Did you know that there are around 30,000 wasp species found throughout the world? That’s a rather intimidating and terrifying number given how scary wasps can be. Luckily, there are only a handful of species in the Syracuse, NY area that property owners have to worry about.
While there aren’t thousands of species around, wasps are still a common pest problem in Syracuse, NY. These insects can inflict painful stings. The venom from these stings can also be dangerous, even for people who aren’t allergic. Some species are able to inject venom over and over and attack in groups which means that even healthy adults can end up hospitalized from wasp encounters. Because of the dangers of wasps, the best way to protect yourself and others is to take a proactive approach. In this guide, you’ll learn what you need to know about preventing wasps on your property.
Identifying Wasps
One thing many people don’t realize about wasps is that hornets and yellow jackets are actually just kinds of wasps. Along with hornets and yellow jackets, various species of a group called paper wasps are also common in Syracuse. These paper wasps get their name because they create their nests using a grey-colored, “papery” material. You can tell wasps apart from other stinging insects, such as bees, by looking at their shape and texture. Wasps are much thinner and longer while bees are round. And, wasps have a sleek texture while bees are fuzzy.
What Attracts Wasps To A Property?
Wasps might seem terrifying, but they aren’t all that difficult to understand. Like all pests, and all living creatures in general, they need food and water to live. Wasps are attracted to areas that provide easy access to these resources. The key is understanding the types of things that give them fuel.
Wasps, just like bees, are pollinators that need nectar, so they are attracted to flowering plants. They can also be drawn in by the scent of sweet-smelling food and drink items. They also prefer places that have standing water sources. This can include small pooling water on your property or water features like hot tubs.
Six Ways To Keep Wasps Away
Knowing the elements that attract wasps is just the first step in prevention. But, now that you have this knowledge, you can put it to use. There are some steps you can follow to make your yard less appealing to wasps by reducing or eliminating the factors that draw them in, such as:
Avoid over planting lots of flowering vegetation and make sure not to overwater plants.
Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming shrubs and trees. Many species will build their nests in these plants, so proactive maintenance can reduce areas where they can harbor.
Remove standing water from around your lawn and ensure that rainwater can drain.
Keep hot tubs, pools, and other water features clean and with cycled water. You can also use covers.
Place lids on all garbage cans and remove trash from your yard.
Remove pet food and store it indoors. Also, make sure to clean up any food and drink spills right away if you’re eating outdoors.
What’s The Safest Way To Remove Wasps?
While taking steps to deter wasps is helpful if you don’t have them yet, it can be dangerous to try to remove wasps on your own. People often assume that these nests are inactive, but they might not be. Trying to remove a nest is when you're most likely to be stung.
Instead of trying to handle wasp removal on your own, let the professionals at All Pest of Syracuse eradicate these dangerous pests. We are family-owned and operated and can get rid of wasps from your Syracuse home in no time. We also offer commercial pest control in Syracuse. Give us a call to get started.