The concerns with wasps are the immediate pain of their sting and the potential for severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The most commonly encountered social wasps in North America are the yellow jackets and hornets, which aggressively defend their nests and can sting repeatedly, unlike honeybees. Yellow jackets, in particular, are responsible for a significant number of stings worldwide and are especially aggressive in late summer and early fall when their colonies are at their largest and they seek out sugar sources. Avoiding a painful encounter starts with proactively managing the elements that draw these insects into human spaces.
Remove Common Wasp Lures
Wasps are opportunistic foragers whose dietary needs shift seasonally, attracting them to various human activities. In spring and early summer, they seek protein to feed developing larvae, drawing them to outdoor barbecues and uncovered meat, like hamburgers and hot dogs. They may also forage on pet food left outdoors or scavenge dead insects.
As the season progresses into late summer and autumn, adult wasps crave sugar for fuel. They become strongly attracted to sweet foods and drinks, including fruit, soft drinks, and ice cream. Open cans of sugary beverages are particular hazards, as a foraging wasp can easily crawl inside unnoticed. Ripe or overripe fruits, especially those fallen from trees, also emit strong, sweet aromas that attract them.
Managing waste and personal scents is equally important in maintaining a wasp-free environment. Wasps rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate resources, meaning open garbage bins and compost piles are irresistible due to the odors of food waste. Tight-fitting lids on all trash receptacles are therefore necessary to contain these smells. Similarly, avoiding strong, sweet scents like floral or fruity perfumes, colognes, and highly scented lotions is advisable, as these can mimic the fragrances of a flower’s nectar.
Safe Conduct When Wasps Are Nearby
Personal reaction to a nearby wasp is a determining factor in whether a sting occurs, as wasps primarily sting when they feel threatened. The most common mistake is swatting or making rapid, jerky movements, which the wasp perceives as an attack or a threat to its safety. These aggressive motions provoke the insect and significantly increase the likelihood of being stung. If a wasp is close, remain as still as possible or move away slowly and deliberately.
If a wasp lands on the skin, resist the impulse to immediately brush it off. Staying calm and allowing the wasp to fly off naturally is the safest response. If a wasp is trapped inside clothing, slight movement can cause the garment to press against the insect. In this scenario, remaining perfectly still until the wasp finds its way out is the best option.
Clothing choices play a role in avoidance, as wasps are often attracted to bright colors and floral patterns that resemble flowers. Wearing lighter, muted, or neutral colors, such as white, makes a person less appealing to these insects. Dark-colored objects that move erratically are frequently targeted in defensive attacks near a nest. Opting for lighter apparel can reduce this risk.
Strategies for Dealing with Nests
Wasp nests are constructed from a paper-like material made of chewed wood fibers and saliva; their appearance and location vary by species. Yellow jackets often build nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows or within voids in walls and attics. Other species construct exposed, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves or in sheltered spots.
An increased number of wasps in a specific area or observing them repeatedly entering and exiting a particular spot, like a ground hole or a crack in the siding, can indicate a nearby nest. Wasps become fiercely defensive when their nest is disturbed, making any attempt at personal removal extremely dangerous. Disturbing a nest can lead to a swarm attack, especially with aggressive yellow jacket colonies that can contain thousands of individuals.
For any nest that is not small, easily accessible, and far from human activity, contacting a professional pest control service is the safest and most effective solution. Professionals possess the necessary equipment and expertise to eliminate nests without provoking a mass defensive response. Preventative maintenance, such as sealing cracks and crevices around the home’s exterior in early spring, closes off potential nesting sites before the queen begins building her colony.