There are two types of wasps: solitary wasps that live on their own and social wasps that live in large colonies. You don’t really have to worry about solitary wasps; they aren’t very aggressive and if you leave them alone, they should leave you alone. However, social wasps can be very aggressive at defending their nests. Each is able to sting multiple times, and every time a wasp stings, it sends out pheromones, which are chemicals that carry a message to other wasps to attack. A nest on your property increases the risk of stings and therefore requires wasp removal. However, it may be possible to deter wasps from your property in the first place.
Why Are Social Wasps More Aggressive?
It is tempting to anthropomorphize animals such as wasps by ascribing human feelings and desires to them, but it isn’t really accurate. Insects such as wasps are driven primarily by instinct. Social wasps have an instinct to protect their nests that solitary wasps do not. They probably evolved this instinct because it was beneficial to the colony’s long-term survival. If social wasps were not aggressive about defending their nests, it would be much easier for predators, as well as human beings, to wipe out entire colonies at once. Since each wasp colony can consist of thousands of individual insects, you can see how it could decimate the population if multiple nests were wiped out all at once.
How Can You Tell Wasps Apart From Bees?
Wasps and bees do look very similar to one another. The main difference between the two is that bees lose their stinger after they sting and die shortly thereafter, while wasps do not. However, you do not want to let an insect sting you to find out whether it is a bee or a wasp by checking whether it dies afterward. Another way you can tell the difference is by looking to see whether the insect has hair on its body. Bees do, but wasps don’t.
What Are the Different Types of Wasps?
“Wasp” is a collective name for several species of stinging insect. Yellowjackets and hornets are names for specific types of wasps, but many people use all the terms interchangeably. However, the wasp removal methods vary based on the type of wasp that is present. Pest control services are qualified to make this determination and suggest an action plan based on that information.
How Can You Keep Wasps Away From Your Property?
It may not be possible to keep wasps off your property completely, but you may be able to prevent them from staying. Here are some helpful tips:
- Wasps seek out hidden, enclosed areas in which to build nests, such as gaps or cracks in porches, decks, siding, roof spaces, and chimneys. Patch up any cracks or crevices that you find on your property. Even if it does not prevent wasps from building a nest, it will at least force them to do so out in the open.
- Wasps seek out food that is high in sugar or rich in protein. They find food based on smell, and because rotting food in trash cans puts out strong odors, wasps are attracted to them and often find just the kind of food they need. If you have trash receptacles outside, keep them covered to control the smell.
- If you have a barbecue or a picnic, clean up as soon as possible afterward. Rinse or dispose of drink containers as soon as they are empty, Don’t bring out the meat until it is ready for the grill, and then clean the grill as soon as possible after the barbecue to remove any grease.
When Should You Call for Professional Wasp Removal?
Attempts to remove a wasp nest yourself could result in stings, which can be dangerous. Therefore, you should call Truly Nolen for wasp removal as soon as you find a nest on your property.