Fighting Summer Wasps
European Wasp on a white background. Specimen is about 12mm. Taken in Swifts Creek, Victoria, Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A wasp sting can be very painful, and many people who are stung by wasps take it personally, seeking to eradicate nests in an attempt to take revenge. Nevertheless, wasps play a valuable part in our ecosystems, just as do bees, so eliminating them altogether could be disastrous indeed.
Their ability to pollinate flowers makes them a useful in helping crops grow and flourish. However, the warm weather also makes them more active, and having a wasp nest on one’s property can be annoying, unsightly, and ultimately – painful!
Nests in walkways can be dangerous, so it is important to destroy them immediately. Rather than attempting haphazard control methods however, you may wish to seek the advice of a professional pest control company. Such companies know how to deal with wasp infestations, especially infestations that occur during the warmer months.
If you must take matters in to your own hands, use a spray with a far-reaching stream, waiting until evening when all the wasps are bedded down for the night. Take care not to stand down wind, and make sure pets and people are well out of the way. Rinse away any remaining chemical residue on walkways and driveways to avoid accidental poisoning.
Wasps consume the majority of their food in the warmer months, making them more active and aggressive during those times. Unfortunately, this is just the time we want to be outside enjoying the fine weather, too! If you’re having a cookout, try to keep all the sweets (especially fruits) in the house. Nothing draws in a wasp like their sticky sugars!
If you have a known allergy to wasps, never try to eradicate a nest yourself, and stay well out of the way if you have a professional do the job for you. Ask your doctor about keeping an EpiPen handy, and make sure to check the expiration date from time to time. If you find yourself with a sudden allergic reaction to a sting, take Benadryl and seek medical attention immediately.
