Wasps

What are Wasps?

A wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant.Wasps are some of the most aggressive species of stinging insects and are known to be one of the 10 most dangerous insects in the world. A wasp's sting can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock and suffocate to death, or it could cause allergic reactions that can also be life-threatening. So if there is a wasp nest living in your attic, roof or garden, it is advised not to get in their way and hire a professional to get rid of them.

Social wasps are considered pests when they become excessively common, or nest close to buildings. People are most often stung in late summer, when wasp colonies stop breeding new workers; the existing workers search for sugary foods and are more likely to come into contact with humans; if people then respond aggressively, the wasps sting.

Prevention of Wasps

1. Seal entry points: Searching for and sealing off their point of entry is the best line of defense. Check your house for unsealed vents, torn screens, cracks around windows and door frames and open dampers. Observe the flight path of a wasp, especially in the morning, which may reveal the entry/exit point.

2. Remove food sources: In spring and early summer, wasps are attracted to protein foods. Any food left outdoors, such as pet food, picnic scraps, open garbage containers or uncovered compost piles should be removed or covered.n late summer and early fall, the wasp food preference turns to the sweet. Their behavior is also more aggressive. Open cans of pop, fruit juice, fallen apples beneath fruit trees and other sweet food sources will attract wasps. Be sure to cover drinks and open food containers, keep a lid on the compost and avoid walking barefoot near fruit trees. Remove any fallen fruit rotting on the ground.

3. Avoid swatting: Swatting and squashing wasps is counterproductive. When a wasp is squashed, a chemical (pheromone) is released which attracts and incites other nearby wasps. It's best to walk away from a hovering wasp.

4. Avoid wearing bright colours or floral patterns. If you look like a big flower, you may be attracting the curious wasp looking for nectar.

5. Minimize use of perfumes and other strong scents. In the later part of the summer, wasps are attracted to sweet smells.