In this region, stinging insects are most prevalent during the late summer months. The most commonly encountered types include yellow jackets (which are types of social wasps), European paper wasps, and bald faced hornets. These flying creatures often establish nests in residential settings, which creates safety concerns, as they will aggressively defend against perceived threats. In nature, stinging insects provide a variety of benefits, such as limiting the population of various troublesome insect species and assisting with pollination.
Are you wondering how to get rid of wasps and hornets on your property? For efficient results, having assistance from a local pest control company is the best option. An experienced Kittitas County pest control professional is familiar with the various stinging insects in this region and understands the best treatment methods.
How Are Hornets And Wasps Different?
In terms of body style, wasps are usually thinner, while hornets appear plumper and rounder. Most wasps have bodies measuring approximately 1/3 of an inch, smaller than most hornets.
Hornets may form nests roughly the size of a basketball containing hundreds of colony members. In contrast, wasp nests are typically smaller and house only 20 to 30 insects.
Hornets And Wasps Can Be Dangerously Aggressive
Those approaching a nest often face a swarm of defensive wasps or hornets. Most sting victims experience mild symptoms, including redness and swelling, relieved with ice, a cold compress, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion.
However, some people experience harmful allergic reactions, which might require medical attention.
How many times can a wasp sting? Unlike bees, hornets and wasps have stingers that allow for delivering multiple painful stings.
In 2019, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) reported that sightings of the northern giant hornet occurred in Washington, and they implemented traps and monitoring strategies. The northern giant hornet (Vespa Mandarina) is the world’s largest hornet species and is a highly invasive creature known for preying on beneficial insects such as bees that belong to the Hymenoptera order. The WSDA explains this species possesses a more potent venom. Fortunately, sightings of the northern giant hornet have declined recently.
Practical Tips To Keep Wasps And Hornets Away From Your Home
What are some of the most effective strategies for how to keep bees and wasps away from your property? Consider some of these preventative measures:
- Limit the amount of fragrant, flowering plants in your lawn and garden areas.
- Clean up thoroughly after picnics and barbeques in yard areas.
- Place all trash bags containing food scraps in sealed garbage receptacles.
- Fill in any ground holes that represent potential nesting sites.
- Seal any voids or crevices that develop along the exterior within siding, eaves, or roofs.
While these tips are viable options for preventing harmful stinging insects, those who discover an active nest on their property should seek professional assistance.
Call Us For Effective Stinging Insect Control
Have hornets, wasps, or similar types of stinging insects constructed a nest on your Kittitas County property? Too many local property owners try to take matters into their own hands by trying do-it-yourself home-stinging insect control products. Unfortunately, many of these efforts prove ineffective and place you at risk. Consulting with a local pest control company is a much better solution.
Prosite is a leading provider of pest control for wasps, hornets, and other potentially dangerous flying insects. We operate in a manner that ensures the safety of our customers, their pests, and the local environment.
For superior pest control services, contact our office today for details. Remember to ask about our comprehensive SiteCare residential pest protection plans.