North America is home to hundreds of species of social wasps, meaning that encountering one at least once is inevitable. People who want to enjoy the outdoors without fear of being stung by the pests come up with action plans during the warmer months of the year that include wasp control and prevention.In Philadelphia, the most common wasps include the, yellowjacket wasps, bald-faced hornets, and cicada-killer wasps.
WHAT DO WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Despite differences in appearance, each type of wasp shares similar attributes. The majority of wasps have two pairs of wings, differentiating them from other flying insects. A wasp's waist is narrow and distinctive. It is slender, smooth, and shiny with cylindrical legs.
Females have stingers as a result of the ovipositor, or female sex organ. They are the only wasps that sting people.
Bald face hornets are black in color with characteristic white marks on its face, this wasp is similar to the yellow jacket in appearance. It has six legs, antennae, and is very aggressive. It's not a hornet as much as it is a wasp, but mimics the personality of its namesake.
Cicada killers wasps have yellow and white bands that decorate the black bodies of this wasp. A red head and thorax paired with yellowish wings make the insect easily recognizable. It's large in size with a wingspan of three inches.
Yellow jacket wasps are often mistaken for honeybees. They are larger in size, aggressive in nature, and have less hair on their bodies than honeybees. The queen of a colony can measure up to ¾ of an inch long.
Pennsylvania residents can encounter any of the most common varieties of wasps during warmer weather. Summer is when wasp infestations are the worst, however. Preparing to spend time outdoors regularly should include pest removal services. Wasp control makes summertime pleasant and safer for everyone involved.
WHERE WASPS ARE FOUND
Wasps are found throughout the United States. Philadelphia residents see their share of the insects during warmer weather months. The humidity attracts the pests and makes infestations worse. Some common locations where wasps exist include soil, tree bark, roofing material, and in the cavities of trees and walls. A wasp nest may appear in the corner of a porch or garage where it's not easy for predators to reach.
WHAT WASPS FEED ON
Nectar is the primary food source for adult wasps. They may also feed other insects to their larvae. Fruit and nectar attract wasps looking for food sources to consume. It is the reason why people are told not to leave food uncovered outdoors for long. It is also why Philly residents should cover drinks and clean up sweet, sticky spills immediately. Reducing the likelihood of hungry wasps approaching a high-traffic area of a property ensures that everyone is able to eat and visit outdoors without fear that they will be stung by insects looking to feast.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WASPS
As wood is harvested from forests, wasps may seek refuge elsewhere. In doing so, they may destroy wood in attempts to build nests. Residents can see damage in the form of wood floors, wooden beams, carpeting, and linoleum. Taking preventative measures to keep wasps away lowers the risk of property damage caused by wasps and their offspring.
ARE WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
When disturbed, wasps get territorial and aggressive. Their stings can be painful. Due to the possibility of the insects carrying disease, it is best for people to contact a professional for assistance removing a wasp's nest and wasps from a property. Pest control experts possess the knowledge and tools needed to safely remove nests and insects from a property without incident.
Some wasps are more aggressive than others. As mentioned before, the bald face hornet is an aggressor. It gets easily disturbed and can cause injury due to its painful stings. Avoiding areas where wasps reside and seeking expert assistance with nest removal is highly advisable for properties of all sizes.
DO WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
When wasps sting, they inject a toxic poison called histamine into their victims. This poison causes a reaction within the human body, and manifests outwardly in the form of redness, swelling, and irritation. In some cases, more serious side effects that necessitate immediate medical attention can manifest. In addition to injecting people with poison, wasps can carry diseases that contaminate food consumed by humans. Finally, individuals who experience an allergic reaction to a wasp sting are susceptible to death.
People who experience allergic reactions from wasp stings should prepare accordingly by wearing long-sleeved clothing, avoiding open spaces outdoors where insects gather, and practicing good hygiene by bathing and wearing antiperspirant.
HOW TO DETECT WASPS
Detecting wasps can be challenging. The primary evidence of a wasp infestation is sighting a wasp flying in and out of a hole within the structure. Still, the pest control company should do a thorough inspection of the premise to determine whether nests are located within the living space or in trees or other natural elements nearby.
HOW TO PREVENT WASPS
Wasp prevention is contingent upon knocking or scraping down the nest from which the wasps came. Doing this will prevent further infestation of wasps and other insects like ants and carpet beetles. Routine maintenance from a pest control company should also be integral aspects of wasp prevention.
HOW TO TREAT FOR WASPS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach for treating hornets and wasps that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps and hornets.
