What's Up with Wasps?

Home & Garden Blog

If insects had personality traits, wasps would be aggressive, obsessive, and rude. All in all, wasps are downright mean. Why is that? Here's what you need to know about these cranky creatures.

What Are Wasps?

Wasps are flying insects that are closely related to bees. However, while they are both black and yellow, that's where the similarity ends. Unlike innocent bumble bees, floating from flower to flower looking for nectar, wasps spend their days hunting for other insects to feed on. In fact, most wasps are predatory and will chase down their prey, much like a lion stalking its unsuspecting prey.

Are There Different Types of Wasps?

There are many different types of wasps, but the most common in North America include:

• Yellowjackets. These wasps are aggressive, territorial, and prone to stinging. They build their homes in trees or sheltered corners of your roof. You can easily spot their nesting sites due to the large, papery structures you see.
• Bald-faced hornets. Unlike yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets are much larger and often build their nests at the bottom of trees. They are also not as aggressive as yellow jackets, but you should still avoid approaching their nests, as they can be quite dangerous if you disturb them.
• Cicada killers. These large wasps are also quite territorial, and you may see them hovering around the trees in your yard. They can be dangerous if you accidentally disturb their nests, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

While not located in the United States, the Executioner wasp is said to have one of the most dangerous insect stings in the world.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Wasps?

The best wasp control is to prevent them from taking up residence near your home in the first place. Here are a few tips:

• Seal trash. Keep garbage cans clean and tightly sealed. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells, including garbage that hasn't been properly disposed of.
• Remove standing water from your property. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for all sorts of pests, so get rid of it as soon as possible.
• Repair any cracks or holes in your home's exterior. These provide easy entry points for all sorts of pests and must be sealed tight.

What About Wasp Extermination?

If you encounter a wasp nest on your property, you need to call in an exterminator for professional wasp removal. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Wasps are too aggressive. Plus, exterminators have access to special chemicals and tools that you may not be able to find on your own.

No one wants to share their outdoor space with wasps. Take preventive measures and hire professional wasp control when necessary. 

31 October 2022