Wasps: Facts Everyone Should Know | The Eliminator Pest Control and Property Services

In late summer, wasps' behavior changes as their preferred meal moves from carbohydrates to proteins. As a result, you'll see them more frequently where food is consumed outside and near garbage collection places.

If you see a lot of wasps in your house or garden, there's probably a wasp nest nearby. It could be at your home, your garden, or a short distance away. In the summer and autumn, a mature nest can hold thousands of wasps. When wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets attack, they are usually aggressive and sting repeatedly.

How can I tell what kind of nest it is?

Paper Wasps: This is an open nest with hexagonal cells made by paper wasps. It usually has the shape of an umbrella and contains fewer than 100 paper wasps.

Hornets: A hornet nest is shaped like a football and has smooth walls around it.

Bees: Bee hives are easily identifiable due to their waxy look.

Yellow Jacket Wasps: The activities around a yellow jacket wasp nest can be identified. Wasps can be seen flying back and forth to a hidden spot. Thousands of wasps can be seen in these nests!

What should I do if I’m attacked?

DO’s

• Always remain still if a wasp approaches you.
• If you have to run away, do so in a straight line, without flailing your arms.
• Protect your head and face, as these areas are mostly likely to be targeted by the wasps.

DON’Ts

• If you swat at the wasp or swing your arms, you’ll only make it more aggressive and more likely to sting you.
• Do not try to fool wasps by “playing dead”. They will simply continue stinging you!
• Do not seek shelter in a body of water, as the wasps will simply wait for you to re-emerge.

How to avoid wasp stings?

The following tips can help you avoid painful wasp stings:

• Carefully dispose of all food and drinks, especially soft drink cans.
• Never leave sugary drinks unattended. Also, always check sugary drinks for wasps before consuming.
• Keep all areas of your property clean and tidy.
• Check for wasp activity before carrying out any gardening activity.
• Avoid strong scents and bright clothing.
• Protect your feet by wearing closed shoes.

Can Wasps Damage Your Home?

Wasps, as you may have suspected, can wreak a lot of damage to your home. The two wasp species that will cause the most harm to your home are wood wasps and horntail wasps. These are the wasps you should be most concerned about.

As a wasp nest increases in size and becomes moist, it can quickly become a problem. If your ceiling becomes damp, the materials begin to deteriorate, allowing moisture to enter. If you wait long enough, your ceiling may ultimately cave in and a large hole will appear.

Wasps have the ability to chew through a variety of materials. This could be for the purpose of laying eggs or strengthening the building of their nest. They might even do it to gain access to your attic and your home's warmth. Needless to say, when wasps start eating into wood, the structure of your roof and walls will swiftly deteriorate. They'll use any flaws and crevices they develop to get access to your home. If they can get through the access sites, then so can a slew of other pests.

Early Signs of Wasps Inside Your Home

If you frequently encounter wasps in your backyard or even within your home, you are most likely not seeing things. You have grounds to believe that wasps have infiltrated your home and established a nest there. Increased wasp numbers typically indicate the presence of a nest nearby.

Wasp numbers are at their peak near the end of summer. If you think wasps have built a nest in your house, try to follow their flight path. Wasps will leave the nest in groups to search for food, and they must return to the same location to feed the queen and their young.

A wasp nest can usually be identified by its telltale symptoms. You might be able to hear them buzzing in your ceiling if they've made it inside. At that point, you should contact wasp control specialists.

Should I remove wasp nest myself?

A wasp nest should be treated as soon as feasible. Wasp nest removal is a difficult task that requires professional assistance. We strongly advise against attempting to remove a wasp nest yourself to avoid unpleasant wasp stings (and possible allergic reactions). Remember that provoking the wasps in the nest could result in significant injury to yourself or others.

If you discover a wasp nest on your property, call us right away for expert guidance and fast help to avert a wider infestation. We're delighted to assist you!