How Dangerous Are Wasps In Maryland?

06/27/2021

Stinging Insects   

Some pests are so harmless that you almost feel bad for getting rid of them. Wasps, on the other hand, only cause relief when they’re gone. Stinging insects like wasps can make day-to-day living incredibly difficult when they infest your property. They can be aggressive and often attack in large numbers. The wasps in Maryland are dangerous and it’s important to deal with them properly.

What To Know About Wasps

Wasps are stinging insects that come in a tremendous variety of shapes and sizes. They can be slender and sleek or short and stocky. Some wasps are social and live in nests with other members, but most of the wasps in the world are solitary hunters that live alone. 

As predators, wasps feed on other bugs but may also steal meat from cookouts, garbage cans, or other sources. As cooler weather sets in, many wasps will turn to sweet foods and may be attracted to flowers, sugary drinks, and sweet snacks. Wasps have six legs, wings, and a stinger, but there are other types of insects that match that description.

Unlike wasps, bees tend to be round and hairy. Bees are almost always smaller than wasps. While wasps can actually be helpful pollinators, bees are far more effective at the job. Wasps generally don’t make honey and rely on other insects for food. 

Hornets can be very similar in appearance to wasps, but hornets tend to be bigger, on average. While hornets may also construct nests with many members, hornets always build their nests in elevated areas while wasps are known to build nests both above and below ground. 

How Dangerous Are Wasps?

Although they can be beneficial to the environment, wasps are dangerous pests that should be treated with caution. Having a nest of wasps on your property may help to reduce the population of pest insects that destroy crops and flowers. They may also help pollinate your garden. But wasps the hazards of wasps far outweigh any benefits.

Wasps like yellowjackets tend to be very territorial and may attack any intruders that venture too close their nests. While most healthy adults can easily tolerate a single wasp sting, wasps may attack in swarms, resulting in multiple venomous injections. Children, pets, and the elderly are at higher risk of medical complications from wasp attacks.

Not to mention, individuals who are allergic to wasp stings are in serious danger if a wasp nest is established nearby. Just a single sting can cause a medical emergency.

Ways To Prevent Wasps 

You can prevent wasps from establishing a nest on your property with some easy adjustments:

• Trim the hedges – Reduce the presence of prey insects to reduce the presence of wasps. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and eliminate yard waste to get rid of hiding spots for the bugs that wasps feed on.

• Cover trash cans – Keep covers on your trash cans to prevent wasps from scavenging. Rinse cans and bottles for sugary drinks before disposal. 

• Flex your green thumb – Make sure gardens aren’t overplanted with flowers that attract wasps. Don’t overwater flowerbeds. Try planting herbs like basil and spearmint to repel wasps. 

• Seal potential nesting sites – Look for any cracks or openings in the siding of your property and seal with silicone caulk. 

Removing a wasp nest by yourself is never a good idea – even if you believe if it’s inactive. For safe and easy nest removal and ultimate protection from stinging insects, call the experts at American Pest. We offer both one-time stinging insect control services and ongoing service for Maryland homes and businesses. So, if you’re suffering from wasps on your Maryland property, get in touch with us today.