Let us begin by stating the fact that wasps are different from bees. While both belong to the Hymenoptera order of insects, bees and wasps are distinguishable. Apart from physical differences, these insects do not share nesting preferences as well as the manner of feeding their young.
Bees, on one hand, feed their larvae pollen. On the other hand, wasps choose insects for this purpose. This is why wasps are usually welcomed in gardens since they can help with pest control. Additionally, they can also pollinate plants – just not to the same degree as bees do.
Having said the above, if you have identified a few wasps around your yard, they are more likely to cause harm than provide benefits. As they say, excess of everything is bad. If wasps start to build a nest close to your house, there may be a risk of having to deal with an angry swarm even if one gets disturbed.
Not only having wasps chasing you is a scary scenario but their bites can be painful too. In case someone has allergies, the wasp bite can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is advised to take preventative measures before things get too far. You would also need the services of wasp control experts to deal with this situation.
What to do to Prevent Wasp Infestation?
Keep Garbage Bins Covered
Wasps are more likely to create their nests where they can easily find food sources. If your yard has open garbage bins or composting food matter, the area will become more vulnerable to wasp nests. Keep garbage bins sealed closed and compost indoors
Make a Wasp Repellent
Mix water, dish soap, and several drops of clove, lemongrass, and geranium essential oils each in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture where you think wasps are gathering and are likely to create a nest. While it is a good repellent, it may be impractical if you have a large area to cover
Repair Open Areas
Look for any open areas like loose siding along the house exterior and outbuildings. Wasps are drawn to such spaces to build their nests so repair these as soon as possible
Plant Herbs
Wasps do not like some herbs due to strong aromas. You can plant such herbs, which include thyme, eucalyptus, spearmint, and citronella, to repel the wasps from your yard or patio
If you encounter wasps or happen to visit a place where they are common, you can take the following measures:
- Do not wear perfumes or use scented soaps
- Avoid wearing brightly coloured clothing
- Avoid walking barefoot in grounds with vegetation
- If you find a wasp trapped on the surface of a swimming pool, gently remove it before diving in
- Remain calm if a wasp lands on your body. It often happens when they are inspecting a scent or drawn to sweat if thirsty. Wait it out and the wasp will leave on its own
- If you do not want to wait for the wasp to leave on its own, gently and slowly brush it away using a piece of paper
- Social wasps are going to chase you if their nest is aggravated. If you see wasps flying to and from a particular place, avoid getting too close to that area as it may contain their nest
Another important thing to remember is that all insects have a role in maintaining our ecosystem. This is why you should not think of killing wasps as the only way of getting rid of them. Wasps come in two variations, which are social and solitary. The social wasps are ones that build colonies and become a furious swarm if their nest is disturbed. The solitary ones do not sting. In fact, most varieties of wasps are solitary.
However, it is understandable that a common person cannot differentiate between the two. The best way is not to panic in case you encounter a few wasps. If you have seen a nest, do not get close to it as you could end up disturbing it.
You may ask, then, how to get rid of the danger of having a wasp nest near your house? If you took all the preventative measures to repel the wasps and avoid the risk of them building a nest but it did not work, then it is time to call the best Surrey pest control exterminators.
These professionals can safely remove the nest from your house or property and relieve you of its risk.
