Pests that can make enjoying your property nearly impossible are wasps. These pests are feared and hated by most people because they are intimidating and scary. Wasps sting people, and these stings really hurt. No one wants to encounter wasps on their property, but knowing more about them and what to do when you notice them is essential. There are various species of wasps in the Dallas area, and while similar, there are some key differences.
Here are some wasps commonly found in the area and how to identify them.
- Yellowjackets: This species has smooth, sleek bodies with no hair. They have yellow and black stripes and are known for being aggressive.
- Paper wasps: This common collection of wasp species is generally dark brown with orange markings. They are also commonly identified by their nests which have a papery appearance.
- Baldfaced hornets: This species is the most aggressive of any wasps in Texas. They are mostly black, but they have white or pale markings on their faces. Their nests can contain hundreds or thousands of hornets.
- Cicada killers: This species is large, and they build their nests in soil. They usually have black and orange stripes
Are Wasps Good For The Environment?
Just like bees, wasps play an important role in the environment because they are pollinators. This means they are an essential part of the ecosystem and food production for many animals along the food chain, as well as humans. They also help to control small insect populations.
Despite these benefits, having wasps around your property is a bad thing. Wasps are a nuisance, but they also pose health risks when nesting on your property. Some species of wasps can inject their venom multiple times which can lead to health issues even for people who aren’t allergic. It’s also not uncommon for people to be allergic to these stings. Hornets are known for being especially aggressive, and they might sting even if their nests aren’t threatened.
How To Prevent Wasps
It isn’t always possible to completely prevent wasps from getting onto your property, but there are some things you can do to decrease the likelihood that they will nest there. The best way to go about preventing wasps is to make your yard less attractive to them. Here are a few ways to prevent wasps from building nests around your home or business:
- Don’t overwater your yard.
- Be careful not to overplant on your property.
- Regularly trim hedges and bushes.
- Ensure that hot tubs and pools are treated with the proper chemicals.
- Remove standing water on the property.
- Make sure that pet food is properly stored if it’s kept outside.
- Clean gutters and make sure rainfall can drain away from your home.
The Best Way To Protect Your Home From Wasps
Wasps are dangerous and scary to have around, but they are never more dangerous than when you’re trying to get rid of a nest. Even if you think a nest is inactive, it could still be harmful. The best way to get rid of wasps on your Dallas property is to contact the pest control professionals at Evolve Pest Control. We offer both nest removal and prevention assistance.
