Few creatures are quite as aggressive as the paper wasp, and throughout North America, there are 22 different species of these insects, many of them calling Florida home. The last thing you want to deal with in your backyard this summer is an infestation of this problematic creature. What can you do to keep them at bay? These tips can help.
Know Your Enemy
Paper wasps are about 3.2 centimeters in length. They have very narrow bodies, and they’re usually dark brown. Their wings are typically black, and you may see yellow markings throughout. They may even resemble a yellow jacket on first glance. They get their name from the way they build their nests. Designed from plant material that is combined with the wasps’ saliva, they almost look like paper. Inside are hundreds of compartments that allow wasps to lay their eggs and raise their babies. When they hunt, they look for nectar and pollen, but they’ve been known to take insects like caterpillars too. They do provide some ecological benefit, but they also sting, making them a real problem to have near your home.
Watch for Wasp Nests
Paper wasps love to build nests in protected areas, like porches, decks, and the eaves of your home. If you find a nest, it’s time to action. Keep in mind that this is a fairly dangerous practice, as if you’re messing with an active wasp nest, you’re going to get stung. At this point, you may want to enlist the help of a professional pest control service like Slug-A-Bug to keep you and your family safe.
Prevent Nest Building
In addition to keeping an eye on potential wasp habitats, you can prevent an infestation with a couple of simple steps. Start by sealing holes, cracks, and crevices to ensure they don’t have a place to build a nest in the first place. You can also ensure sweets (like fruit from fallen fruit trees in the yard) and proteins don’t serve as an attraction. Tightly seal your garbage cans to ensure wasps can’t gain access.
You’re certain to see a paper wasp or two this time of year, but you don’t have to live with them in your yard or around your home. Contact us to learn more about how to deal with these pests right away call us at: 321-259-7844 or visit us online.