You’ll find a variety of pests under the broad label of wasps that may be in or around your home. It’s a good idea to know something about each type to be able to identify them and know which ones are most dangerous.
All wasps have one thing in common – their ability to sting. Those stings can be quite painful and even cause an allergic reaction in some people. Some wasps are more likely to sting than others and it may be helpful to identify the type that has taken up residence on your property.
Yellow Jackets
This wasp is one of the most feared and rightly so. One yellow jacket can sting multiple times, and their stings are extremely painful. They are easy to identify with the colorful yellow and black bodies. This wasp generally builds its nest along the edges of groups of trees, so you may see more of them if you live near a wooded area. Yellow jackets are attracted to food and can be found around patios and decks if you cook outside.
Black and Yellow Mud Dauber
While this wasp has the same colors as a yellow jacket, its temperament is quite different. You don’t want to aggravate a mud dauber, but it isn’t as keen on stinging if left alone. The mud dauber is easiest to recognize when it is in its home. The dauber builds a nest out of mud and then places an egg inside. Most nests are found under rocks or bridges with some being built under the eaves of a house or even in a garage or attic where they will stay dry until the eggs hatch in the spring.
Hornets
A hornet is similar to other wasps, and they are often highly aggressive. For instance, the bald-faced hornet will sting repeatedly if their nest is disturbed. The nest is often found in a tree or in the eaves of a house.
Paper Wasps
Another type of wasp you’re likely to see is the paper wasp. They build their nests out of various materials and the result is a paper-like ball with eggs inside. Since they will build anywhere, you’re more likely to find one of these nests in and around your home. Paper wasps can sting if they are being disturbed.
What to Do with Wasps in Your Home
It’s important not to try to remove a wasp nest on your home. All wasps will protect their homes and young will sting if disturbed. Some species like the yellow jacket and hornet seem to take extra pleasure in multiple stings.
If you’re allergic to wasp stings, you want to get the nest and its family removed as quickly as possible. Even someone without an allergic reaction can suffer from one or more stings, so caution is necessary.
If you’ve found a wasp nest in your home or around the exterior, you can contact All Natural Pest Elimination to take care of the problem.
