What are the wasps?
Wasps are stinging insects and are a separate species from both ants and bees. Unlike bees, wasps are capable of inflicting several stings at a time. Many wasps live in large colonies, while several species prefer solitary lives. Some of the more common wasps we can find here in Texas include yellow jackets, red wasps, carpenter bees, and hornets. Wasps are generally considered more aggressive than other stinging insects, though they would rather avoid humans if given a choice.
a wasp on a plant outside of a home in Houston texas
Are wasps dangerous?
For most individuals, a single wasp sting from a female carpenter bee or red wasp may leave them with a painful red welt, but these stinging insects aren’t much danger on their own. The real danger comes when you happen to stumble upon an entire nest and cause hundreds of angry wasps to become aggressive toward you. Swarms of yellow jackets or hornets become dangerous for homeowners with families who spend lots of time outdoors. If you are allergic to wasp venom, getting stung even once can lead to a severe allergic reaction. You could suffer anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal in some cases.
Why do I have a wasp problem?
Wasps tend to be attracted to properties that provide them with several sources of food, water, and shelter. These resources allow wasps to build their nests where they will thrive. For their young to mature into adult wasps, these must find enough food to bring back to feed them. Because of this, properties with full trash bins, open food containers, and pet food left outside, and other easily-accessible food sources for these stinging insects are more likely to be targeted as potential nesting grounds for wasps.
Where will I find wasps?
Whether the wasps you are dealing with is solitary or part of a colony, they will need a reasonably sheltered location to build their nests. Some species, such as the yellow jacket will even build their nests underground, if necessary. However, other places you may find wasp nests include attics, sheds, roof eaves, porches, trees, and old ventilation systems.
How do I get rid of wasps?
It is important to note that you should never attempt to remove a wasp infestation on your own. Many wasps build their nests in hard-to-reach places, which can make it dangerous to try and remove them without outside help. Additionally, if you disturb the nest too much, you run the risk of being stung by hundreds of threatened wasps.
At It’s Bugs Or Us®, we provide treatment and removal services for dangerous pests like wasps, and our team of skilled pest technicians has what it takes to do the job right. Those invading wasps won’t stay on your property after one of our pest control programs have been implemented on your home or business property! If wasps are disrupting your relaxation reach out to the certified pest professionals here at Its Bugs Or Us®. Ask about our home pest control that includes stinging insects!
How can I prevent wasps in the future?
When handling wasps on your property, your first action should always be to enlist the help of a trusted pest control provider like It’s Bugs Or Us®. However, you can make your property less attractive for wasps by implementing the following preventative measures onto your property:
- Empty your trash bins regularly.
- Keep your trash bins appropriately sealed.
- Never leave open soda cans, sauce bottles, or drinks outside.
- Find and seal any gaps or crevices that wasps could squeeze through to get inside.
- Try to avoid wearing scented lotions and perfumes.
To safeguard your property from wasps this year, reach out to us at It’s Bugs Or Us® to get started! If you are looking for stinging insect control for your business, ask us about our commercial pest control options. Check out this article for more wasp prevention tips.