Although certain Wasps are beneficial by killing large numbers of plant-feeding insects and nuisance flies, they can also be pests when they come in close contact near humans posing the threat of stings, which can be painful and even deadly to those with allergic reactions to wasp stings.
Yellowjackets are by far the most troublesome group, especially ground and cavity-nesting ones such as the western yellowjacket, which tend to defend their nests vigorously when disturbed. Defensive behavior increases as the season progresses and colony populations become larger while food becomes scarcer.
From spring to midsummer, wasp nests are in the growth phase, so you can expect swarm numbers to be at their worst during mid summer to late summer. That is the time you need to be prepared.
The best way to prevent unpleasant encounters with social wasps is to avoid them. If you know where they are, try not to go near their nesting places. Wasps can become very defensive when their nest is disturbed. Be on the lookout for nests when outdoors. Wasps that are flying directly in and out of a single location are probably flying to and from their nest.
Scavenging wasps usually won’t become a problem if there is no food around to attract them. When nuisance wasps are present outdoors, keep foods including pet food and drinks covered or inside the house, and keep garbage in tightly sealed garbage cans. Once wasps discover food, they will continue to hunt around that location long after the source has been removed.
If wasp nests must be eliminated, it is easiest and safest to call for professional help.
Trapping is one method that can be employed to try to reduce yellowjacket problems. Wasps can be trapped using lures traps or bait stations. Trapping is not suggested for other social wasp species.
Knocking down newly started paper wasp nests is another way to control wasps by forcing the wasp to go elsewhere to start again or to join a neighboring nest as a worker. However, there is little activity around new wasp nests so they typically go unnoticed until the nest and populations grow.
Wasp and hornet insecticide aerosol sprays can be effective against both yellowjackets and paper wasps, but they must be used with extreme caution. Wasps will attack applicators when sensing a poison applied to their nests, and even the “freeze” products aren’t guaranteed to stop all wasps that come flying out.
Parsons Pest Control offers several wasp aerosols, including Aerothor Wasp & Hornet Spray. This product is in stock and flying off the shelves, so order yours today before they are gone.
It is extremely important to wear protective clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and a veil over your face. In addition to protecting yourself from wasp stings, another good reason to wear protective eyewear and other clothing is to protect yourself from any hazards associated with handling pesticide.
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