Wasps
highVespidae
Behavior & Habits
Wasps are often social insects (like yellow jackets and hornets) living in colonies, but some are solitary. Unlike bees, which can only sting once,wasps can sting repeatedly and become aggressive if they feel their nest is threatened. In spring and summer, they are primarily predators, feeding insects to their larvae. However, late in the summer and early autumn, their dietary needs shift, and they become attracted to sweet foods and drinks, often becoming a major nuisance at picnics and outdoor events. They are skilled flyers and exhibit territorial behaviour around their nests.
Habitat & Signs
Wasp habitats vary by species. Social wasps build paper nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva. These nests are often found in:
- Aerial locations: Attached to trees, under eaves, porches, or decks (e.g., Paper Wasps).
- Concealed voids: Inside wall voids, roof spaces, attics, or hollow trees (e.g., Hornets).
- Ground nests: Hidden in abandoned rodent burrows or holes in the ground (e.g., Yellow Jackets). Solitary wasps (like mud daubers) typically build small, tube-shaped nests on sheltered vertical surfaces, like garage walls or ceilings.
Prevention & Control
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your property, especially the upper levels, and seal any cracks, holes, or gaps in siding, soffits, and fascia boards to prevent wasps from building nests inside wall voids.
- Secure Food & Garbage: If eating outdoors, keep food and sweet drinks covered. Ensure outdoor garbage bins are tightly sealed, cleaned regularly, and positioned away from human activity areas.
- Inspect Early: In early spring, regularly inspect eaves, overhangs, and sheltered areas for the start of new, small nests (often started by a single Queen). Removing these early can prevent a full-blown infestation.
- Avoid Disturbing Nests: If you locate an established nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Wasp colonies become highly aggressive when disturbed. Contact a professional pest control service immediately.
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