Hungry wasps frequently crash outdoor gatherings in Ewing. Even when they are not foraging among picnic tables, encounters between wasps and people are unpleasant. This is because these pests are aggressive and territorial. Moreover, each insect can sting multiple times.
Common wasp species in the region include the yellow jacket wasp, cicada killer wasp and the bald-faced hornet. Water and food, even in tiny quantities, may attract these pests over long distances. When colonies of these insects establish nests that are close to human habitations, the odds of dangerous encounters between wasps and people rise. This means that people may become victims of stinging attacks that can have them heading for the hospital.
When wasps live in wild, natural areas, they are a beneficial species that provides essential pollination and pest control. However, it is never a good idea to allow wasps to establish themselves in the vicinity of man-made structures. Confrontations are bound to occur, especially over the summer as the wasp population explodes.
Generally, the best time to stop wasps in their tracks is the spring. Queens that survive the winter create new nests each year. These nests are small and have few residents. However, a first generation of workers soon will hatch with subsequent generations following in rapid succession. With each new generation, it becomes more difficult to control the wasp infestation.
In fact, it is dangerous for people to attempt to get rid of wasp nests without professional assistance. Anyone who is stung many times may be subject to a potentially lethal reaction, making proper control efforts of paramount importance. Exterminators have the tools, knowledge and experience that are required to ensure safe and effective control of wasp infestations.
WHAT DO WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Unfortunately, many people mistake the yellow jacket wasp for the relatively harmless honey bee. This mostly is because both species have yellow and black stripes. However, honey bees are covered in fuzzy hair and have thicker bodies than yellow jacket wasps. The colony’s workers average approximately one-half inch in length. Members of this species have three body parts including the abdomen, thorax and head. Additionally, they have two prominent antennae and four wings.
Cicada killer wasps are much larger, with specimens typically growing to one-and-a-half inches long. This makes them look intimidating, but this species is unlikely to attack. On the black abdomen, the cicada killer wasp displays three yellow stripes. Observers frequently report seeing pale red wings, head and thorax on these pests.
The common name of the bald-faced hornet is derived from the easily discernible white markings on their faces. Lengths of three-quarters of an inch are common among the species, and the majority of the bald-faced hornet’s body is black in stark contrast to their lighter-colored faces.
WHERE DO WASPS LIVE?
Yellow jacket wasps are social insects that nest with thousands of family members. A new nest is built each spring by the workers, which forage for fibers from wood. They chew on the fibers, mixing it with their saliva, until a paper-like substance is formed. Nests frequently are dangled from a tree, utility pole, shrub, overhang or eave. However, certain subspecies of yellow jackets prefer to nest at or below ground level, using an abandoned animal burrow or a pile of yard debris.
Bald-faced hornets like habitat that is similar to that of the yellow jacket wasps. They also live in large colonies with thousands of members, and they even create nest-making material in the same manner. Nests are nearly always aerial, hanging from trees, lamp posts, eaves, shutters and other tall structures.
Cicada killer wasps tend not to be social insects, though several independent females may nest in the same area if there is sufficient appropriate habitat. Females look for exposed, loose soil into which they can burrow. Each burrow receives an egg and a cicada on which the young can feed as it develops. Sparse lawns and garden soil can look attractive to cicada killer wasps.
WHAT DO WASPS EAT?
Protein and sugar are the two staple foods of most wasp species. Insects are a reliable source of protein, and wasps tend to eat many insects and spiders that people consider pests. In places where wasps are relatively plentiful, it may be possible to notice a distinct drop in other pest species.
For sugar, wasps rely on fruit juice and plant nectar. Some adults may supplement their diet on a sweet substance that is naturally secreted from the colony’s larvae.
The nutritional needs of the cicada killer wasp are different when compared with those of other wasp species. They eat virtually no protein, preferring plant nectar and tree sap instead. Their name comes from their distinctive behavior that includes capturing cicadas and bringing them back to their nest for their young to feed upon.
People eat protein and sugar in many foods, which is why wasps are such a frequent problem at barbecues and picnics. Meat, condiments, sodas, juice, baked goods and pet food are just a few examples of food items that unfailingly attract wasps.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WASPS
Wasps in Ewing can cause a surprising amount of damage. Structures made of wood are particularly vulnerable, especially if they are not painted or stained. Each worker from colonies of thousands collects tiny amounts of fiber from siding, shingles, door frames, window frames, decks, fences, railings and stairways, sometimes causing extensive damage. When wasp infestations are allowed to persist from year to year, the damage can become difficult or impossible to repair.
As cicada killer wasps burrow into soil, they leave piles and holes across an otherwise unspoiled expanse. Plants and grasses may be smothered by the piles.
ARE WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Most wasp species are highly aggressive, with the one local exception being the cicada killer wasp. Though they are large and may appear frightening, these gentle creatures typically do not sting people.
The same cannot be said for other wasp species, which are known for being incredibly aggressive. In fact, these pests may attack seemingly without provocation. The vibration of footsteps or a lawn mower running in the vicinity of a nest may be enough to set off an attack. This is why it is advisable to avoid the area once a nest has been discovered. Once an exterminator has treated the nest, it will be safe to enter the area again.
DO WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
No diseases are transmitted with the bite or sting of a wasp. Still, some people do have allergic reactions that may involve vomiting, dizziness, hives, throat swelling and other potentially dangerous symptoms.
HOW TO DETECT WASPS
Signs of a wasp infestation include:
• People report being stung multiple times • Being “dive bombed” by insects on the property is common • Flying insects are seen gathering around a suspended nest or a hole in the ground • Nests are seen dangling from trees, utility poles or eaves
HOW TO PREVENT WASPS
To help prevent wasp issues the following steps should be taken:
• Routinely inspect building exteriors in the spring for signs of nest building • Use screens on open doors and windows • Ensure that wood is painted or stained • Block holes and gaps in building exteriors • Regularly clean garbage cans • Serve food indoors even when dining outdoors
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.
