What to Know About Wasps

Wasps are a common nuisance in suburban neighborhoods and can be found in almost every region of the world. Not only do they buzz around your head and sting you when provoked, but they can also build nests in your wooden structures and make it difficult to go outside. To protect yourself from wasps, it is important to understand their life cycles, nesting habits, and how to get rid of them. 

They Make Nests In Wood 

Wasps have a unique ability to build nests inside of wood, which can make them hard to identify until you hear the buzzing noise or see the nest. They prefer to build nests near porches and decks because these areas protect them from predators and direct sunlight. The most common types of wasps that make nests in wood are yellow jackets, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and mud daubers. 

The Wasp Life Cycle 

The lifecycle of a wasp begins with an egg that is laid by a female queen in early spring after overwintering underground. She will then build her nest out of wood fibers that she chews up into pulp before shaping it into hexagonal cells for her eggs. In late summer or early fall, the queen’s eggs hatch into larvae which turn into adults within 2 weeks before mating with males from other colonies. The males then die off while the queens fly away to find shelter for winter hibernation. 

How to Get Rid of Them 

If you want to get rid of wasps on your property, one option is to use insecticides or traps specifically designed for killing wasps. These products can be purchased at most hardware stores or online retailers and typically come with instructions on how best to use them safely. Alternatively, if you are uncomfortable using chemicals around your house or yard, there are some more natural methods such as pouring boiling water directly on the nest or covering it up with a plastic bag filled with mothballs so that they will leave the area due to the strong smell. 

Wasps are a pesky nuisance for many homeowners during warm weather months but understanding their behavior can help you stay safe from their stings and keep them from making nests in your home’s wooden structures. Knowing what type of wasp you have on your property is key for identifying what type of control measure would work best for you so remember to always consult an experienced pest control specialist when dealing with wasps before attempting any treatment yourself. With the right knowledge about these insects, you can take the necessary steps towards eliminating them from your home and ensuring a safe environment for all who live there!

Want to learn more about the pests that might try to invade your home? Check out the extensive pest library at Natura Pest Control!