Different creatures deal with danger in different ways. Squirrels climb trees and hide in their branches; armadillos roll themselves up into a tight ball, squids eject ink around them in the water to disappear. What is your first response when threatened? More specifically, what do you do when you see a wasp buzzing nearby? Most people would move away. Besides, wasp stings are painful. The question is, what invites wasps onto Daphne yards, and is there anything you should be doing to stop them.
Identifying Wasps Around Daphne
There are several species of wasps that call our area home. The three most common are paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets. Here is how to identify each of these pests, and here are a few things you should know about each.
A paper wasp is brown and has yellow or red markings across its body, legs, and head. These less aggressive stinging pests build large nests out of the sun-dried, chewed-up pulp. Find these nests on the sides of trees, under the eaves of buildings, and in underground burrows or holes.
A yellow jacket is black and has distinct yellow markings across its body, legs, and head. Known for building its nests in the same locations paper wasps do, this more aggressive stinging pest is more likely to attack and will occasionally do so without warning or reason.
A hornet is black, more extensive than other area wasps, and has a red, yellow, and or white pattern across its body. Despite their larger size, these docile pests will only sting if directly threatened. As for their nests, these pests tend to build intricate hives hanging from branches, large tree-like shrubs, and on occasion, underneath the eaves of buildings.
Why Wasps Invade Lawns
Wasps are most likely to build a nest near sources of food. Things like fruit trees, berry bushes, and budding plants and flowers are just a few ways these pests find food around properties. Wasps will also eat human and pet food as long as it contained a high amount of sugar or protein. Suppose you host outdoor gatherings regularly and do not fully clean up after, leaving scraps of food and open drinks unattended. In that case, wasps will gravitate towards your property and build a nest nearby.
How To Limit Your Exposure To Wasps
- When looking to prevent wasps from settling down on your property, your first job is to remove things that draw these pests in. This is best done using these helpful tips:
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors.
- Remove budding plants and flowers from your property.
- Treat trees on your property for aphids.
- Pick up fruit and berries that fall into your yard.
- Keep your grass trimmed short and your landscaping well-maintained.
- Fill in holes around your yard.
- Use a broom to knock down newly formed wasp nests that are smaller than a golf ball.
What To Do When Wasps Settle In On Your Property
Once wasps establish themselves, getting them to go away is difficult. Before your risk, your health and safety trying to handle an infestation of these pests, consider the benefits of hiring a professional. At Prewett Pest Control, we have the advanced treatments and safety equipment needed to handle wasp nests of all shapes and sizes effectively. With years of experience and a team of friendly services technicians to implement our proven pest control strategies, you can be sure you are making the right choice when you pick us.
Contact us today to discuss our pest control offerings and schedule a time to have your property treated for wasps.