It’s that time of year when wasps and bees make their way out of the woodwork. Here are some tips to protect yourself, your home, and your family from them.
According to a local expert we spoke to on wasp removal, Cj Casale of Bugs Bee Gone Pest Control LLC, here are some ways you can reduce your chances of encountering these yellow and black banded pests:
- Keep doors and windows shut- Seal all crevices, cracks, and entrances using caulk. These pests can make their way into your home. Hotspots include the porch, windows, and the tiniest holes you can imagine.
- Check for nests- Always remember to locate nests as soon as possible. It is best to nip it in the bud before it can develop into full-grown nests. Check the shed, garage, and wall cavities in the spring while they are around the size of a golf ball. As summer approaches, they grow larger and become more difficult to exterminate.
- Place wasp-repelling plants around your home and porch- Instead of placing plants that would ordinarily attract bees and wasps, plant wasp-repelling plants instead. These repelling plants include wormwood, marigold, mint, basil, pennyroyal, and geranium.
- Remove food from around your porch- Wasps love free food as much as humans do. Remember to remove ripe or rotten fruits and berries from your property. Relocate hummingbird feeders away from your home. Do not leave any pet food outside as this attracts other critters.
- Seal garbage cans and cover compost piles- Wasps do not discriminate. They love old rotting food just as much as freshly cooked meals. In the spring and summer, wasps desire protein-rich foods, drawn to any meat you have on the grill you plan on cooking this summer. In the colder months, wasps crave sweets. So be sure to remove any sugary substances in and around your home.
- Pick up trash- Wasps even love trash, often living and hiding within it. So anytime you see it, remember to pick it up.
- Cover any holes on the ground- Holes are one of the hiding spots for wasps. Remember to fill them if you find them in cement or grass, regardless of size. Solitary wasps search for holes that lead inside your home.
According to a Casale, What kind of wasp you are dealing with determines how you should handle it. Here are the different types that inhabit North America:
Yellowjackets: They are known for their striking black and yellow-colored bodies. Yellowjackets are one of the most aggressive wasp species, able to sting multiple times without fail. These wasps are social creatures, meaning they congregate and live in colonies with workers, males, and queens. Yellowjackets build their nests both under and above ground, so be on the lookout.
Paper wasps: Like their yellowjacket cousins, paper wasps are social creatures. The difference is they build their nests above ground only. Paper wasp nests are found in porch ceilings and on top of door/window frames. Their upside-down umbrella-shaped nest made from paper-risque materials is how paper wasps earned their name. Like their yellowjacket counterparts, these wasps can land multiple stings if they feel threatened.
Hornets: These flying menaces are often confused with the yellowjacket. Hornets are the larger of the two species. Their nests are bigger than yellowjackets due to their larger size. The European Hornet and Bald Face Hornet are the most common of the 20 different hornet species in the U.S. Hornets are docile unless provoked. If you disturb these creatures, they will defend their nest by stinging you until you are no longer considered a threat.
Consider getting a professional to identify, prevent and destroy any unwanted wasp nests, as this can be dangerous to do yourself. Often professional help is the best step in preventing wasp infestations and dealing with current ones.
Below is information regarding a professional local pest control business. We are not affiliated, sponsored, or endorsed by Bugs Bee Gone Pest Control LLC. Pocono Update also does not receive any free or discounted services from them.
Professional Local Pest Control In The Pocono Area:
Facebook: Bugs Bee Gone Pest Control LLC
Phone: (570) 599-5772
Email: bugsbeegonepest@gmail.com
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