Finding a wasp nest around your property is a fairly common occurrence in the area, but it’s always an upsetting one. Dealing with wasps and hornets can be very stressful as these stinging insects pose health risks to humans they come into contact with. Even if you’re not allergic to their venom, being stung really hurts and can still be potentially dangerous.
Dealing with a wasp nest is difficult without professional help, and it can be dangerous to attempt. You are always better off calling a professional for help when it comes to stinging insects. In this guide, you’ll learn about common wasps in the area and what to do if they nest on your property.
Wasps And Hornets In Texas
There are many wasp species in Texas, so knowing how to identify wasps is the first step in dealing with their nests. First of all, it’s important to note that while all hornets are wasps not all wasps are hornets as hornets are a kind of wasp.
The most prevalent wasps in the area are yellowjackets, paper wasps, open pipe mud daubers, and baldfaced hornets.
- Yellowjackets: This species can look similar to a bumblebee because they usually have yellow and black stripes. However, they have slimmer bodies, and they are sleek and hairless.
- Paper wasps: This wasp species has a narrow body and is usually dark brown with yellow markings. They can be identified by their thin “waists” that connect their thorax and abdomen.
- Open pipe mud daubers: These wasps are black with reddish-brown wings. Their bodies are extremely long and thin, and they have a threadlike waist. They may have green or yellow markings but not always.
- Baldfaced hornets: The baldfaced hornet is mostly black with a white face that makes them appear “bald.” They can reach up to ¾ of an inch long and are larger than most hornets and wasps.
Where And How Do Wasps Build Nests
Wasps in Texas build nests where they will live out their entire life cycles. Each wasp in the nest will go from egg to larvae to pupa to adult within the nest. The queen begins by building a few cells and laying eggs which become the first worker wasps. Most of the wasps in the area create these nests using a mixture of chewed wood combined with their saliva. This substance is known as wood pulp, and it has a grey, papery appearance. The only exception to this is the open pipe mud dauber, which makes its nests out of mud tubes.
Where a wasp nest is built can depend somewhat on the species. Many species, such as yellowjackets and mud daubers, create nests under decks, eaves, and awnings. Other species, such as the baldfaced hornet, prefer to build their nests in trees and shrubs or under rock outcroppings.
How Dangerous Is DIY Wasp Removal?
Many homeowners upon seeing a wasp nest will try to remove it on their own using a variety of methods. Whether it’s applying pesticides or trying to knock down the nest, removing a nest is when you’re most likely to be stung. It’s a dangerous task to remove a wasp nest without professional assistance as many wasp species can sting over and over and will often attack together to defend their home.
Most of the do-it-yourself wasp removal methods that people try aren’t very effective, and you could end up with a swarm of angry wasps stinging you which could lead to serious medical problems even if you’re not allergic. So, even if you think a nest is inactive, remember that it is still dangerous to attempt removal as there could still be wasps inside.
Get Safe And Effective Wasp Nest Removal
The experts at Innovative Pest Control have the experience and tools needed to remove wasp nests around your property. Let us take care of these frustrating, dangerous pests for you instead of putting your safety at risk by handling the problem on your own. We provide wasp prevention and removal services, and we can customize plans to meet your needs as we have both commercial and residential pest control options.
If you’ve noticed a nest on your property, give us a call right away at (903) 326-7395.
Categories:
- Wasp Prevention,
- Home Pest Control
The post What To Do About A Wasp Nest On Your Property appeared first on Innovative Pest Control.