Wasps are a stinging insect that exists in many different species. Some of their basic characteristics include two pairs of wings, six legs, and they are typically hairless. They are beneficial to the natural environment by killing other pests and promoting the pollination process.
Wasps are generally categorized by their behavior based on whether they are solitary or social. The social types are considerably more aggressive and may react in swarms when feeling threatened. They work as part of a large colony in defense of their nest and efforts to source food. Three of the most common types include the following:
- Paper wasps: They are likely to have a brown body with orange or yellowish stripes. The nests they create appear as being composed of paper.
- Yellowjackets: These wasps are recognizable with yellow and black stripes. Yellowjackets tend to act aggressively and can sting you several times.
- Mud daubers: The nests they create are largely composed of mud and their bodies are black with some lighter colored markings or patterns.
How Dangerous Are They?
Wasps can deliver a painful sting to people and inject a venom that may trigger allergic reactions. Some individuals may require prompt medical attention. Wasps are most aggressive when they perceive someone as a threat to their nest.
Things That Attract Wasps
Like most creatures, wasps are opportunists that search for sources of food, water, and shelter. They are often attracted to areas where they can access trash, compost, or flowers. If eating outdoors, keep your food covered, and promptly clean any spills of sugary liquids.
Prevention Of Potential Nesting Sites
Property owners will most likely encounter wasps when a nest has been created on the premises; therefore, two of the best preventative measures include sealing potential up nesting sites such as openings or voids and quickly detecting and eliminating new nests. Wasps will construct nests beneath decks or eaves, within piles of wood or rocks, and other semi-protected spaces. Remember to look out for nests located in the ground when walking through or mowing the lawn.
Other Best Practices For Limiting Wasps
Routine yard maintenance should include trimming back branches, bushes, and shrubbery away from the home, keeping the grass cut short, and cleaning gutters and downspouts. Promptly remove any areas of standing water such as kiddie pools or other containers that hold rainwater or garden hose water runoff. Pools and hot tubs should be properly treated with chemicals and kept covered when not being used.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Some property owners make the mistake of attempting to banish wasps and other dangerous pests on their own. These futile attempts are often based on exaggerated assertions made by those marketing do-it-yourself home remedies including sprays, traps, and baiting systems. The reality is often that these products are incapable of delivering the results that you expect and may contain harsh additives that harm our environment.
To avoid these headaches, it is recommended that responsible homeowners immediately seek assistance from a properly licensed pest-control company. This decision provides you and your family with a safe and effective means of solving pest-related problems.
Professional Pest Extermination Service Provider In Sacramento
For more than 40 years now, the team of trained professionals at Neighborly Pest Management has been delivering results for both residential and commercial customers throughout the greater Sacramento area. We are actively involved in the local community and are accredited with the Better Business Bureau and support the Roseville Chamber of Commerce. Contact us today for a no-obligation inspection and estimate.