It only takes a single wasp sting to put a damper on your day, so how do you keep these pests away from your Eureka yard? Here’s what local residents should know about what wasps look like, how dangerous they can be for homeowners, and how to naturally prevent wasps, as well as how pest control in Eureka is the safest form of wasp control for homeowners.
What Do Wasps Look Like?
Wasps aren’t the only stinging insect in Eureka, so how can you identify them? There are a couple of different types of wasps, and each one can have its own distinguishing characteristics, such as:
Yellow jackets: With thin waists, black or brown coloring and yellow markings, yellow jackets like to make their nests in open cavities within the ground or trees.
Paper wasps: While occasionally mistaken for yellow jackets, paper wasps don’t have the same yellow markings and can be identified by the paper-like nests they make.
Mud daubers: Usually yellow or black in color, mud daubers create unique nests that can look like organ pipes at first glance.
How Dangerous Are Wasps?
Although a single wasp sting may be painful but not dangerous (unless you’re allergic), these stinging insects have the potential to be dangerous, especially in larger groups. For anyone who is allergic, a wasp sting could land you in the hospital or even be fatal without medical intervention.
Even if you’re not allergic, encountering a wasp nest could still be dangerous. Many types of wasps, especially yellow jackets, can be aggressive defenders of their nests. If you stumble upon a nest by accident, wasps may attack in swarms, and the anatomy of their stinger makes it easy for them to sting you repeatedly without consequence.
If you’re stung by enough wasps, these pests could still land you in the hospital, regardless of whether you’re allergic or not.
Natural Wasp Prevention Tips
Because they roam freely, wasps can be difficult to prevent, but there are some natural ways to deter them from your property, such as:
- Avoid leaving out any kind of food, especially protein-rich foods or sugary items.
- Make sure you’ve got a tight seal on your garbage cans and compost piles.
- Cover any holes in the ground, which yellow jackets may use for nests.
- Keep windows and doors shut during the warmer months, and replace torn screens.
- Regularly check for evidence of wasp nests on your property but avoid approaching, even if you think they are abandoned.
The Safest Form Of Wasp Control
Due to their aggressive nature and anatomy, dealing with wasps without the proper safety gear and training could be extremely dangerous. For the safe removal of nests, it’s always a good idea to call the professionals at Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions.
Even if you think a nest may be abandoned, you should still rely on professional help in case it’s not. If you’ve discovered a nest on your Eureka property or just feel like you’re constantly dealing with wasps, don’t put yourself at risk – call us today at Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.