Property owners throughout Feasterville face serious challenges when wasps move into their homes and businesses. Not only is there the real risk of being stung, but wasps have long memories. Once they decide they can thrive in your location, they are likely to return.
The bald-faced hornet is a black and white insect that is generally less than 20 mm in length. The queen is the largest hornet in the nest. They are generally hairless, at least on the front 2 sections of the body.
Cicada killer wasps can grow up to 2 inches long. They have black and yellow backs, with the front 2 sections being black with yellow fuzz or hair.
A yellow jacket wasp is black and yellow. They are slightly larger than a honey bee and have fuzz or hair on the front 2 sections of their body.
WHERE DO WASPS LIVE?
All wasps live in colonies. Yellow jacket wasps and bald-faced hornets will build their nests near wood, which they then feed on to build their fibrous nests. While yellow jacket wasps and bald-faced hornets can make a home near a wood pile or in a hollow tree, they can and will also build in and around homes, garden sheds or garages.
Cicada killers live in the soil. While they may nest near living spaces, It is rare that they will become a bother.
WHAT DO WASPS EAT?
Bald-faced hornets feed off of other insects, including yellow jacket wasps. In fact, some bald-faced hornet nests are actually yellow inside because of the many yellow jacket wasps they have consumed. They can also be drawn by raw meat and by dropped fruit or fruiting trees and shrubs.
Cicada killers feed on cicadas. The female cicada killer will sting a cicada and carry it back to the nest in the soil before laying her eggs on the cicada. As the larvae feed, they pupate inside the carcass.
The yellow jacket wasp is also known as a "meat bee." They will feed on carcasses of dead animals and may carry a wide range of bacteria back to a property. Moist surfaces of meat are especially enticing to them.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WASPS
Because both yellow jacket wasps and bald-faced hornets feed on wood fiber to build their nests, it is possible that they can, over time, cause some damage to homes and businesses. They also are drawn to the same nesting spots year after year, so that damage can multiply over time.
Cicada wasps are not as destructive to wooden structures because they nest in soil. As such, these determined diggers that can cause extensive damage in lawns or adjacent to paved surfaces. The damage can become widespread if numerous females gather in a relatively small area.
ARE WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Both bald-faced hornets and yellow jacket wasps can be quite aggressive. In fact, yellow jacket wasps exude a pheromone as they die that will draw the attention and ire of other wasps. If possible, sweep wasps out of your home instead of killing them, especially in the fall when worker wasps are dying.
The cicada killer is generally not aggressive to humans. However, if their nests are disturbed thy will give chase. Most of the aggressive posturing is done by male cicada killers, which cannot sting.
DO WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Both bald-faced hornets and yellowjackets will feed on raw foods and dropped fruit. Because both raw meat and dropped fruit can be covered in active bacteria, surfaces that come in contact with wasps should be disinfected.
The greatest dangers presented by both yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets is their sting. Unlike bees, wasps will sting you repeatedly if they feel threatened. Multiple stings can lead to a great deal of swelling and discomfort. An allergic reaction can be even more dangerous.
HOW TO DETECT WASPS
Signs of a wasp possible wasp problem include:
• Nests found hanging from the eaves or porch • Stinging attacks • Flying insects that dart at people
HOW TO PREVENT WASPS
To help protect against wasp issues the following precautions should be taken:
• Paint or stain all wood • Store lumber firewood well away from buildings • Cover up food that is served outdoors • Keep garbage cans clean • Clean up orchards by removing fallen fruit
HOW TO TREAT FOR WASPS
Here at Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach to eradicate bees, wasps, and hornets that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments sources available. By combining these treatment measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps, bees, and hornets.
