About Wasps
Wasps are flying, stinging insects with over 30,000 known species found across every continent except Antarctica. Though often mistaken for bees, wasps are more slender with smooth bodies and are known for their aggressive behavior—particularly when defending their nests. They commonly build nests around homes, in attics, eaves, or shrubs, creating a potential hazard for people and pets, especially young children.
While wasps play a beneficial role in controlling other insect populations, their presence near living spaces can be dangerous. If you're dealing with a wasp problem, don't take risks. Contact us today for safe, professional wasp control solutions.
What do wasps look like?
Wasps are typically slender insects with smooth bodies and narrow waists, often displaying vibrant colors such as yellow and black, though some species can be metallic blue, red, or brown. They generally range in size from 1/4” to 1”, depending on the species. Like ants, wasps have three main body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. They also possess six legs, two large compound eyes, straight antennae, and powerful mandibles. One of their most distinctive features is their pair of membranous wings, which fold neatly along their body when at rest.
Wasps do not have ears, and instead detect vibrations to sense their environment. They breathe through small openings in their bodies called spiracles. Unlike ants, wasps have only one stomach used for digesting food, though some species do share food through a process called trophallaxis.
The life cycle of a wasp begins as an egg, which hatches into a larva, then pupates before becoming an adult. Most worker wasps live only a few weeks, while queens can survive up to a year. In many species, only the fertilized queens survive the winter, emerging in the spring to start new colonies. Once the queen dies, the colony typically does not survive beyond the season.
What are the unique characteristics of wasps?
Wasps are primarily carnivorous, feeding on other insects, though some species also consume nectar, fruit, and sugary substances. Unlike bees or ants, many wasps are solitary, while others—like yellowjackets and hornets—form social colonies. Wasps are known for their agility, strong mandibles, and ability to sting multiple times, making them effective predators and a serious threat when provoked.
Wasps play an important ecological role by controlling pest insect populations. Social wasps communicate through a combination of pheromones and body movements, especially when defending their nests. Their paper-like nests, made from chewed wood fibers, are often found under eaves, in attics, or in trees. Their territorial behavior and defensive nature make them a potential hazard when nesting near human activity.
DIY Methods of Wasp Control
While the most effective way to prevent or remove a wasp infestation is to contact pest control professionals, there are a few do-it-yourself methods you can try with caution:
- Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or clove essential oil, which are known to deter wasps. Apply them around entry points, outdoor seating areas, and other high-traffic zones. While this may discourage wasps from nesting, it won’t eliminate an existing infestation.
- Keep your property clean and sealed. Remove food scraps, sugary drinks, and fallen fruit from your yard, as these attract wasps. Seal garbage cans tightly and ensure windows, doors, and vents are properly screened.
- Use wasp traps or commercial sprays to target individual wasps or small nests. Traps lure wasps in with sweet bait, while sprays can be used from a distance to neutralize nests. Extreme caution is required—wasps can become highly aggressive when threatened.
Important: DIY methods may help reduce wasp activity, but they often fall short in fully eliminating the nest, especially if it's hidden or large. For safe and thorough removal, professional pest control is strongly recommended.