How To Keep Wasps Away From Your Washington D.C. Yard
08/23/2021
Stinging insects are extremely dangerous pests here in Washington D.C. For aggressive varieties such as wasps, home and business owners find themse...
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Do you know why stinging insects come into your yard? If you do, then you know why it is so hard to keep them away. They buzz into your yard in search of nectar in flowers. They buzz into your yard in search of bugs to eat. They buzz into your yard to take a drink from water sources. They buzz into your yard to create nests under your overhangs or inside the voids of your shed, garage, or home. The only way to fully deter them from coming into your yard is to remove every structure from your property and create a giant concrete square with no vegetation or stagnant water around it. Doesn't that sound nice? Fortunately, stinging insects bring benefits when they come into your yard. So, it isn't so bad when they visit.
What benefits do stinging insects bring?
All stinging insects feed on nectar from flowers and flowering plants. When they do this, they play an important role. It is called pollination. Without pollination, we would lose many of the tasty foods we enjoy. Some experts believe that without pollinators, all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Needless to say, pollination is important. It also helps to make your landscaping beautiful. While certainly not as important as the survival of every living creature on the planet, it is still important.
Some stinging insects feed on bugs that are dangerous to us, such as venomous spiders. So, it is nice when they pay us a visit. They are, however, no replacement for a licensed and experienced pest management professional.
How do you control a beneficial insect?
When a stinging insect visits your property, it is not likely to sting you. Even bad-tempered yellow jackets rarely sting when they are away from their nests. As long as you don't wave your arms at a yellow jacket, it will leave you alone. Problems begin when stinging insects create a nest on your property. Social insects have a strong nest-protection instinct. If you walk by a nest of yellow jackets, it doesn't matter if you wave your arms or not, you're going to get stung. Therefore, locating and removing nests is the key to controlling stinging insects.
Where do stinging insects create nests?
That depends on the insect. Some create nests in trees, bushes, and shrubs. Some create nests in holes made by burrowing animals. Some create nests inside trees, logs, and stumps.
- Stinging insects that create nests in trees, bushes, and shrubs will also establish nests on your home. They will create their nests under your overhangs, in your rafters, under your deck and in other protected locations.
- Stinging insects that create nests in holes will also create nests in the voids of man-made structures. If they can find an entry point in your home, these insects can get inside and establish a nest in your walls, ceilings and attic spaces.
- Stinging insects that create nests inside wood can make a nest inside the wood of your home. An example of this is the carpenter bee. Female carpenter bees bore holes into unpainted wood and they have a preference for wood that is rotting or damaged by water.
Fortunately, carpenter bees are not social insects. If you have these insects in your home, they aren't likely to sting you. But they can cause structural issues.
The Best Way to Detect and Remove Stinging Insect Nests
While you can perform routine inspections yourself, it is best to have a licensed professional do this as part of your residential pest control plan. A pest professional knows where to look and what to look for. If a nest is discovered, a professional has the safety equipment and tools to remove most nests without the use of harmful chemicals. So, while you are being protected from termites, carpenter ants, ticks, mice, rats, cockroaches, and the long list of other pests that can threaten your health and your property, you'll have protection from stinging insects. This is definitely the best way to go.
If you live in DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, American Pest can assist you with nest removal or the establishment of a residential pest control program that includes coverage for stinging insects. Reach out to us and ask us about our Preferred Care Programs. There is no better way to protect your health and your property from the harmful impact of bugs and wildlife. Get your protection in place today.
