make spaces unsafe.
A PLOS One study on sting severity found that reactions vary widely by species, but multiple stings from aggressive wasps can lead to systemic effects requiring medical care (PLOS One, 2013).
Prevention and Control Strategies
DIY Prevention Tips
- Keep Wasps Off Hummingbird Feeders: Move feeders away from the house, clean them frequently, and use bee guards.
- Eliminate Attractants: Keep garbage sealed, food covered, and sweet drinks inside.
- Seal Entry Points: Close gaps in siding, soffits, and vents.
Why DIY Removal Is Risky
Trying to knock down a nest on your own often makes the problem worse. As the WSU guide notes, yellowjackets in particular respond “in large numbers when their nests are threatened” (WSU, 2019). One sting might become ten or twenty very quickly.
Professional Wasp Control
The safest approach is professional removal. Pest control experts:
- Identify the species and nest location.
- Use protective equipment and treatments to eliminate nests safely.
- Apply preventative strategies to reduce reinfestation.
By combining extermination with prevention, companies like Action Pest Services ensure long-term control.
Don’t let wasps keep you on edge every time you step outside. From paper wasps on porches to aggressive yellowjackets in the ground, tackling nests on your own in Fountain Inn isn’t worth the risk. Action Pest Services provides safe, effective wasp removal and prevention in Fountain Inn, SC—so you can enjoy your yard again without fear of stings. Call today to schedule your inspection.
About the Author
Ben Downard is the President of Action Pest Services and a seasoned specialist in stinging insect control. With extensive experience helping South Carolina homeowners handle aggressive pests like wasps and hornets, Ben focuses on safe, effective removal that protects families and prevents nests from returning. His leadership ensures that every job is approached with precision, care, and lasting results.