Each spring, Levittown homes and businesses will see wasp activity as they begin establishing new nests. This is the best time to nip a wasp infestation in the bud. Unfortunately, this species can be adept at hiding their nests in locations that are not always easy to spot. This means that property owners frequently do not know that there is a problem until they are bombarded by flying, buzzing, stinging insects on a regular basis.
Bald faced hornets, cicada killers, yellow jackets and other wasp species are commonly found throughout Levittown and Pennsylvania. Their size and ability to deliver multiple stings make them among the more feared pests. The sooner a wasp nest is located and removed, the less likely it is that someone will suffer a medical emergency as a result of being stung.
WHAT DO WASPS LOOK LIKE?
The term "wasp" actually encompasses approximately 30,000 species. Only a fraction of these are commonly encountered in Levittown. Nonetheless, most species share certain characteristics in common. They exhibit little or no hair on their bodies, and they have retractable stingers. Unlike bees, they do not have pollen baskets. Also unlike bees, two of the wasp's legs hang down while in flight.
Adult yellow jackets typically are about half an inch long and feature bright yellow and black stripes. Paper wasps are larger at just under one inch in length. Their coloration can be anywhere from yellow to dark brown or even black. Sometimes, they are striped. At just over one inch in length, the bald faced hornet is larger. Their black bodies have distinctive white markings.
WHERE WASPS ARE FOUND
Wasps can build their nests in a plethora of places. Oftentimes, they choose sunny locations. In general, the nest of a wasp will be located in one of the following regions: in a hole underground, underneath floors of houses, in trees or plants, on the side of a wall, and along small hillocks or riverbanks.
WHAT WASPS FEED ON
Wasps generally are considered beneficial insects because of their large appetite for other insects. Caterpillars, earwigs and flies are particular favorites, but wasps also will eat bees and a variety of other dead insects. Many wasp species lay their eggs on or in the carcass of an insect, thereby providing the young with a sustained food source.
Most adult wasps consume nectar from flowers and honey, which they may steal from a bee hive. Some species, like yellow jackets, are particularly drawn to protein as well as sweets. This means that they are extremely attracted to many human foods. Hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, sodas, sauces, dressings and desserts are especially irresistible.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY WASPS
Nearly any wasp species may make use of wall or ceiling voids as nesting locations if access is readily available. In some instances, some species will actually chew through drywall, which means that property owners may be troubled by the pests both indoors and out. When wasps have chewed through structural components, repairs will have to be made.
Many wasp species will only use a nest location for a single season, moving on to establish a new nest the next year. If the prior nest is located within the walls or ceiling of a building, this can cause problems. The nest, and any decaying larvae and dead wasps, will begin to rot. Moisture gathers inside the walls, leading to the growth of fungus and mold. Property owners may have to arrange for considerable repairs in these situations.
ARE WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
When compared to bees, wasps are seen as highly aggressive. Moreover, they are capable of stinging multiple times while also inciting other colony members to attack. Wasps are extremely territorial. If an unwary person encounters an underground nest while mowing or using other yard tools, they can quickly become the victim of an attack. This is always a painful experience, and it can be life threatening when dozens of stings are involved or when the victim is allergic to the stings.
DO WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Wasps are not known to carry or transmit diseases that might affect people. Still, their aggressive tendencies make them a menace when they establish nests too close to human habitations.
HOW TO DETECT WASPS
The following signs may be an indication of a wasp issue:
• An inordinate number of buzzing insects gathered around garbage cans, barbecue grills and picnic tables • Seeing buzzing, flying insects inside buildings • People being stung multiple times • Sounds of buzzing and rustling behind walls
HOW TO PREVENT WASPS
To help avoid wasp problems these preventative measures can be taken:
• Make certain that all window and door screens are in good repair • Do not leave doors and windows open • Place tight lids on all garbage cans • Keep serving dishes indoors during barbecues • Seal small cracks and crevices in the exterior of structures • Regularly monitor the property for signs of a new wasp nest
HOW TO TREAT FOR 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..
