What Are Wasps?

Wasps

Wasps are flying insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which they share with bees and ants. They are known for their distinctive narrow waists and sharp stingers. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times, making them a more persistent threat if they feel threatened.

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Species of Wasps

Wasps come in various shapes and sizes, but they generally fall into two main categories: social and solitary wasps. Here's a closer look at some common species:

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Yellowjackets (Genus: Vespula and Dolichovespula)

Appearance: Yellow and black stripes with a sleek body.
Behavior: Highly social and aggressive, especially near their nests. They build nests in the ground or in structures.
Diet: Primarily feed on sweets and proteins, including insects and human food.

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Hornets (Genus: Vespa)

Appearance: Larger than yellowjackets, with a more robust body and sometimes a reddish-brown color.
Behavior: Very aggressive, especially when defending their large paper nests, which are often found in trees or buildings.
Diet: Feed on insects, tree sap, and fruit juices.

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Paper Wasps (Genus: Polistes)

Appearance: Slender body with a long, thin waist and reddish-brown coloration.
Behavior: Less aggressive than yellowjackets and hornets. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, in attics, or in other sheltered areas.
Diet: Primarily feed on nectar and insects, helping to control pest populations.

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Mud Daubers (Genera: Sceliphron and Chalybion)

Appearance: Long, slender bodies, usually black or metallic blue with yellow markings.
Behavior: Solitary wasps that are not aggressive. They build mud nests in sheltered areas like eaves and garages.
Diet: Feed on spiders and other small insects.

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Cicada Killers (Genus: Sphecius)

Appearance: Very large, often over 2 inches long, with a reddish-brown body and black abdomen with yellow bands.
Behavior: Solitary and generally non-aggressive. They dig burrows in sandy soil to nest.
Diet: Prey on cicadas, paralyzing them and bringing them back to their burrows for their larvae to feed on.

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How Are Wasps Different from Bees?

It's easy to confuse wasps and bees since they share some similarities, like their ability to sting. However, there are some key differences. Wasps are usually slimmer and less hairy than bees, with brighter colors and a more aggressive nature. Bees are essential pollinators and are typically more docile, while wasps are predators and scavengers.

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Interesting Facts About Wasps

Multiple Stings: Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times because their stingers are smooth and do not get lodged in the skin.
Predatory Nature: Wasps are natural pest controllers, as they prey on other insects, including pests that can damage crops and gardens.
Paper Nests: Many wasps, especially paper wasps and hornets, build nests out of a paper-like material they create by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva.
Longevity of Queens: In social wasp species, the queen can live through winter, while worker wasps typically die off in the colder months.
Not All Wasps Sting: Some wasps, particularly certain parasitic wasps, do not have stingers and instead lay their eggs inside or on other insects.

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How We Handle Wasps

At Alta Pest Control, we understand that having a wasp nest near your home can be a stressful experience. Our team is trained to safely and effectively remove wasp nests and implement preventative measures to keep them from returning. We focus on using environmentally friendly methods to ensure the safety of your family and pets.

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Prevention Tips

Here are some tips we recommend to prevent wasps from becoming a problem:

Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior and seal them to prevent wasps from entering.
Keep Food Covered: Wasps are attracted to sweet foods and drinks, so keep food covered, especially during outdoor activities.
Remove Nesting Sites: Regularly inspect your property for potential nesting sites, such as eaves, sheds, and hollow trees, and remove them if necessary.

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Need Help with Wasps?

If you're dealing with a wasp problem or just want to be proactive, give us a call or fill out a form on our website and a representative will reach out to you right away. At Alta Pest Control, we're here to help you keep your home safe and pest-free. Our experienced team is ready to handle any pest issue you may encounter, including those pesky wasps.

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FAQ's - Wasps

What should I do if I find a wasp nest near my home?

A: If you find a wasp nest, it's best not to disturb it. Call our team at Alta Pest Control, and we'll safely remove it for you.

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How can I prevent wasps from building nests on my property?

A: Regularly inspect your property for potential nesting sites and seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior. Keeping food covered and trash bins sealed can also help deter wasps.

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Are wasps dangerous?

A: Wasps can be dangerous, especially if you are allergic to their stings. They can sting multiple times, which can be particularly hazardous for those with allergies. If you have a severe reaction to a sting, seek medical attention immediately.

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Do wasps have any ecological benefits?

A: Yes, wasps play a role in controlling pest populations by preying on insects. They also contribute to pollination, although to a lesser extent than bees.

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Can wasps nest indoors, and how can I identify a wasp nest?

A: Yes, wasps can nest indoors, often in attics, wall voids, or other sheltered areas. Wasp nests are typically papery structures, often grayish in color, and can vary in size. If you notice increased wasp activity around your home, especially near entry points, it's a good idea to inspect for nests and contact us for safe removal.

How Alta Pest Control Protects Your Home From Pests

All of our treatment plans are customized to your home and yard. We do this to ensure that you get the exact coverage you need to keep your home safe. All of our technicians and inspectors are experts in their field, so you can be sure that you are getting top-tier protection.

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Inspection

One of our expert technicians will inspect every inch of your home and business for pest activity. Then they will create a custom plan based on their findings.

Initial Service

Once your custom plan is created, we will treat your home and yard to give you immediate relief from pests. Then, we will create a boundary around your property to prevent more pests from entering.

Follow Ups

After the initial service, we will conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your pest problems remain solved. We will also conduct free inspections for problem pests, such as termites.

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When it comes to pest control, we put our money where our mouth is. If we treat your home, and you're still seeing pests, we'll come back and retreat for free. We'll always have your back.