How to Get Rid of Wasps Effectively and Prevent Future Nests
If you’ve ever had to deal with a wasp infestation, you know how unpleasant and potentially dangerous it can be.
Wasps are aggressive insects that can sting multiple times, causing pain and swelling.
Early intervention is typically far more effective in eliminating wasp infestations. Be on the lookout for these signs of wasp activity in your yard and within your home.
Wasps are attracted to a variety of things in your yard. Understanding what attracts them can help you take steps to reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Here are some common things that may attract wasps to your yard:
Wasps are attracted to food, particularly sugary and high-protein foods. If you have open food containers or spills around your yard, wasps may be attracted to the area.
Like many insects, wasps need water to survive. If you have standing water in your yard, such as in bird baths or ponds, wasps may be attracted to the area.
Wasps need shelter to build their nests and protect their young. If you have areas of your yard that provide shelter, such as eaves, attics, or sheds, wasps may be attracted to the area.
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets, which are all related species, have painful stings and can be particularly dangerous for people that are allergic to them.
Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp that are known for their distinctive black and yellow striped bodies. They are typically about 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch in length, and their nests can contain hundreds or even thousands of wasps.
Mud daubers are a type of solitary wasp that are known for their distinctive nests, which are made out of mud.
They are typically black or metallic blue in color with bright yellow patterns on their thorax and legs and have long, slender bodies.
Hornets are a wasp species that are closely related to yellow jackets. They are typically larger than yellow jackets and have a more robust body. Hornets can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed, and their sting can be painful.
Paper wasps get their name due to their unique nests, which are made of wood fiber obtained from plants and chewed to make paper-like, hexagonal chambers.