Wasps prey upon other pests. While they can be a nuisance, they are also essential to our ecology. That said, no one wants to live where there is a wasp nest, indoors or outdoors. If you suspect you may have a wasp infestation or nest nearby, it’s important to contact a pest control service to have an inspection done and remove the nest. Don’t risk getting attacked, as there is a serious risk of major injuries.
Here are the signs of a wasp infestation and everything you need to know about how to deal with them.
Sign #1: Wasp nests
There are thousands of types of wasps. Each type has specific ways to build nests. Some prefer low nests to the ground, where you have wasp infestations under porches or in hollow trees. Others want their nests in enclosed locations, such as eaves, attics, and wall gaps.
Certain types of wasps will also build their nest in any area of protection, i.e., garages, attics, or high up on the side of buildings. Contact a pest control professional to identify all the problem areas.
Sign #2: Swarming Wasps
A single wasp is no biggie. Multiple wasps indicate a nest nearby, especially if they’re swarming. They leave their nests multiple times a day for food.
Follow their flight path from a distance to discover where they’re flying to. Don’t attempt to investigate further, as you don’t want a wasp to feel threatened.
Sign #3: Chewed wood without explanation
Some wasps chew wood, removing the pulp to build their nest with. This is what helps them to create tunnels and holes in exterior surfaces.
Chewed wood is often tied to termites, mice, or other pests, but unfortunately, it can also be wasps. Logs, trees, sticks, wood fence posts, or even wood homes.
Sign #4: Growing wasp nest
A wasp nest is typically made from mud or wood. It will grow in size over time. Wasps usually build in springtime, laying eggs throughout the spring and summer.
A wasp net usually looks like a ball of paper to most people. It can be up to the size of a basketball with a hole in the bottom for entry/exit. New nests develop in a hexagonal pattern, though you may not be able to see this from a distance.
Sign #5: Small nests
Instead of one large nest, you may be finding small nests around your property. They may have spots they’re constantly trying to rebuild in, or they may be nests from previous years.
Regardless, if you have empty nests around where you’re living, it’s a sign that wasps are coming back, and an infestation may be coming. The nests may appear abandoned. However, even so, do not approach.
Sign #6: Multiple wasp nests
Wasps may occasionally enter through an open door window or take a wrong turn somewhere and enter your home. If you have found one or two wasps inside the house, it’s a good sign they’re living somewhere close.
Sign #7: Buzzing or tapping oises
When wasps build their nest, they tap or buzz. You may not see them, but if you hear this noise, it’s probably a sign of a wasp nest. If you suspect you’re hearing buzzing, the best thing to do is to contact pest control.
They know how common and severe a wasp infestation is and conduct a full sweep of the home to determine if any nests are present.
Sign #8: Wasp attractants
As with any pest, some materials attract wasps. Wood piles or supplies of wood products draw in certain varieties of wasps. Access to food may attract wasps and other pests. An open garbage or metal bin can attract wasps.
Furthermore, if you’ve had a previous wasp infestation, wasps like to return to a safe environment, which means you may take care of an infestation this year and see them return next year. This is, unfortunately, all too common and is something else to be aware of as a sign that you may have a wasp infestation.
Sign #9: Hostile wasps
If you suspect you have found a wasp nest, never get close to it for any reason. Never try to remove a wasp nest yourself, either. Wasps are likely to attack if they sense a threat.
Attempting to deal with removal yourself means you put yourself and others at risk of severe injury and even death. Stay far away if you see wasps coming out or disappearing into the wall or underground. It should be handled immediately by a professional.
Sign #10: Wasp infestations
Wasps have a painful sting. They will defend if provoked or feel their nest is being attacked. Furthermore, wasps do not leave a stinger behind and will sting repeatedly. When a wasp is distressed, they emit a pheromone that sends a message to the rest of the colony to rush to its rescue.
This leads to wasp attacks, which can be so painful that they can even cause death. If you see the signs of a wasp infestation, contact a pest control service immediately to have them removed.