Wasps are common pests in the spring and summer, but that doesn't make them easy to deal with. Many people are wary of stings, which makes treatment and control more difficult. But you don't need to put up with wasps near your Cedar Hill home. ProActive Pest Services offers complete wasp control as part of our Cedar Hill pest control services. Call today to learn more about how we can keep you safe and your home wasp-free.
How To Identify A Wasp
Wasps are a group of insects that are related to bees and ants but not either of them. It includes hornets and yellow jackets – that is, a yellow jacket is a wasp, but not every wasp is a yellow jacket. Wasps are most likely to be confused with bees, so here are a few characteristics to help you tell them apart. Wasps are known for their thin "waists" that divide their bodies, while bees are typically round. Wasps are also smooth-bodied, unlike fuzzy bees. Finally, wasps tend to have more vibrant and varied coloring than bees do.
There are a few different types of wasps that can be found in Cedar Hill. Bald-faced hornets (which are not actually hornets) are black with white markings and white faces. They're typically about half an inch long. These wasps build paper nests up in the air – often hanging on trees or structures.
Paper wasps are brown with yellow markings. These are social wasps, which means they live in colonies. They build paper nests shaped like umbrellas. These wasps are usually between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch in length.
Mud daubers are solitary wasps. They build nests out of mud. They can be anywhere from half an inch to over an inch long. Mud daubers are usually black with lighter markings.
Yellow jackets are black and yellow. They're typically between a quarter of an inch and half an inch long. Yellow jackets are also social wasps, and they build nests both underground and up in the air and are known for being highly aggressive.
Common And Uncommon Symptoms Of A Wasp's Sting
The most common symptoms of a wasp sting are what you'd expect from an insect sting or bite. Pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the sting are all very common. You may also experience localized hives and itching.
Some people are allergic to wasp venom, and these allergies can cause much more severe symptoms. Tightness in the throat or chest, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea are all signs of an allergic reaction. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of these after a wasp sting.
Besides allergic reactions, wasp venom does not typically result in lasting damage. The reactions we do experience are essentially a localized version of the physical harm that would happen to a smaller animal when stung. Wasps typically sting in self-defense to warn animals not to harm or eat them or to catch their prey. The very same venom that would paralyze another insect or small animal causes swelling and discomfort for most people.
The majority of common wasp species are not aggressive toward humans. They generally only sting when they feel threatened.
Five Naturally Effective Wasp Prevention Tips For Around Your Yard
Just because wasps aren't usually aggressive doesn't mean you want them in your yard. After all, what's more threatening to a wasp than trying to remove their home? It's much easier to prevent wasps from living near your home in the first place. You can help keep wasps away by:
- Sealing cracks in the walls
- Keeping food covered outdoors
- Disposing of food waste properly, including sealing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
- Covering holes in the ground
- Using plants that naturally repel wasps, such as lemongrass and basil
Sealing cracks in the walls of your home can keep wasps from coming inside. Food left outside, including in garbage cans, can attract wasps and other unwanted pests. Some species of wasps, such as yellow jackets, build nests underground. Covering any holes in your yard can keep them from building these nests. There are many types of plants that can help repel wasps, including many herbs. These often tend to work for many other insects as well, including mosquitoes.
Above all, be careful around wasp nests. Most wasps might not be aggressive, but they don't take kindly to people trying to get rid of their nests. The best way to get rid of a wasp nest is to have a professional pest specialist take care of it so that you can avoid injury.
Call The Professionals For Total Wasp Control For Your Yard
ProActive Pest Services is your best answer for wasp control in Cedar Hill. We focus on an integrated pest management approach that works to keep pests away for good. We're also very minimalist when it comes to the products we use in and around the home, so you and your family stay safe. If you're seeing wasps or wasp nests near your Cedar Hill home, protect what's important by calling ProActive Pest Services for fast and effective wasp removal.
