Wasps are one of the more aggressive stinging insects you can encounter. While many species of bees only sting once, wasps can sting multiple times. Their stings can be painful and if you are allergic, they can also be dangerous.
Although there are many
products out there to help manage and eliminate a wasp infestation, the best way to manage wasps is to set an appointment with a professional.
Most importantly, you will want to identify if you are truly dealing with wasps. Some insects can take a similar appearance to wasps to try to fool predators. While all three species vary in color from white and black to yellow to orange, all wasps have smooth shiny bodies and can measure anywhere between ⅝ inch to 1 inch long.
TYPICAL WASP NEST LOCATIONS
Wasp nests can vary in appearance depending on species. If you see a nest with some of these characteristics, you are likely dealing with social wasps.
- Round or spherical shape
- Constructed with mud or paper-like substances
- Gray or light tan in color
Depending on the location, removing a wasp nest can be difficult. Wasps will aggressively fight to defend their territory and this can be dangerous, especially if someone in the household is allergic.
WHY HAVE WASPS CHOSEN MY PROPERTY?
Here are some of things that attract wasps to a property:
- Piles of wood (paper wasps use wood pulp to build nests)
- Access to protein rich foods
- Prior success – If they have built there before, they will try again
- Safe location for the Queen Wasp
Pick up decomposing wood, food waste, and other clutter regularly. Also, be sure to eliminate standing water on your property. If you have lots of colorful flowers that are close to the home that seem to be attracting the wasps, consider moving the landscaped area from the home.
Wasps are not completely terrible. They act as a great deterrent for other pest and bug undesirables. But they can be dangerous and if you have a wasp-related health concern it is best to have them removed by a professional.
Related Posts
What to Do If You See a Cockroach in Your Home
Spotting a cockroach in your home can be unsettling. Whether it scurries across the floor or hides behind an appliance, it’s not something anyone wants to see. While one roach doesn’t always signal a full-blown infestation, it’s often a sign that others may be nearby. Acting quickly can make all the difference in preventing a…
The Great Rodent Escape: How Mice Are Living the Dream (In Your Walls)
If you think your home is your sanctuary, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, you may be sharing it with some very uninvited, and surprisingly crafty, roommates. Mice are masters of stealth and survival, and when the temperatures drop or food becomes scarce outdoors, they start looking for luxury accommodations. Cue: your walls, attic, basement, and pantry.…
The Most Common Spiders in Homes and How to Deal with Them
It’s never fun to come across a spider in your home, whether it’s skittering across the bathroom floor or dangling from a basement beam. But while spiders might be unwelcome guests, most are harmless and even beneficial in small numbers. Still, if you’re seeing more spiders than usual or want to keep them out entirely,…