Wasp Identification & Prevention

What Are Wasps?

Wasps are flying insects in the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita. Wasps have narrow waists, can fly, and have a stinger that does not detach when used. That means, unlike bees, wasps can sting as many times as they want without dying.

We have many different wasp varieties that can give homeowners grief in our area. We have social wasps like hornets and solitary wasps like the tarantula hawk. We also have wasp species that build aerial nests (like paper wasps) and wasps that nest in the ground or other hollow spaces (like yellow jackets).

Are Wasps Dangerous?

Wasps can absolutely be dangerous. They pack painful stings, and while a single sting can't normally put you in danger unless you have an allergy to insect venom, wasps tend to sting more than once. Social wasps like hornets will swarm in massive numbers to defend their nests, sometimes giving chase and stinging hundreds of times.

Wasp nests aren't always easy to spot, especially ground-nesting species like yellow jackets. Sometimes when you're doing yard work or exterior work on your home, you can disturb invisible wasp nests without even realizing it, setting off an aggressive and totally unexpected attack.

How to Get Rid of Wasps?

Getting rid of wasps can be a tricky and potentially dangerous task, so it's important to approach it with caution. 

Here are some steps to help you safely and effectively get rid of wasps:

Why Do I Have a Wasp Problem?

Wasps can nest anywhere, but there could be some things you're doing to attract them. For example, if you're leaving garbage cans uncovered, non-picky wasp varieties will come buzzing around looking for food. Anything from leaving sugary drinks sitting out to planting certain types of flowers to even hanging a hummingbird feeder can attract these bugs.

Where Will I Find Wasps?

Where you'll find wasps depends on the type of wasp, whether it's aerial or ground-dwelling. Aerial wasps will hang their nests anywhere convenient, including tree branches, shrubs, awnings, porch ceilings, and even the overhangs around your house. Ground-nesting wasps set up shop in existing excavations like those found in hollowed-out logs or gopher holes. These opportunistic wasps don't normally dig their own holes – they just pitch camp wherever they can.

How Do I Get Rid of Wasps?

Wasps are among those pests that require professional help to eliminate. It can be quite dangerous to use foggers or fumigators to try and deal with these aggressive, stinging pests yourself. That's why you're better off calling Mountain West Pest Control. We have the tools and skills to remove wasps safely while ensuring nobody gets stung. Reach out to us today to learn more about our wasp control solutions in Ogden, UT.

How Can I Prevent Wasps in the Future?

You can keep wasps away from your home by taking a few simple prevention steps:

• Keep outdoor trash cans covered to reduce food sources. 
• Consider removing sweet treats like hummingbird feeders or flowers with lots of nectar and a wasp-friendly color (cooler colors like blue, purple, and white).
• Get rid of hollow trees and fill holes in the ground to encourage ground-nesting species to move on. 
• Install weatherstripping in gaps in doors and windows, and ensure window screens are free of tears to keep wasps out of the house. 
• Plant wasp-repelling plants like lemongrass, citronella, clove, rosemary, thyme, mint, and geranium.

To learn more about our home pest control services and how we can help protect your property from wasps, reach out to us!