The occasional wasp sighting isn’t always a big deal. Unfortunately, these pests can live together in nests, leading to large infestations. Being able to identify an infestation early can make it easier to get rid of these stinging pests. Check out four signs that warn of a wasp infestation.
1. Wasp Sightings
Spotting wasps is one of the best ways to know if you have an infestation. Paper wasps have a narrow body and range in size from 5/8ʺ–3/4ʺ. They are dark brown with yellow markings. Yellow jackets are black and yellow, and they are slightly smaller than paper wasps. Hornets are the largest of all wasps, about 1ʺ in size, and look similar to yellow jackets. Wasp species have long legs and a thin waist. Seeing one or two wasps doesn’t always indicate an infestation. It could be an isolated incident. However, finding several of these pests in your home or yard can warn of an infestation.
2. Wasp Nest
If you notice a wasp nest on your property, you could be dealing with an active infestation. Paper wasp nests have a paper-like appearance. They are gray and shaped like an umbrella. Nests are built in sheltered areas including bushes, trees, under eaves, in attics, and garages. Yellow jackets are known to also build nests underground, so look for nest holes in the ground with wasps near them. A mature nest can contain 1000s of wasps, so you’ll want to be careful when searching for them. Depending on its location, a nest could be tricky to find. Hornet nests are large, up to 2 feet in length, and egg shaped. They’re often found under the eaves of buildings. Some species build nests in wall voids or tree cavities. If you’re having trouble locating a nest, you can follow the wasp’s flight path when they return to their nest in the evening.
3. Wood Damage
A paper wasp and hornet’s nest is made from chewed wood and saliva. These pests will sometimes take wood from objects found on your property. You may notice small holes or scratches on trees, fences, firewood, and the exterior of your home. You’ll want to be on the lookout for other signs of wasps since other pests, like carpenter ants and carpenter bees, can cause damage to wood. When collecting wood, wasps may also leave behind small traces of dust.
4. Buzzing Noise
Like other bugs, wasps can make noise. Sometimes you’ll hear these pests before you actually see them. Their buzzing will typically be loud and consistent if an infestation is present. The more wasps present, the louder the noise will be. If wasps are constructing a nest in wall voids or attic spaces in your home, there’s a chance you’ll notice a tapping or scraping noise too.
How to Get Rid of a Wasp Infestation
An occasional wasp isn’t always a problem, but an infestation is more worrisome. If you identify a wasp infestation, you’ll want to take steps to get rid of these pests. Check out a few tips to help keep your space free of wasps.
- Seal Entry Points: One of the best ways to keep wasps out of your home is to remove potential access points. Check for and seal cracks or holes where wasps could enter. Repair or replace damaged window screens. Before sealing a void, make sure wasps aren’t there to avoid trapping wasps in your home.
- Keep Vegetation Trimmed: Keeping your shrubs and bushes trimmed will minimize nesting sites and also make it easier to spot a wasp nest.
- Minimize Attractants: Wasps are attracted to sweets and proteins. After enjoying a meal outside, be sure to clean up any crumbs or spills. You’ll also want to keep your space as dry as possible.
- Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray: Our plant-based Wasp & Hornet Killer kills and repels wasps. The foaming jet spray reaches up to 18 feet, allowing you to keep your distance from the nest when treating it. Start by spraying the entrance to the nest and then fully coat the entire nest. You’ll also want to spray any wasps close to the nest.
If you want to keep your home and yard free of wasps, you’ll need to know how to identify an infestation. If wasps or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.
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