Wasps
Wasps pack a pretty tough punch when they sting you, but they don’t die afterward.
If you encounter a wasp…
- When you see a wasp, don’t start swatting. Be calm and move away.
- If a wasp is indoors, open windows and doors and allow it to get out.
Bees versus Wasps
We know now to “save the bees”, but wasps are another story. While wasps don’t pollinate plants, they do help us out by eating other insects.
How do you tell the difference between a bee and a wasp? Bees are “husky” and wasps are “slim.” Bees are “hairy” and wasps are smooth.
Wasp Nests
Wasps nests are generally found around loose piles of wood, under porches and along rafters. Beware of wasps in empty cans, buckets and boxes that are rarely used.
Wasp nests are generally designed by the queen in the spring and they grow all spring and early summer. By August, the nests are at their peak size and the wasps are at their most aggressive.
DIY wasp control
The end of summer is not the best time to get rid of a wasp nest on your own. If you have waited until August, either get the help of a professional or just avoid stirring them up.
Wait and let the frost get them, then get rid of the nests so they don’t move back in next spring. If you are a self-declared wasp hunter, start looking for them early in the year and destroy the nests (and the queen) before they grow and get really angry.
5 steps for wasp prevention:
- Remove abandoned nests in winter
- Seal gaps in your home
- Eliminate loose piles of wood and refuse in your yard
- Clean up rotten fruit under fruit trees
- Keep outdoor garbage tightly sealed
If you have wasp issues, call Lawn and Pest Solutions, a professional pest service. Our licensed pest technicians can assess the situation and handle it promptly and safely.
We serve the Memphis, TN and North Mississippi region. Give us a call and avoid wasps, hornets, bees, and other angry pests!
