Property owners in Bensalem who are being bothered by "dive bombing" black and yellow insects may be dealing with a yellow jacket infestation.
Known for their aggression and their ability to sting multiple times, yellow jacket wasps are among the most feared pests in the region. People are frequently surprised to learn that these insects serve useful purposes. That is, yellow jacket wasps are industrious pollinators, and they have hearty appetites for other insects, which means that they help to control pest populations.
It is easiest to appreciate the helpful work of a yellow jacket wasp colony when their nests are situated well away from the places where people are found. Forests and meadows are ideal situations for yellow jacket wasps, but when these insects establish their nests either close to or even within man-made structures, wasps and people are bound to conflict.
Unlike less aggressive bees, yellow jacket wasps are equipped with smooth stingers that can be repeatedly used. Anyone who works or lives in close proximity with a yellow jacket wasp colony is liable to be attacked. This may occur with seemingly little or no provocation, and the outcomes can be dangerous for the victim. Accordingly, it is sensible to obtain professional yellow jacket wasp control as soon as possible.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LOOK LIKE?
When people see a flying insect with yellow and black stripes, they are frequently confused as to its identity. Some will think they are honey bees while others may say that they are bumble bees. Still others identify the pests as yellow jacket wasps.
It is correct that all of these insects have yellow and black stripes. However, yellow jacket wasps are much more slender than bumble bees or honey bees. Yellow jacket wasps also have virtually no hair on their bodies, which stands in stark contrast to the fuzzy bumble bee. At a length of one-half inch, yellow jackets are quite large. They have minuscule waists, and their bodies are distinctively segmented. When not in flight, the wings rest laterally against the insect's body.
WHERE DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LIVE?
Without a doubt, yellow jacket wasps are adapted to survive. They prove this by being present on almost every continent, where they may occupy a wide assortment of environments. It is not unusual to discover these highly social insects living in sizable colonies that may contain up to 15,000 individuals. Because DIY yellow jacket wasp control methods are not sufficient to deal with such numbers, it is never a good idea for property owners to attempt to remove or destroy a nest without professional assistance.
In Bensalem, conditions are ideal for yellow jacket wasps, which accounts for their great numbers in the area. The colony's workers are responsible for building a nest each spring. This is accomplished by gathering tiny bits of wood from trees, fallen logs or even from man-made structures. These fragments are mixed with saliva and chewed to produce a construction material that looks a lot like paper. Tree stumps and hollow logs are good places for nests, but some colonies will choose an underground location.
Frequently, yellow jacket wasps set up a nest within a man-made structure. Attics, wall voids, eaves, garbage cans and recycling bins all are common places to find nests.
Spring and summer guarantee prosperous growth for most yellow jacket wasp colonies. However, the majority of these pests die off with the cold weather. A mild winter may allow much of a colony to survive, and some of these long-standing colonies may have multiple queens for egg laying. New nests are established by one fertilized queen in the spring. She typically spends the winter in a hollow log, stump or tree bark.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS EAT?
Sugar and protein are required by yellow jacket wasps. As mentioned, a variety of insects may provide all the protein that is needed by a growing yellow jacket wasp colony. Many of the insects that are consumed are pests like mosquitoes and flies. Yellow jacket wasps also may be seen feeding from animal carcasses or in garbage cans where food scraps are found.
Although yellow jacket wasps may consume sugary substances throughout the spring and summer, they begin to place a greater emphasis on sweet things as fall draws near. Nectar and juice from many plants satisfy this need.
Yellow jacket wasps cause problems in kitchens and anywhere that people eat food. Seeking meat, condiments, baked goods, soda, juice and more, these pests can ruin any meal.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY YELLOW JACKET WASPS
The methods that yellow jacket wasp workers use to build their nests can cause property damage. This is because the workers look for wood that is untreated or damaged. Bits of the wood are removed and transformed into the papery substance that is used to build the nest.
With a colony of thousands, yellow jacket wasps can be responsible for a surprising amount of damage to window and door frames, siding, railings, outdoor stairways, decks, fences and other structures. Any wood that is not painted or stained or that has suffered damage from water or weathering is susceptible to being gnawed on by these pests.
It is not unheard of for industrious yellow jacket wasps to chew completely through drywall, providing them with access to the interior of buildings. People probably occupy these spaces, and sources of food and water for insects may be abundant. Until the colony is cleared out, people and pets are in serious danger of suffering stinging attacks.
ARE YELLOW JACKET WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
When yellow jacket wasps are close to their nests, their aggressive tendencies are impossible to ignore. In fact, people may be stung simply because they are in the vicinity without ever swatting at or otherwise aggravating the pests.
Of course, yellow jacket wasps do not sting only within sight of their nest. While out foraging for food, the wasps will sting anyone who they perceive is interfering with their task.
DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
People can get sick from yellow jacket wasp stings even if no disease is transmitted. Wasps hunt for food in animal carcasses, garbage cans and other unsanitary spots. Their stingers may collect bacteria that are passed on to human victims, causing infections and blood poisoning.
Some sting victims have an allergy that causes swelling, itching, hives and difficulty breathing. Other reactions may include diarrhea, vomiting, extremely low blood pressure and arrhythmia.
HOW TO DETECT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
Signs of a yellow jacket wasp issue include:
• Rustling sounds can be detected behind interior walls • Structure exteriors exhibit unexplained staining • Flying aggressive insects "dive bomb" people on the premises • Many stinging incidents occur on the same property
HOW TO PREVENT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
To help prevent problems with yellow jackets the following steps should be taken:
• No damaged or untreated wood is available • People frequently inspect landscaping and building exteriors for signs of new nests • Buildings are sealed up against pests • Tight lids are placed on garbage and recycling bins -Recycling and garbage bins are kept clean
HOW WE TREAT FOR YELLOW JACKET 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.
