If only wasps didn’t have stingers. Then they could be beneficial to the environment, and not be a threat when on our properties. Objectively speaking, wasps can be very pretty creatures, it is only their painful behinds that make them as intimidating as they are. All this being said, paper wasps are back in Liberty and starting new nests. If you are worried about these stinging nuisances settling down on your property, we have some tips and tricks to help you prepare for their return.
Identifying Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are long and have narrow waists. They are often easily confused with yellow jackets and hornets. Part of this confusion steps from the range of colors paper wasps can be. They can be anywhere from brown with yellow markings to reddish-brown with smoky black wings they keep folded lengthwise at rest. Adults can be as long as ½ to one inch long when fully grown. These wasps are sometimes known as umbrella wasps because of the shape of their nests. These nests are made with upside down brood cells supported by a single stalk that looks like an upside-down umbrella.
Pros and Cons Of Paper Wasps
It may seem simple, but paper wasps do have their pros and cons. One of the pros of having paper wasps on your property is that they are beneficial to any plants that you love. They assist in the pollination of flowers, which is helpful for the environment. Paper wasps also help in controlling insect populations by feeding various bugs and larvae. The problems are that in order to get these benefits on your property, you have to risk being stung, potentially many times as each wasp can sting repeatedly. Paper wasps are extremely territorial. They actively seek to harm anyone who comes near their nest, especially when their queen is looking to overwinter. If you have a nest near your home, you and your family could be at risk of being stung by the angry residents inside. This alone should be enough for any homeowners to want to keep paper wasps as far away as possible from their property.
How You Can Make Your Yard Less Attractive To Paper Wasps
Wasps and other stinging insects are attracted to properties by two things, sweets, and meats. Of course, these two things can be present in a number of different ways. If you cook outside and leave scraps of food either in your yard or near the grill, wasps might decide to build a nest nearby to gather those scraps as they fall. If open beverage cans or bottles are left outside, that is another attractant for hungry stingers. Even the flowers in your yard can be reason enough for stinging insects to settle down on your property. To deter stinging insects from building their nest on your property, here are some prevention tips we recommend.
- Avoid leaving scraps of food or open beverages outside.
- Do not feed your pets outside, or pick up their bowls right after they are done with them.
- Clean grills regularly.
- Pick up any fruit that may have fallen in your yard.
- Consider getting rid of flowers and fruit plants/trees.
To keep stinging insects from getting into your home, seal up gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation. Also, make sure all of your window/door screens are rip-free. Finally, consider installing door sweeps under all exterior exits leading out of your home.
What To Do If You Find A Nest On Your Property
The last thing you should do if you find a stinging insect nest on your property is trying to deal with it on your own. If paper wasps are territorial with you getting close to their nest, you can guess how aggravated they will become if you threaten their home. At Prosite, we have the tools and experience to safely remove nests and eliminate stinging insects from your property. Let us handle the dangerous part so that you can enjoy the benefits of a stinger-free yard.
Give us a call today to schedule a visit for your Liberty home. Our team is here and waiting to come to your aid.