Wasps have a bad reputation because of their sheer aggressiveness. Worth remembering, however, that they sting only when threatened or provoked. With this, it becomes essential to be able to comprehend their behaviour.
Although it isn’t a common problem, dealing with wasp problems on your property can be a hassle. Not to mention that wasp stings are painful and deadly!
The best form of control is to prevent wasps from building nests in the first place, which may be accomplished with proper home maintenance and effective wasp deterrents. But if the inevitable occurs, remember to leave wasp nest removal to the experts because it is a risky job when you’re not properly equipped.
In this article, we will share with you some insights about this pesky insect and how to deal with them.
What Is a Wasp and Why Are They Dangerous?
A wasp is a flying insect of the order Hymenoptera, belonging to the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. The wasp is a type of insect that can sting humans. They are usually black and yellow in colour.
Wasps are dangerous because they are territorial and aggressive and will attack with their long stinger. Wasps, unlike bees, can use their stinger many times. When someone or something comes close to a wasp nest, the wasps attack to keep the invader out. If someone in your household is allergic to wasp stings, the venom from the sting may cause a severe reaction, which may require that person to seek medical attention immediately.
Wasps, however, play an essential role in the ecosystem. Because the adults eat nectar, they contribute to plant pollination. Some wasps are, in fact, essential partners for native orchids. Their roles as predators and parasites are equally significant. Spiders, caterpillars, beetle grubs, and various other insects are eaten by wasp larvae.
According to the Australian Museum, there are approximately 10,000 different species of wasp in Australia, all of which have a similar appearance: a huge insect with a slim narrow waist and various colourations.
Below are some of the common wasps that you can encounter in Australia:
- European Wasp
- Common Wasp
- Asian Paper Wasp
- European Paper Wasp
- Native Paper Wasp
- Sand Wasp
- Mud Nesting Wasp
- White-faced Brown Paper Wasp
- Tree Brown Paper Wasp
Wasp Facts & Myths
Wasps may have a terrible reputation among the public, but they are economically and ecologically significant species. Wasps help in the pollination of crops and flowers. They are quite skilled at controlling other pest populations, too.
Instead of reaching for the fly swatter the next time you see a wasp buzzing past you at a pool party, consider these fascinating wasp facts and myths:
Facts About Wasps
- Except for Antarctica, wasps can be found almost anywhere.
- Wasps can recognise one another based on their distinct face patterns. Wasps can recognise faces!
- There are almost 10,000 identified species of wasps in Australia.
- By chewing and spitting out pieces of bark, wasps can make their own paper to use in their nests.
- Stingers are only seen on female wasps, and they are essentially modified egg-laying organs.
- Wasps come in various colours, including red, orange, green, blue, and, of course, yellow and black.
- Wasps have demonstrated their ability to think logically. They can draw a conclusion based on two different bits of information. This is thought to be the earliest evidence that invertebrates are capable of reasoning.
Common Myths About Wasps
- Wasps Love Sugary Foods – Many people believe that wasps are only drawn to sugary foods. This myth is partially true, as their food preferences change with the seasons. Wasps prefer sweet foods in the late summer and little insects otherwise since they are protein-driven.
- It’s Easy to Get Rid of Wasps at Night – Wasps are less active in the evening, but keep in mind that they are territorial insects who, regardless of the time, will attack you if they perceive a threat to their colony or themselves.
- Wasp Stings Will Remain in Your Skin – A wasp sting, unlike a bee, does not stay inside you. This is due to wasps’ tendency to sting many times. As a result, after the first sting, it will try to draw out its stinger and attack you again. If you slap or smash the wasp, the stinger will remain in your skin.
- A Wasp’s Stings Hurt – The sting of a wasp does not harm you, but your body does. Wasp venom isn’t the cause of your agony; it’s your body’s defence mechanism in response to the sting. Swelling, redness, and discomfort are the body’s reactions to foreign bodies.
- Spraying Water Helps – Drowning a wasp will undoubtedly cause them to vacate from their nests and attack you. Doing so is, indeed, asking for trouble.
- No Flowers, No Wasps! – It may appear like removing flowers is a good idea because they take food from flowers. Unfortunately, this will not stop them from breaking into your home. Wasps build their nests in safe places, and flower pots aren’t one of them.
How to Protect Your Home From Wasps
Nothing is more irritating than attempting to relax and enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the backyard only to be interrupted by swarming wasps. You don’t have to learn to live with a wasp nest, and you’ll naturally want to prevent wasps from thinking that your home is an acceptable spot to build their nest.
Wasp nest removal can be difficult and dangerous once a new colony of wasps has established itself. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to remove a wasp nest without the assistance of pest control professionals. Wasps are tenacious and dangerous when irritated, after all. This is why wasp nest prevention is so crucial in the first place.
Here are some of the best ways to protect your home from wasps:
- Blend of Clove, Geranium, and Lemongrass Essential Oil
A blend of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oils efficiently repel wasps, according to research published in the Journal of Pest Management Science. In a spray bottle, combine a few drops of each oil with water and dish soap, then treat spots on the outside of your property where wasps like to construct nests, such as under eaves, porch roofs, and other ledges and cracks.
Because it’s impractical to cover all of those areas with essential oils, focus on spots where you’ve previously discovered existing nests, as paper wasps tend to build new nests in the same places.
- Peppermint Oil
According to the same published study, peppermint oil may also be effective at repelling wasps. You can use it as mentioned above to buy repellant sprays, which are sometimes based on mint oil and are made to kill existing nests.
- Wasp Traps
Wasp traps work by attracting wasps into a container with a tasty treat, such as sugar water, and then keeping them from escaping. By chopping the top off a two-liter bottle and inverting it into the bottom, or cutting a small hole in the top, you can build one in about five minutes.
- Patch Up Cracks
Another technique to keep wasps out of your house is to cover up small cracks, such as those around the edges of siding and where electricity lines enter the house, and to repair holes in window screens.
However, if you do notice wasps inside your home, don’t try to seal the nest inside the wall in the hopes that they would die off. They’ll get through vents or eat through drywall to get out.
- Keep Food and Trash Covered
Wasp problems are more common in yards with a lot of food sources, such as uncovered rubbish, recycling bins, and composting food waste. Make sure your garbage bin lids are securely and tightly sealed.
- Avoid Certain Plants that Attract Wasps
Even when flowers or plants will not stop wasps from breaking into your home, it is still among the best form of prevention to keep certain types of plants (that attract wasps) away.
Best Way to Get Rid of Wasps & Their Nest?
Getting rid of wasps can be a bit challenging since they pose a danger when done improperly. Here are a few tips to get rid of them in the best way possible:
- Inspect Every Entry Point
Wasps will most likely enter your home through a little gap unless you leave your doors and windows open without a screen. Examine your eaves, the mortar between your brickwork, the beams and supports in your garage, and the areas around your home’s vents if you’ve observed wasps interior. Seal any cracks or gaps with silicone caulk once you’ve found their access points.
- Experiment with Some Home Remedies
There are several home remedies to choose from if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of wasps. Vinegar is an excellent way to get rid of wasps. Combine two cups of apple cider vinegar, two cups sugar, and one cup water to make a natural wasp repellant. Stir the liquid completely before placing it near the wasp nest to attract and kill them.
- Spray Wasp Repellent
Wasp repellent can kill wasps instantly. Even so, we recommend using wasp spray indoors with caution. While insecticides are effective, they contain chemicals that are harmful to children, pets, and humans. Spraying the nest in a seldom-used area of your home may be a viable solution.
- Call a Pest Control Expert
Dealing with a wasp problem indoors can be risky and time-consuming. If your wasp infestation is severe or is an area beyond your expertise, seek the assistance of a professional pest control companies. At the end of the day, it is still the best option when your goal is to ultimately get rid of wasp infestation and keep them away for good.
Pest Police can remove wasps and help you gain a safe, wasp-free home. As a matter of fact, we’ve gotten rid of wasp problems for countless residential and commercial properties in Melbourne.
Needless to say, professional pest inspection and pest control has to be one of the top priorities of any property owner or investor. For pest control services made easy, contact us!