It’s nearly summertime here in the Snohomish WA area, and the weather is warming up. During the summer, everyone wants to spend more time outdoors hiking, camping, having barbecues and picnics, etc. Unfortunately, pest season can make it hard to enjoy spending time outside this time of year. One of the biggest concerns: wasps! Nationwide, there are over 4,000 species of wasps. There are three summertime wasps in particular that cause issues for residents. Keep reading about summertime wasps and how to prevent them from the team here at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest.
How to Identify Summertime Wasps
Wasps are difficult to identify, and it can be dangerous to get too close to them to attempt to! The best way to identify wasps is by their behaviors and nests:
- Paper Wasps. These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. Paper wasp nests typically contain up to 30 wasps. Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. Their sting is known to be especially potent and dangerous*.
- Mud Daubers. As their name suggests, mud daubers build their nests from mud. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. They are most known for their thin, thread-like waist. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics. These wasps prefer to be solitary rather than social. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled.
- Yellow Jackets. During the summertime, yellow jackets are infamous for being aggressive. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers. Their nests can be a ticking time bomb if anyone tries to knock it down without a professional pest control company. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly*.
* If you are stung by a wasp and are having a severe reaction, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing Wasps in Your Yard
To avoid encountering summertime wasps, it’s important to know what keeps them away. Your first line of defense is to regularly look for the signs of wasp nests forming on or near your property, often in porches, decks, sheds, and garages. To prevent being stung:
- When outdoors, wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
- Do not leave drinks or food in accessible areas.
- Keep windows and doors properly screened.
- Keep garbage in sealed receptacles.
- Do not swat at wasps as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
Safe Wasp Removal
If you spot a nest on your property, it’s important to take caution. Nests can contain many more stinging insects than you may think. Always call a professional wasp control expert when it comes to wasp control. The team at Western Exterminator can take care of your wasp problem quickly and safely!