Wasps Control – wasps, hornets and bees all serve as important pollinators for the environment. But, when they construct nests in, on, or near our homes; they can cause costly damage and can even become a serious health threat.
In fact, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year. When it comes to stinging insects, it is important to know which species you are dealing with; and the threats they may pose.
Yellowjackets
There are several species of yellowjackets, all of which typically have a yellow and black head along with a patterned abdomen. These social insects live in nests or colonies with up to 4,000 workers and are most active in late summer and early autumn. Yellowjackets feed on sweets and proteins, so they’re known to invade outdoor events like barbecues.
Yellowjackets and their nests can be found anywhere humans are found. Their paper carton nests, built out of chewed up cellulose, can be found both above and below ground. Aboveground nests can be constructed under eaves, in attics or inside a building wall void. Underground nests usually have a small, difficult to see entrance hole. Keep in mind, yellowjackets can venture up to hundreds of feet away from their nest, so it may not always be in plain sight when you initially encounter the insect itself.
Health Threats – Wasps Control
Yellowjackets have a smooth stinger, allowing them to sting repeatedly when attacking. They are territorial and will sting if they feel threatened, so homeowners should be sure to steer clear of any nests.
Bald-faced Hornets
The bald-faced hornet gets its name from its largely black color and mostly white face. They live in colonies containing between 100 and 400 members and are most visibly active during the day. This species usually appears in late summer and, unlike other stinging insects, will not reuse the same nests season after season. Instead, new colony members build new nests each season.
Health Threats – Wasps Pest Control
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their territory. Similar to yellowjackets, they can sting repeatedly using their smooth stingers. These pests carry venom that makes their stings hurt, itch and swell for about 24 hours.
Paper Wasps – Wasps Removal
These wasps get their namesake from the paper-like material they use to build their nests. They’re also referred to as “umbrella wasps” based on the distinctive shape of their nests. This species lives in small colonies and eats nectar, as well as other insects including flies and caterpillars. Emerging in the springtime, they have a similar body shape to yellowjackets but are mostly brown in color.
Health Threats
While paper wasps aren’t aggressive by nature, they will still sting if they are disturbed or their nest is threatened. Their stings can be very painful and can cause allergic reactions. Sting sites typically become red and swollen.
These 3 types of wasps are the most common insects that you can find on your property or home, but there are a lot more. You can read more on the Pest World website.
Upon discovering a nest, homeowners should contact a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation and effectively remove the nest from the property. When it comes to stinging insects, nest removal is not a “do it yourself” job. Any attempts to remove the nest will disturb and threaten these pests, causing them to attack, sometimes in large numbers.
