Spending time outdoors can become a hassle in Doylestown because of wasps. As they aggressively fly and buzz around, people may be tempted to swap at these pests. Unfortunately, this is never a good idea. These aggressive insects are apt to attack with little apparent reason.
Wasps may nest in fields and forests. When they do so, they form a beneficial component in the ecosystem because they pollinate flowers and trees while also consuming other insects in the area. Wasps living in these conditions can be left alone, but the response changes when wasp nests are found too close to residential and commercial buildings.
People and wasps that live in close quarters are bound to have violent encounters. The wasps are territorial around their nests, and even when they are foraging for food elsewhere, they will take any excuse to begin an attack.
Compared to stings by honeybees and bumblebees, stings from wasps are things to be feared. Bee species typically can only sting once, but wasps can sting many times in the same attack. Additionally, an alarmed wasp emits a pheromone that tells other wasps in the area to join the attack. A vulnerable person may be stung dozens of times in the space of mere moments.
Interfering with nests made by bald-faced hornet, cicada killer and yellow jacket wasps is certain to trigger a stinging attack that could put lives in danger. This is why it is never a good idea for people to try to remove a nest by themselves. A licensed pest management professional has the knowledge, experience and tools that are needed to safely and effectively end wasp infestations.
WHAT DO WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Each of these insects has six legs and wings that enable them to fly. Bald-faced hornets are approximately three-quarters of an inch in length when they reach their adult size. Although their bodies are mostly black, they have bright white spots on their faces that make them easy to identify.
The largest wasps in the area are cicada killer wasps. Despite their size, which can make them seem threatening, these insects actually are gentle and slow to attack. Adults may be one-and-a-half inches long with mostly black coloring, though their abdomens do have three yellow stripes.
Yellow jacket wasps frequently are mistaken for bumblebees and honeybees because members of all three species have yellow and black stripes on their bodies. However, the yellow jacket’s body is much thinner and longer. They typically are larger than honeybees and bumblebees at lengths of approximately one-half inch. The thorax, head and abdomen are virtually free of hair.
WHERE DO WASPS LIVE?
Both bald-faced hornets and yellow jacket wasps are social insects that live in large colonies that could have many thousands of members. Workers from both species are responsible for constructing a new nest every spring. To do so, minuscule fibers are gathered from wood in the area. Combining the wood with saliva in their mouths, the workers chew until a papery material is formed. This material is used to construct the majority of the nest.
Nests frequently are suspended from elevated locations such as tall trees and bushes, but man-made structures are utilized on a regular basis. Utility poles, lamp posts, porch supports, eaves, overhangs and shutters are a few examples of items from which wasp nests may hang. Certain sub-species of these wasps may prefer underground nests. In these cases, an abandoned animal burrow, a pile of yard debris or a woodpile may be used as a nesting site.
Solitary cicada killer wasps have much different nesting requirements. The female digs into loose, exposed soil to create burrows. Used for resting, these burrows also serve as safe places for her young to mature. The cicadas that she catches will be placed in these burrows too.
WHAT DO WASPS EAT?
Wasps require protein and sugar from many different sources. Most of their nutrition is obtained by eating other insects, many of which people consider pests. Accordingly, they perform natural pest control services.
Additionally, wasps gather fruit juice and plant nectar from a variety of blooms. The larvae in the nest also may secrete a sugary substance that the adults consume.
Cicada killer wasps are different in that they do not eat protein when they are adults. Sweet, sugary foods fulfill all of their dietary needs. Adults capture cicadas and carry them back to the nest so that their larvae can feed on the cicadas.
People also consume protein and sugar from numerous sources. Consequently, wasps frequently are attracted to the places where food is prepared and eaten as well as garbage cans that may have scraps and stains of food. Any food that contains protein or sugar may be targeted including fruit juice, vegetables, baked goods, condiments and barbecued meats. Pet food that is left out will certainly attract wasps on a summer day.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WASPS
People in Doylestown need to be worried about property damage. Many are surprised when they learn that wasps actually can be destructive. Most wasp species cause damage as they forage for small bits of wood that can be used in nest construction. Trees, stumps and woodpiles are sources of this wood, but so is any man-made wooden item that is not painted or stained. In fact, any wood that is not in pristine condition may be vulnerable.
Additional damage can occur when wasps build nests within structures, such as in wall voids. The pressure of the heavy nest can take a toll, and it is not unheard-of for wasps to actually chew through drywall. This means that the wasps easily can enter the residential or commercial building in great numbers.
Cicada killer wasps cause damage to manicured lawns and gardens by creating numerous holes and piles of soil. When many piles of soil accumulate, grass and plants may be smothered.
ARE WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Cicada killer wasps are the only local species that is reluctant to attack. Other species behave aggressively and are provoked to sting by a variety of causes that may include vibrations in the ground, loud noises or someone simply being too close to the nest. People who swat at wasps that fly around them quickly may learn just how aggressive these insects can be.
DO WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Wasps do not carry diseases that can be transmitted to people through stings. Nonetheless, some people will have a violent reaction if they are stung multiple times or are allergic to stings. Symptoms of such a reaction include hives, dizziness, vomiting and swelling of tissue in the throat.
HOW TO DETECT WASPS
Signs of a wasp infestation include:
• Small, new nests are found hanging from a building • People hear buzzing and rustling from behind a wall • People outdoors on the premises may be “dive bombed” • Stings become a common occurrence
HOW TO PREVENT WASPS
To help prevent wasp issues the following steps should be taken:
• Regularly inspect building exteriors for signs of new wasp nests • Block holes and cracks in building exteriors to keep wasps from coming indoors • Routinely clean garbage cans • Place tight-fitting lids on all garbage cans • Make pet food available only at mealtimes • Ensure that any wood on the property is well-maintained • Place yard debris piles and woodpiles at least 20 feet away from buildings
HOW TO TREAT FOR WASPS
Here 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.
