Wasps are exactly the kind of bug that the word “pest” was made for. They aren’t known to spread disease or purposely attack humans, but their existence can make life much more stressful than it needs to be. Nobody wants to get stung by a wasp. When these pests infest your property, they can make the simple act of going outside perilous. But exactly how dangerous are wasps in Baltimore?

What To Know About Wasps

The world is full of all sorts of wasps, but most Americans are familiar with social types that live in nests such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. The majority of wasp species on earth are solitary predators that live and hunt alone rather than building large nests. While there is tremendous variety among wasp species, they share many similar traits and behaviors.

Wasps hunt other insects for food. They can be beneficial to gardeners and farmers in eradicating crop-eating bugs and can even help pollinate flowers. Wasps can generally be distinguished from bees by their larger, more slender and sleek bodies, whereas bees tend to have more rounded, hairy bodies and are smaller in size.

It’s also important to note the difference between wasps and hornets. These insects are very similar but can be distinguished in a few ways. Hornets are often larger than most wasps, measuring up to 1 ½ inch while most common wasps average around 1 inch in length. Wasps can build their nests high up in tree branches and eaves but also like to build nests underground. Hornets, on the other hand, much prefer to build nests in elevated locations and don’t construct underground nests.

Are Wasps Dangerous?

Yes, wasps can be dangerous. But these insects are more than their aggressive reputation and painful sting. Many wasps seek out sweet substances in the late summer and fall and will gobble up nectar from local flowers, carrying small amounts of pollen with them as they travel and helping plants to reproduce.

For most people, wasp stings aren’t life-threatening. However, unlike bees that only sting once, wasps can deliver their venomous sting multiple times and will attack in swarms to overwhelm their adversaries. For those who are allergic to wasp venom, stings can be potentially fatal without medical intervention. Pets and small children are also at risk of medical danger from multiple wasp stings.

How To Keep Wasps Off Your Property

You can help to prevent wasps from inhabiting your property with some easy adjustments around the yard:

  • Mind your gardening. Certain flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees are irresistible to wasps. On the other hand, certain plants are hated by wasps and will drive them away. Avoid overplanting sweet-smelling flowers and fruit trees. Try adding herbs like basil, peppermint, and citronella to your garden to repel wasps.
  • Break out the lawnmower. Make sure to keep your grass trimmed along with any hedges. Keeping your yard tidy will give the prey insects that wasps feed on fewer places to hide, and thus will result in fewer wasps.
  • Repair siding. Check the exterior of your home or business for cracks in the siding. Wasps will take advantage of damaged siding to build nests, so fill any minor cracks or holes with silicone caulk to keep wasps out.

If you’ve encountered an active wasp nest on your property, don’t take the risk of taking it down yourself. Call the experts at Pest Czar for safe removal of active wasp nests and all your stinging insect control needs. Our knowledgeable technicians will eliminate the wasps you have and protect your property from new wasp infestations. Get in touch with us today for your free quote.