Wasp activity is high this time of year. Let’s learn about these stinging insects!
Wasp Facts:
- Wasps are divided into two categories: social wasps and solitary wasps. Social wasps are further classified into three groups – hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps – and live in colonies in communal nests.
- Social wasps are carnivorous and more aggressive towards humans. Alternatively, solitary wasps often live in individual nests in the ground and aren’t dangerous to humans unless provoked. In fact, they’re valuable pollinators and feed on smaller insects and spiders, depending on their species.
- Yellowjackets are considered the most aggressive and territorial species of wasp. When a yellowjacket stings, it tags the victim with an alarm pheromone that may last for hours. This signals to other yellowjackets to attack the victim, even if no longer near the nest.
- Many wasps are feed on live insects, except yellow jackets, which are scavengers and primarily eat dead insects, worms and garbage.
- Paper wasps make their nests by chewing up and spitting out wood and bark. These nests are usually located in trees or under eaves of homes.
If you discover any type of wasp nest, it is best to call your local pest control professional to safely eliminate it.
If you would like to learn more about wasp control for your home or business, contact us for a free inspection. Attention Pest Solutions offers residential pest control and commercial pest control for Saratoga County, Albany County, Washington County, Fulton County, Warren County, Schenectady County and Montgomery County.
