Like many members of the animal kingdom, wasps hibernate during the winter. They create their nests in places that provide shelter from the elements, and this safe haven is sometimes your porch or the surrounding yard. During the warmer months, we practically live on our porches and in our backyards. Having a present danger invade our summer oasis can really put a damper on things. To best protect your family and friends, prevent the formation of a nest in the first place by making your home unattractive to wasps.
If you have already discovered a wasp nest inside or on your property, it’s time to reach out to the wasp control professionals at Western. We are here to calm your fears. Call us now at 888-444-6138.
How to prevent wasp nests
There are several ways to prevent wasps from building nests around your yard, and particularly around your porch. Not only will these steps deter wasps from setting up shop around your property, but you’ll probably notice that there will be less wasps flying around as well.
1. Remove sources of food from around your porch
This means removing ripe or rotten fruits and berries from your property. Move hummingbird feeders away from your home to the trees in your yard as well. Lastly, make sure no pet food is left outside.
2. Keep doors and windows shut
Use caulk to seal any crevices and cracks around your porch to prevent wasps from entering your home. Remember, wasps can sneak through even the tiniest of holes.
3. Place wasp-repelling plants around your home and porch
Instead of planting flowers around the areas in which you enjoy relaxing, consider placing wasp deterring plants to add a natural border of protection. Such plants can include wormwood, marigold, mint, basil, pennyroyal, and geranium.
4. Check for nests
It is important to locate nests before they develop and grow into larger ones. Check sheds, garages, and wall cavities in early spring while they are still golf ball size or smaller and can be treated quickly.
5. Seal garbage cans and cover compost piles
Wasps aren’t picky and love old rotting food just as much as freshly cooked meals. In the spring and summer wasps crave protein-rich foods, which means they will be drawn to any kind of meat you have on the grill this summer. In the colder months, wasps become sweets junkies, attracted to every sugary substance.
6. Pick up trash
To add to the last tip, it is very important to make sure no trash from food or drinks is left lying around your property for wasps to gravitate to.
7. Cover any holes on the ground
Fill in any holes, big or small, that you find in cement or grass. Solitary wasps search for cavities in which to make their home.
North American wasps
Even with all the preventative measures in place, there is still a small chance that wasps may make their way into your living space. Identifying what kind of wasp you’re dealing with is critical in determining what kind of treatment is best. A few wasps you may find buzzing around your home are:
Yellow jackets
Known for their striking black and yellow colored bodies, yellow jackets have a reputation for being one of the most aggressive wasp species, with the ability to sting their enemy multiple times if threatened. These are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies with workers, males, and queens. Yellow jackets build their nests both under and above ground.
Paper wasps
Like yellow jacket, paper wasps are social wasps. However, they build their nests above ground only. Paper wasp nests can be found in porch ceilings and on top of door/window frames. Their flipped umbrella-shaped nest that is made from paper-like materials is what gives paper wasps their name. Just like other species, these wasps will sting repeatedly if they feel their home in threatened.
Hornets
Often confused with the yellow jacket, hornets tend to be larger in size and have bigger nests than other wasp species. The most common of the 20 different hornet species in the U.S are the European hornet and the Bald-faced hornet. Hornets will remain unbothered unless of course, you disturb their nest, then they will defend their nest by stinging their perceived enemy.
Professional wasp prevention
Wasps are beneficial insects that pollinate plants and get rid of garden pests. That being said, they attack when provoked, which means removing a nest is not a DIY job. Attempting to try and knock down the nest yourself can backfire and you may end up under attack. At Western Exterminator, we know exactly how to find nests and use the correct safety equipment and treatments. We will also seal up any entryways that have allowed wasps into your property and help you prevent their return.
All Western specialists are licensed to perform wasp removal services and are knowledgeable about the most common wasp species in your local area. Contact us today!
Why would black wasps come out at night? My husband was on our porch and was stung by a black wasp. Then there was another! When he came inside to treat the sting he noticed there were several more on the window. I thought wasps were only active during the day? We can’t find the nest. There is a crack in our concrete slab. Could they have made a nest there?