The spring months bring us Oklahomans many changes. However, the warmer weather, lovely lawns, family get-togethers, and all the other joys of springtime can be spoiled by the presence of a particular pest.
Wasps
When they become a problem around your home, they become a significant problem. This article will highlight the types of wasps you will find in the northeast sector of Oklahoma, why they are dangerous, and how to properly deal with them.
What Wasps Are Common in Oklahoma?
Many people in Oklahoma have had an unfortunate encounter with wasps, hornets, or other stinging insects. This has led to an intense fear of these pests; however, only a few of the approximately 35,000 species of bees and wasps can actually cause a painful sting. Many wasp species found in Oklahoma will only sting if they are threatened or are obtaining prey. However, many wasps live solitary lives and do not aggressively attack people they see as intruders.
Oklahoma is home to countless wasp species, including various solitary wasps like cicada killers, mud-daubers, and potter wasps. These types of wasps will paralyze spiders and other insect prey with the venom from their sting to feed their young. As you might imagine, this venom isn’t considered very painful for most humans and is more suited for smaller prey. In contrast, stinging wasps like paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and yellowjackets can be more severe – sometimes even fatal if an allergic response is triggered in the victim’s body.
Why Are Wasps Dangerous?
Wasps are so dangerous because they are highly territorial and aggressive. They will attack if you get near them or their nest. They are quick in flight, and they will attack you in swarms. Enough wasp stings can kill an adult. Wasps do not lose their stinger after one sting like a bee so that they can sting you multiple times in one attack. It only takes a small swarm to inflict a lot of damage to its victim.
How Do You Deal with Wasps?
So, the question we all have is, “What should I do if I find a wasp nest at my house?” The answer cannot be just to leave it alone since wasps will attack you simply for walking by. One sting could prove fatal if someone in the house has a wasp allergy.
There are several methods that you could use to rid yourself of wasps. One easy way to kill a nest is to spray it with soapy water. You can also buy several products from a store to eliminate your wasp infestation. Spraying your wasp’s nests at night could reduce the risk of an attack as wasps are drowsy at night and can’t see very well in the dark. Also, trimming branches or clearing debris from around a wasp nest can help prevent them from returning as they will not be able to find the nest again.
Wasp nests are only used once per season. They will not return to reuse the same nest, so leaving the old, abandoned nests alone is ok. This could also deter other colonies from forming as wasps are territorial and do not want to have “neighbors.” Placing fake wasp nests around your home could also prevent wasps from creating a nest.
By keeping meats and sugary foods indoors, you can prevent yourself from attracting wasps. Seal your trash cans and keep them clean to help, as well. The acidic properties of cucumbers can also drive them away, so placing some cucumber slices around your picnic or barbeque can assist in keeping them away.
Since we have mentioned the bad about wasps, it is essential to include the good. They will help you with the small pest control in your gardens. They also help spread pollen.
Only use the methods listed above if you are not allergic to wasps. Wasps attack in swarms, so even if you are not allergic, a massive attack could be life-threatening. Use the utmost caution when approaching a wasp nest. In the case of an enormous wasp infestation, it is best to leave the removal to professionals.
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.