Did you know that there are actually around 30,000 species of wasps found throughout the entire world? While that’s a large and terrifying number, there are luckily only a handful of species you’re likely to find around your Modesto, California property. Another fact you might not know is that hornets and yellow jackets are subsets of wasps.
While you might only have to worry about a select number of species in the area, the truth is that wasps can still be a dangerous pest problem to have because of their ability to sting and inject venom. In this article, we’ll go over all the basics you need to know about identifying and preventing wasps so you can keep yourself and others safe.
Wasps Versus Bees
One of the main questions many property owners have is how to tell if they are dealing with a bee species or a wasp. While they can look rather similar in coloration, depending on the variety, two characteristics set these groups apart.
First, wasps have very long, lean body shapes and look streamlined while bees, on the other hand, are round and bulbous. Second, wasps are sleek and furless while bees can be identified by their fuzzy appearance.
The Pros And Cons Of Wasps
While you probably know that bees can be good for the environment as they pollinate many different plants, most people don’t realize that wasps are also pollinators. Plus, they can help reduce the populations of some small insects.
While wasps might be good for the ecosystem, it doesn’t mean they are safe to have right next to your home or business. Many wasp species are particularly dangerous because they can sting and inject their venom over and over, and this trait is even more dangerous when they defend and attack in groups.
Because of this, even people and pets who aren’t allergic to this venom could end up in the hospital. Additionally, many people don’t know they’re allergic until they’ve been stung, so being extra careful is always a good idea.
Six Wasp Prevention Measures
While you might not be able to completely keep wasps away from your property, you can take steps to discourage them from building nests. Overall, you should focus on removing water sources as well as managing vegetation. Here are some of the best wasp deterrents:
1. Keep hedges, bushes, and trees trimmed on a regular basis.
2. Make sure not to over-water your yard and plants.
3. Avoid over planting flowering varieties of vegetation.
4. If you have water features like hot tubs and pools, make sure they are kept clean and that the water is cycled.
5. Remove standing water from your property.
6. Store pet food inside and get rid of bird feeders.
The Only Safe Way To Remove Wasps
While it’s always a good idea to take measures to deter wasps, it’s very dangerous to try to remove a nest on your own, even if you think it’s inactive. The only truly effective and safe way to get rid of a wasp problem is with help from Insect IQ, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, you can rely on us to remove these dangerous pests and keep them from coming back. Just give us a call today to request a free phone estimate.
