Wasps are an insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera that exists in many different species. Most wasps have two pairs of wings, a thin midsection or waist, and the females are equipped with a stinger. Wasps are often predatory, but also consume nectar and tend to live either solitarily or socially.
Yellow Jacket Identification
One of the most commonly found types of wasps is yellow jackets. These usually have a black and yellow or black and white-colored appearance, and are social wasps that reside in large colonies. Yellow jackets typically range between ½ and ¾ of an inch long, and sometimes are misidentified as honey bees.
Yellow jackets are a benefit to the ecosystem as pollinators, and reduce the population of grubs, flies, and other unwanted pests. They are known to arrive as uninvited guests to barbecues and picnics, and are attracted to meats and sugary foods.
Some yellow jackets will create nests in the ground, as well as in locations beneath porches and near the bases of trees. Other yellow jackets will build elevated nests on tree branches, or upper areas of homes or buildings. The openings of their nests typically are round, and rarely exceed one inch.
What Are The Potential Dangers Of Yellow Jackets?
Yellow jackets can become aggressive when startled, or when defending their nests, and may respond by delivering a painful sting. A sting from a yellow jacket is generally a greater threat compared to that of a bee. Yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, and those with an allergy might require some medical attention.
How Can I Prevent Yellow Jackets?
- Keep food and beverage covered when eating outdoors, this applies particularly to sugary soda or juices, fruits, and meats.
- Exterior garbage cans should have properly fitting lids that will prevent wasps from entering them to forage for food scraps.
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes, lotions, or fragrances that might attract yellow jackets and other types of wasps.
- Fill any holes that exist on the ground throughout the yard that could be a potential nesting site.
Do I Need To Consult With A Licensed Pest Controller?
Property owners are encouraged to avoid making the mistake of attempting to oust yellow jackets and other potentially harmful stinging insects themselves. Many of the products marketed to consumers today include do-it-yourself aerosol sprays, traps, and other formulas that are commonly ineffective, and may contain harmful chemical agents that pose health risks.
The best way of responding to pest-related concerns is to promptly consult with an experienced local pest extermination company that will get the job done safely and quickly. These professionals can conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection of the premises to identify the scope of the intrusion, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. During the inspection process, they might detect existing property conditions that would accommodate other types of pests, or serve as points of entry indoors.
Leading Pest Management Company In Merrimac
The team of experts with Freedom Pest Control has been proudly assisting residential and commercial customers in the Merrimac region for many years. We are a full-service pest management company that has the training and tools necessary to eliminate problems involving rodents, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, and many other troublesome scavengers. We use an approach called integrated pest management that focuses on operational safety, environmental preservation, and other similar initiatives.
Our company employs many of the latest products and treatment methods available in the industry, such as many that have been endorsed by the National Pest Management Association for being safe and effective. We also remain active in the local community and professionally, as the company’s owner recently served as president of the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA). Contact our office today for a detailed inspection and estimate.