Wasps

Resource Tags:

Wasps 
Yellowjackets 
Paper Wasps 
Mud Daubers 
Nest 
Insects, Spiders, & More 

About the Resource:

Wasps are a diverse group of insects known for their role in pollination, as well as their potential to be aggressive when disturbed.

Identification

https://grobigred.com/2020/06/11/whats-up-with-all-the-wasps/ 

  1. General Characteristics
    • Body Structure: Wasps have a narrow waist between their thorax and abdomen, and are generally less hairy, which distinguishes them from bees. Coloration: They often have bright yellow and black or brown coloration, though some species can be red or other colors.
  2. Common Types of Wasps:

Behavior and Nests

Social Wasps

  • Colonies: Social wasps live in colonies with a queen and several workers, which are all female.  The queen starts a new nest in the spring, and the colony grows throughout the summer. In the late summer, males are produced for the purpose of mating. Fertilized females overwinter and the annual nest collapses. 
  • Nests: They build nests from paper-like material made by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva. Nests location and structure depend on the type of wasp. They  are often found in sheltered locations close to food sources. 

Solitary Wasps

  • Nesting: Solitary wasps build individual nests and do not form colonies. They often use mud, plant material, or pre-existing cavities for nesting.
  • Behavior: They are not aggressive in guarding the nesting sites and rarely sting, compared to social wasps. Their primary focus is on provisioning their nests with prey for their larvae.

Stings and Risks

  1. Sting Symptoms
    • Pain and Swelling: Wasps can sting multiple times and their stings can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Symptoms typically resolve within a few hours.
    • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to wasp stings, which require immediate medical attention.
  2. When to Seek Medical Help
    • Severe Reactions: Seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.

Management and Control

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-how-to-deal-with-yellowjackets.pdf 

  1. Prevention
    • Keep Food Covered: When eating outdoors, keep food and drinks covered to avoid attracting wasps.
    • Secure Garbage: Use tightly sealed trash cans and keep them clean to reduce attractants.
    • Seal Entry Points: Seal gaps and cracks around your home to prevent wasps from entering.
  2. Physical Controls
    • Remove Nests: If a wasp nest is located in a high-traffic area or poses a risk, consider removing it. This is best done at night when wasps are less active. Wear protective clothing and use a wasp-specific insecticide for safety.
    • Traps: Use wasp traps with attractants to capture and reduce wasp populations. Place traps away from areas where people gather to avoid attracting more wasps.
  3. Chemical Controls
    • Insecticides: Apply insecticides designed for wasps to nests and around entry points. Follow label instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid harming beneficial insects.
    • Foam Sprays: Foam insecticides can be used to treat nests from a distance, providing a safer method for removing nests.
  4. Professional Pest Control
    • Severe Infestations: For large nests or multiple nests, or if you're unsure about handling wasps, professional pest control services can safely and effectively manage the situation.

Challenges and Considerations