Bugs and rodents are often the first things you think about when it comes to pest control. But you may end up missing wasps, which are a lethal enemy to humans. Moreover, they are more common than you imagine, with thousands of different types of wasps in the US. Mud daubers, paper wasps, and yellow jackets are the species homeowners often encounter. These stinging pests are a summertime nuisance and ruin your outdoor time, even during other times of the year. In fact, they tend to be at their most active during late summer and early fall.
Wasps build large colonies and actively look for food. The most daunting concern is that they can get aggressive when you approach their nest. Their sting can cause pain and allergies, and an attack by a swarm can be potentially lethal. You may even land in the emergency room with a severe allergy to being stung. The best defense is to control wasps before they become a full-blown infestation. Let us share some tips homeowners can rely on to keep these pesky pests at bay.
Keep edibles out of sight
Like other household bugs, wasps love food and sugary items in households. Although they are outdoor pests, they try their best to enter your home when possible in search of food. Edible items or leftovers are prime targets for these stingy pests, and they may attack you if they foresee a threat. Ensure that there are no food items in your kitchen and dining area so that wasps have nothing to feast on. Maintain cleanliness and store your edibles in airtight containers out of sight and reach. These small measures can make a difference in establishing defense against household pests.
Manage your waste
Clearing food from your kitchen countertops and dining table is only half the work. You must also manage waste inside and outside your living space to keep these hungry insects at bay. They tend to take refuge at any place they can find something to eat, even in your garbage. Since wasps survive and thrive outdoors, you can expect them to be around your garbage bins. They make attractive hangouts with food scraps or leftovers in them. Sealing away your garbage tightly in bags and stuffing them properly in the trash bins can protect your home from wasp infestation. The fewer you have outside, the less chance of having them inside.
Install wasp traps
Although DIY is not the best wasp nest control approach, you can install traps to catch them without actual contact. You can easily find several popular products in the market to trap these tiny pests, but remember to use them cautiously. As a rule, you should not harm or kill these insects because they can send a distress signal to their colony. If the signal gets through, the entire colony may come to its rescue, which can be a dangerous situation for a homeowner.
Avoid a wasp nest
A wasp nest in your backyard can be a scary sight, and your first instinct will be to remove it at the earliest. But DIY wasp nest removal is the worst thing to do because it can endanger you and your loved ones. At the same time, you cannot leave it there and seal your living space to prevent entry. The best option is to call a professional wasp exterminator to clear the nest and make your outdoor space safe again. Experts have an in-depth understanding of these pests, so they are in a good place to eliminate them from your property safely. Moreover, they have the right equipment and techniques to send pests off for good, no matter how stubborn they are.
Know how to manage contact
Although calling an exterminator gets you on the safe side, you may face the worst before they arrive. Knowing how to manage contact with wasps can prevent a disaster. You may panic on seeing a few of these stinging insects, but screaming and attacking only compounds the risk. These insects tend to retaliate when they observe alarming activity. The best way to resolve the threat is by staying calm and walking away. Avoid attacking the nest with household items because you may end up facing a massive swarm ready to sting you everywhere possible.
Invest in landscaping
Investing in landscaping is perhaps the simplest way to protect your home from wasps. Trim shrubs and trees close to the house because they can serve as nesting and hiding spaces for these tiny pests. Although flowering plants enhance the curb appeal of your property, they do not go well with wasp control. Eliminate puddles, wet areas, and sources of water in your backyard. Get rid of empty saucers under potted plants, as they can hold rainwater, which attracts thirsty pests. Also, fix leaky outdoor faucets sooner than later.
Patch up cracks
Another measure to keep wasp infestation under check is to patch up cracks around your property. Check areas like the edges of siding and entry points of power lines to identify cracks and address them. Also, patch up holes in window screens as they can let these pests inside. Late fall is an ideal time for the project because most wasps die at this time of the year. You can also do it in early spring before the nesting season begins. Caulk and expandable foam sealant are best for plugging cracks and holes. The good thing is that sealing these areas makes your home energy efficient, so you may end up saving big on energy bills.
Wasp control is easier than you imagine because a few simple preventive measures can keep them away. But you must not be complacent if you find a nest on your property, as it is a threat to your loved ones. But the last thing you should do is try removing it on your own. Call an expert sooner than later to clear it and eliminate these pesky insects for good. Consider it an investment for the safety of your home and the well-being of your family.
