Wasps are unfortunately a common pest in Ontario. They can disrupt a perfectly relaxing evening in the backyard and can even cause some damage to your home in a swarm moves in. The team at ASAP Pest Control are experienced in providing wasp nest and bee removal services to keep your home free from these sometimes-aggressive intruders.
Here’s what you need to know about wasps and how to protect yourself and your family.
What Is a Wasp?
A wasp in an insect in the order Hymenoptera and is thus related to bees and ants. Many of the more commonly known wasps, like yellowjackets and hornets, are social like bees. They live in a nest and have a queen. There are thousands of species throughout the world but are quite prevalent throughout parts of Ontario.
Identifying a Wasp
Wasps have a narrow waist between the first and second parts of the abdomen. They have two sets of wings, and the front wings are longer than the hind wings.
What Are the Differences Between Wasps and Bees?
- As already mentioned, wasps have a narrow waist, while bees do not.
- Bees are also hairier than wasps, which have smooth and shiny bodies.
- Bees have a barbed stinger and thus can sting only once, while a wasp can sting multiple times.
- Wasps are more aggressive than bees. Wasps are typically predators that feed on other insects, while bees feed on nectar.
- Bees live in large colonies that can contain over 75,000 individuals. Wasp colonies are significantly smaller with no more than 10,000 members.
How to Get Rid of Wasps
- Make the Nest Inhabitable: Use a liquid or dust insecticide to poison the wasps and make the nest uninhabitable. Always wear long sleeves and protective gear like a safety mask and gloves to reduce the chances of getting stung. Remove the nest if possible.
- Wasp Baits: Wasp baits can work for smaller infestations and are especially effective against yellow jackets. There are different baits, and they work by luring the wasps into a trap.
- Professional Pest Control: Large infestations should be dealt with by professionals like ASAP Pest Control. At ASAP Pest Control, our wasp control services start with identifying the problem. They will determine the species and the location of the nest. Wasp nest and bee removal services will include treating the area to make sure that the wasps don’t rebuild in the same place, minimizing the possibility of future infestations.
Are Wasps Dangerous?
Yes. Wasps can be aggressive and will sting people. Their venom can cause allergic reactions in some people. The most severe allergic reaction is called anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. Wasps can also damage the wood in a building while constructing their nest, which can lead to a weakened structural integrity, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
About Wasp Hives & Nests
The appearance of a wasp nest will depend on the species. For example, mud daubers use clay or mud to construct tubular nests that are often built in crevices or cracks in wood or stone.
Most wasp species, however, build their nests out of chewed wood, and the result will look papery. Paper wasps, for example, build nests that often have an exposed bottom. Yellowjackets often build nests that are roughly spherical.
Signs of A Wasp Infestation
Wasps typically don’t travel far from their home, so if you see a wasp in or near your house, you could have an infestation. You definitely have an infestation if you find a nest or hear buzzing.
For more information about wasps and to protect your home and family from a wasp infestation, contact ASAP to learn more about wasp pest control and removal in London, Ontario.