Can you remember the last time you were stung by a wasp or bee? Was it painful? Did you have a negative reaction that required medical attention? Maybe you have never been stung by a wasp but know it isn’t something you want to experience. No matter what your experience is with dangerous stinging insects, we are going to assume that you don’t want them anywhere near your Tampa property. To help you reduce your chances of finding these stinging pests around your yard, here are a few things you need to know about paper wasps and the problems they cause in our area.
What Are Paper Wasps?
Wasps are a species of stinging insect with thin waists and painful-looking stingers. The paper wasp, in particular, is brownish in color and has yellow markings across its body. Known for being one of the most common wasps in North America, this invasive pest is regularly found in area yards.
One thing paper wasps are good at is using chewed-up wood as a building material, hence their name. Much like the art of paper mache, these flying pests emulsify cellulose into a pulp and then use it to construct intricate nests. When first being built, hexagonal living chambers can be seen on the outside layer of a paper wasp’s nest. It is only after they grow large enough that a protective shell is built around the exterior, leaving a single hole for entering and exiting. You are most likely to find one of these hanging dwellings on the side of a building or hanging from a tree.
Are Paper Wasps Aggressive?
Out of the species of wasps that exist in North America, the paper wasp is one of the least aggressive. Despite their sleek and scary appearance, this stinging pest rarely stings. This isn’t to say they won’t defend themselves or their nesting sites, just that they don't go out of their way to attack. As long as you are cautious, watch where you step, and keep your distance, you can usually avoid being stung.
Why Your Property Is Attractive To Paper Wasps
It isn’t your property that attracts paper wasps but rather what is on it that draws these pests in. A queen looking for an area to establish a new home will look for available food sources nearby. If your property offers an ample amount of nectar, honeydew, sweet foods and beverages, and/or live insects, you will be more likely to find wasps building nests nearby.
What You Should Know To Prevent Paper Wasps
To limit your chances of finding paper wasp nests around your property, you need to limit attractants that draw these pests in. Here are some practical ways to do just that.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Pick up fruits and berries as they fall into your yard.
- Keep food and beverages covered as much as possible when eating outdoors.
- Fill in holes around your property.
- Consider removing flowers and other budding plants from your property.
The Only Safe Way To Have A Wasp Nest Removed From Your Property
Wasp nests are only safe to handle when they are smaller than a golfball as this is the only way to know when their occupants are not home. If you find a small nest on your property, make sure no one is home and then use a long broom to knock it down. For nests larger than a golf ball, the only safe way to remove them is with the help of a professional. Call the experts at Bold Servicing today to schedule your property for wasp nest removal or if you have questions about how to keep these pests out of your yard in the future.