How to Get Rid of Wasps

A wasp infestation in your home or on your property can be scary, risky to your health, and cause thousands of dollars of damage if it goes untreated. If you don’t know how to get rid of wasps, it can be a daunting task to take on – after all, wasps in Arizona mean business! Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone.

We’ve created a comprehensive guide on how to get wasps out of your house and prevent wasps from getting back in.

In this blog, we will look at the following:

• What are wasps?
• Types of wasps
• The difference between bees and wasps
• What attracts wasps to my yard?
• Seven ways to keep wasps away

What Are Wasps?

Outside of being a nuisance and a risk to your health, wasps are an insect of the suborder Aprocita. They are typically narrow-waisted, winged insects with three main parts of their body. Depending on the type of wasp, they can both bite and sting and some wasps are more venomous than others.

Technical terms aside, wasps are not bees, ants, or other insects with which they’re commonly mistaken. This doesn’t matter if you stumble upon a nest and are faced with an angry swarm, but knowing the difference before and during an infestation can save you time, pain, and money when dealing with preventing and removing wasps.

Types of Wasps

Another reason that identifying wasps can be difficult for people is that there are various types. 

Common wasps in Arizona include:

• Yellowjackets
  Yellowjackets are some of the most common wasps across the U.S., especially in Arizona. They are also one of the most aggressive species and are mistaken for bees due to their similar coloring. They are roughly the same size as bees and sport a stinger but are thinner and less hairy.
• Hornets
  Hornets are similar in appearance to yellowjackets and are technically the largest eusocial wasp species. Eusocial means they build communal nests with social organization and jobs – meaning when they settle on your property, they’ll be ready to defend their turf and family.
• Paper Wasp
  Paper wasps get their name from the material they build nests out of – typically wood pulp mixed with saliva, giving their nests a papery texture. Papers wasps have similar markings to yellow jackets but with more reds and browns mixed in. They are slightly smaller and less aggressive than yellowjackets, and luckily their nests often hang from trees, giving you ample warning that they are present.
• Mud Daubers are a bit unlike the wasps resembling bees – they are still sometimes yellowish with wings, but they nest in the mud, where they get their name.  Additionally, they are solitary wasps – meaning they don’t build social nests and are much less aggressive towards humans as a result.

These are just a few of the most common types of wasps – there are dozens of other species, and many of them have similar characteristics to the wasps we highlighted here.

Difference Between Bees and Wasps

The difference between bees and wasps are numerous, and some of the ones that the human eye can see are:

• Bees are hairy, while wasps are typically not.
• Most species of bees are wider than most species of wasps.
• Bees’ nests are made of beeswax, while wasps build nests with wood or paper.
• Many bees can only sting once; wasps can usually sting multiple times.
• Wasps are more aggressive during territorial disputes than bees.

Due to their similar appearances, overlapping locations, and form of sting, bees are confused with wasps often. They both can still damage your property, endanger your health, and warrant immediate pest control if you come across a nest near your home.

What Attracts Wasps to My Yard?

Wasps are looking for all the necessities in life before they settle down and make a nest, including: 

• Flowers
  • Wasps enjoy the nectar of flowers as well as the fragrance. They can also mistake the scent of perfume for flowers, so watch out if you use strong fragrances!
• Insects
  • Food is the main motivator for most pests, and wasps are no different. After hibernating in the winter, the queen and worker wasps will emerge in the spring and summer to hunt for more food.
• Shelter
  • To create a safe communal nest, wasps must find a place that creates refuge – especially from the host of other pests, predators, and the harsh Arizona climate. This means wasps are looking for warmth during winter and shade during summer – and the walls and nooks of your home or property can be ideal.
• Other Food Sources
  • Fruit trees, meat, or other foods you might leave out can attract wasps. They might not be actively looking for them, but they are also not choosy.
• Water Sources
  • In the hot Arizona springs and summers, wasps are attracted to water. Whether it is from standing water on your property, leaks in pipes, or property sources such as plants, pools, or fixtures, any water source can be a reason for wasps to nest on your property. 

Knowing what attracts wasps is the first step to preventing wasps from getting into your home, but sometimes just isn’t enough to rid them completely.

7 Ways to Keep Wasps Away

If you are trying to get rid of wasps in the house and keep wasps away from your property, these are the easiest and most effective measures to take:

• Remove food sources from your property – especially unsealed pet food containers.
• Keep your doors and windows shut and seal any cracks in your home/foundation.
• Properly seal trash cans so that their contents do not attract wasps.
• Keep compost piles away from potential nesting areas and your home.
• Remove any sources of standing water or leaks that can provide water sources for wasps.
• Cover holes in the ground that mud daubers or other wasps might nest in.
• Check garages, trees, crevices, and any other potential nest locations.

Ultimately, the best way to get rid of wasps and prevent wasps from getting into your home will be a professional pest control service. 

This is especially true if you already have a wasp nest or infestation proving troublesome. You’ll be able to save time and money and prevent stress and injury by turning to professionals.

How Does Professional Pest Control Get Rid of Wasps?

We always recommend using professional wasp control. Wasp pest removal is relatively inexpensive, and the job of a licensed pest technician will far exceed DIY home solutions. 

Professional wasp control services typically include:

• Property Assessment and Unique Plan
  Professional pest control services should have a first-time home visit appraisal, and then your technician should create a unique plan to rid your home of wasps or other pests.
• Professional Wasp Gear
  Dealing with angry and defensive wasps can be dangerous! Even long sleeves and pants don’t properly protect you, and professional wasp control technicians have full suits, masks, and goggles.
• Tools to access nests
  Whether it is ladders, extension tools, or know-how to detect difficult-to-see wasp nests, the pros are going to be much more efficient in identifying and removing wasp nests from your home.
• Eco-Friendly Treatments
  The best wasp control will use powerful chemical treatments that are safe for humans, your property, and the surrounding environment. This is a stark contrast from many over-the-counter products that might be hazardous to your health and ineffective at the same time.

Wasp nest removal can be hazardous, and we don’t recommend DIY and natural wasp remedies. If you keep your home clear of situations that attract wasps and use proper wasp control to remedy infestations or nests, you will have a much easier time keeping your home safe.

Wasp Nest Removal in Phoenix, AZ.

If you have a wasp nest or infestation threatening your home, take action immediately. 

At Insectek, we’re committed to providing comprehensive wasp pest control that is efficient and safe.

Don’t face wasp nest removal alone – leave it to the pros. Feel free to contact us today to schedule your first visit and property appraisal; we’ll handle it from here