When it comes to flying insects invading your Orlando yard, some of the most menacing are wasps. They have large stingers, are hard to kill, and often come in droves. Additionally, while they may be beneficial to the environment, wasps can be quite dangerous.
Therefore, you want to do everything that you can to keep the wasp populations in your yard to an absolute minimum. This means knowing what it is that attracts wasps to a yard in the first place, and how you can remedy the problem.
Identifying Local Area Wasps
Wasp is a broad term that describes thousands of different species of stinging insects. Here in Orlando, there are only a few species of wasps that you will likely encounter. They include yellowjackets, cicada wasps, and paper wasps.
Yellowjackets derive their name from their characteristically yellow and black striped abdomens. While they are not wont to sting people on most occasions, they are very territorial so they will sting if threatened. Yellowjackets are social wasps which means they will usually be found in groups.
Cicada Killer Wasps have yellow and black stripes on an otherwise reddish thorax. Their wings and head are also reddish in color. These wasps grow to between 1 1/8th and 1 5/8th inch long. The males are more aggressive than females, however, they do not possess a stinger. Females will sting if they feel threatened. Cicada killer wasps are not social wasps which means you will likely only ever encounter one at a time.
Paper Wasps are reddish-orange, brown, or black in color. They grow anywhere from ¾ of an inch to 1 inch in length. Paper wasps are social insects and produce large colonies. These wasps are quick to sting if they feel threatened, so avoid quick swinging movements if you encounter them.
Unlike bees, wasps are capable of stinging more than one time. This means if one attacks you, a wasp could sting you several times in a row. This is very dangerous for people with allergies. Not only do wasp stings hurt, but they can prove to be fatal in some rare instances.
What Attracts Wasps To Properties
Wasps will come onto a property either in search of food or a place to build a nest. Some wasps feed on other insects, so, if your property is attractive to other pests, wasps might come into your yard in pursuit of them. Wasps are also attracted to sugary substances. Therefore, if you leave out a soda, a cup of juice, or some sugary food, you might be attracting wasps to your property. Additionally, if you grow fruits or certain vegetables, you could also be attracting wasps.
How To Reduce Wasp Populations In Your Yard
To reduce wasp populations in your yard, do your best to remove anything that might be drawing them to your property in the first place. Additionally, you should try to remove any areas where wasps might build their nests.
To make your property less appealing to wasps:
- Remove fruits, sugary drinks, or any other potential food sources from your yard.
- Remove any plants that attract wasps to your yard, and plant wasp-repelling plants instead.
- Store garbage in bins with tightly-sealed lids.
- Fill in any holes in the ground where wasps might build their nests.
- Pick up any trash, especially trash leftover from food or drinks.
- Regularly check your property for nests.
For More Tips and Assistance On Wasp Prevention And Control
If you do find yourself dealing with a wasp infestation on your property, do not run the risk of injury by trying to take care of it yourself. Instead, contact the trained pest experts here at Green Flag Services.
Here at Green Flag Services, we possess both the knowledge and the experience required to effectively and safely remove any wasp infestation with which you might be dealing. Additionally, we will work with you to take the proper steps to prevent future infestations.
Don’t let wasps keep you from enjoying your yard. Call us today!
Tags: home pest control | stinging insect control |
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