While wasps are essential to environmental preservation, they are still considered one of Oklahoma's most annoying and feared flying pests. Not only can they quickly send an outdoor party inside, but they can also be incredibly dangerous when they feel threatened. This article will explore some of the reasons why wasps are dangerous to humans and provide some tips to help you steer clear of them when spending time outdoors.
What Makes Wasps Dangerous?
Most wasp species can be highly territorial – even if their nest is on YOUR property. Once they have established a new home, there's a good chance that they won't want to give it up. Even a simple interaction with a single wasp can signal to the entire colony that there is a problem, and the swarm could activate at a moment's notice.
Unlike bees, which can only sting once, wasps are capable of stinging multiple times and fly away if they manage to avoid being killed by the person they are attacking. While the sting can be unpleasant, the resulting damages could prove fatal if an allergic reaction occurs. With this baseline in mind, let's look at why they are so dangerous.
Wasps Are Territorial and Aggressive
One of the most significant problems with wasps is they are territorial and aggressive. Most colonies are involved in the nest-making process together, often protecting it with their own lives. When a colony uses your home or yard as a nesting site, it is vital to approach cautiously or reach out to a professional wasp removal provider - like Emtec Pest Control.
Wasps Can Deliver Multiple Stings
Unlike bees, who detach their stinger and ultimately die, wasps are capable of stinging anything they perceive as a threat. This means that several circumstances might warrant the wrath of a wasp, including disturbing their nest or hindering their scavenging or pollination. The stings can be extremely painful or fatal when wasps attack in packs.
Wasps Can Trigger Allergic Reactions
Did you know that over two million Americans are allergic to stinging insects? While a sting from a wasp can trigger varied reactions, approximately 150 people die from stinging insects annually. If you are allergic to a wasp sting, it is crucial to avoid them whenever possible. If you are stung, and an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical help from a professional immediately.
Preventing Wasp Infestations and Stings
No one wants wasps buzzing around their home. Unfortunately, these pests are rarely hindered from settling into your space unless precautions are taken to exclude them. Since various species of wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets, can continue to thrive on neighboring properties, you will unlikely remove them entirely from your property.
Some of the things you can do to hinder their nest-building on your property include:
Don't Be Afraid to Call the Professionals!
Emtec Pest Control receives countless calls from homeowners and business owners in Oklahoma that have tried to remove a wasp nest with retail wasp spray. Unfortunately, all these products did was cause the colony to get mad and repeatedly attack the person they perceived as a threat. We encourage you not to take a DIY approach when dealing with these dangerous pests and, instead, reach out to our wasp control professionals.
Preventative treatments are suggested for the best results, which include spraying common wasp nesting locations. This might consist of eaves, decking, soffits, or other standard external features on home or business. Remember, these pests are incredibly territorial and aggressive. Don't risk your safety when you don't have to. Give the experts at Emtec Pest Control a call and let us take care of them safely and effectively.
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.