Wasp Identification & Prevention

What are wasps?

Wasps are an example of a stinging insect; stinging insects all have stingers they use as a means of defense to paralyze their prey. Most wasps have a few physical features in common, such as pinched waists, six legs, and little or no body hair. Wasps are eco-important predators, helping to keep populations of nuisance insects in check. They are also important because of the role they play in pollinating some plants and crops.

In our area of Texas, some of the most common species of wasps include mud daubers, yellow jackets, and paper wasps. Mud daubers are a solitary species, while yellow jackets and paper wasps are social and live together in large groups.

Are wasps dangerous?

Yes, wasps are dangerous, and you should always take care when you’re around them. Here are several factors that make wasps dangerous pests:

• Wasp venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions and sometimes anaphylaxis.

• Social wasps sometimes attack in large groups.

• When threatened, wasps defend themselves by delivering painful stings.

• Most wasps have smooth stingers and can repeatedly sting, delivering more venom each time.

Why do I have a wasp problem?

Lots of flowering vegetation, gardens, compost, and outdoor eating areas are things that attract wasps and the insects they prey on to feed their developing young. Wasps are most problematic during the late summer and fall when their colonies are at their largest, and workers are out foraging for food.

Where will I find wasps?

Living, breeding, and feeding outside, wasps can become a problem in yards, parks, and wooded areas. Wasps build their nests in protected areas either above or below ground. Aerial nesters build their nests in trees, shrubs, utility poles, and porches. They will also build nests under rooflines, decks, and doorframes. Ground nesters nest in the abandoned ground holes of small animals or place their nests under woodpiles, or shrubs. If wasps ever find their way inside a home or other building, they usually build their nests in or on chimneys, in attics, or behind walls.

How do I get rid of wasps?

For Texans looking for exceptional pest control services, turn to the locally owned and operated experts at Lonestar Safe Pest. We take pride in offering our residential and commercial pest control customers excellent customer service; customer satisfaction is our number one goal. Our experienced professionals understand the pest pressures Texas home and business owners face each day.

At Lonestar Safe Pest, we will work with you to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, using our modern pest control solutions. If you would like to learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control services, reach out to Lonestar Safe Pest today!

How can I prevent wasps in the future?

Protect your Texas property from wasps with a combination of our professional wasp control services and these helpful prevention tips:

• Place tight-fitting lids on trash cans to keep wasps from foraging for food in them.

• Remove tree stumps, fallen trees, and other debris from your yard.

• Fill in ground holes around your property.

• Cut tree branches back away from the exterior of your home.

• Reduce the amount of flowering vegetation you have planted near your home.

• Keep wasps out by placing weatherstripping around windows and doors, replacing torn screens, and repairing holes along the roofline.