Annoying wasps can make relaxing outdoors difficult when they infest your property. You know these flying insects can deliver a painful sting, but are they really that harmful to have around? Well, although they pack a venomous sting, wasps can actually be helpful pests. So, how dangerous are the wasps in Torrington?
What To Know About Wasps
Wasps are some of the most interesting insects in the world. They come in a staggering variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and exhibit some remarkable (and occasionally bizarre) behaviors. While most of us think of wasps as buzzing around a big papery nest, the vast majority of wasps in the world are actually solitary hunters that live alone.
Wasps will hunt smaller insects to feed their young, but are also known to scavenge scraps of meat from cookouts and garbage bins. As the weather turns cool, wasps turn to sweeter foods like nectar, but are content drinking from soda, juice, or beer containers, too.
And for the record, there is a difference between wasps and hornets. Hornets are generally the larger of the two, with most hornets measuring between 1 and 1 ½ inches in length. Hornets will always construct aerial nests in elevated locations (tree branches, awnings, etc.) while wasps may build either aerial or underground nests.
Distinguishing wasps from bees is usually pretty easy. Bees are typically smaller than wasps and have more rounded, hairy bodies. Wasps, on the other hand, are larger and have more smooth and streamlined bodies.
How Dangerous Are Wasps?
Wasp venom can be very painful, especially when injected multiple times. Those with allergies are in serious danger if a wasp attacks. But as dangerous as these pests can be, they also play an important role in the environment.
Wasps are great at getting rid of smaller pest insects. They will eagerly hunt down prey like beetles, ants, or moths which can cause problems around the home and garden. Wasps are also competent pollinators, traveling from flower to flower as they feed on nectar and helping plants reproduce in the process.
But, wasps aren’t all good. They can attack in swarms and incapacitate victims with their venomous stings. Pets, small children, the sick, and the elderly are especially at risk. If someone who is allergic to wasps gets stung, medical attention must be sought immediately.
How To Keep Wasps Off Your Property
You don’t want to worry about wasps. By following a few simple tricks, you can help discourage them from building a nest or hunting on your property.
- Use natural repellent. Wasps love sweet-smelling flowers and fruiting trees, but they also hate certain herbs and plants. Try a little gardening and plant basil, citronella, spearmint, and marigolds to repel wasps.
- Try some yard work. Simply mowing the lawn regularly, pulling weeds, and trimming up hedges can have a big impact on the population of the prey insects that wasps love to eat.
- Mind the trash. Be sure to keep trash in sturdy garbage receptacles with tight-fitting lids. If you’re holding an outdoor event, don’t leave sugary drinks and meat unattended.
- Prevent nesting. Repair or replace any damaged siding where wasps can build nests. You can seal small cracks using silicone caulk.
If you spot a wasp nest on your Torrington property, don’t try and remove it yourself — even if it appears inactive. Instead, save yourself from the stings and call the pros at Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control. We offer same-day services to our customers in Torrington and use only the safest, most effective home pest control and commercial pest control methods to keep your children and pets protected. For relief from wasps or any other pests causing trouble on your property, contact us today.