“Wasp” is a broad term for a class of stinging insects with over 30,000 individual species. Because there are so many different wasp species, it’s impossible to generalize their behavior and characteristics; however, for this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common varieties in the United States: paper wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. These wasps can be differentiated from bees because they have extremely narrow “waists”, while bees have rounder, fuller bodies and a fuzzier look. In this article, we’ll talk about what attracts wasps to your home, how to prevent them, and how to deal with them once they’ve made a nest on your property! If you’re a resident of the Greater New Orleans area that is experiencing a bee or wasp problem around your home or business, contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control to learn about our insect control services!
What Attracts Wasps?
Wasps are primarily attracted to three things: food, shelter, and flowers. Wasps are hibernators, so when they emerge in the springtime, they are immediately on the hunt for food. Food sources around your property can include garbage, fruit from trees, sugar, and more. During the winter, wasps look to take shelter in warm, protected areas where they can spend the colder months. Wasps can use cracks, crevices, and holes in your home as shelter to wait out the winter. Finally, wasps are highly attracted to flowers and flowering plants because they enjoy their nectar. You can prevent wasps from bothering you around your home by limiting these three attractions as much as possible. Store garbage in sealed containers, pick up any fruit off the ground that may have fallen from trees, and try to avoid putting bright, floral décor around your home.
How To Deal With Wasps Nests
As with most pests, the easiest and most effective way to get rid of wasps is to hire a pest control professional in your area who will ethically relocate the nest if possible. If you are attempting to deal with the wasp nest around your home on your own, make sure that you and no one you are around is allergic to wasps. One popular method for eliminating wasp nests is to use store bought wasp nest spray. If you choose this method, be sure to wear protective clothing over your body and face to protect yourself against any potential stings. Another method for dealing with a wasp nest is to use wasp traps. These traps contain a liquid that attracts wasps, and when the wasps enter the trap to get to the liquid, they become stuck in there and will die. While these two methods are somewhat effective for dealing with wasp nests, they are not very ethical, because wasps are essential to our ecosystem and should be relocated rather than killed whenever possible.
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you’re experiencing a wasp or bee problem on your property in the Greater New Orleans area, Pied Piper Pest Control is here to help! Our licensed pest control experts have years of experience dealing with a wide variety of pests throughout the New Orleans area! Contact us today at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free pest control estimate!