For those homeowners who have ever had the misfortune of dealing with wasps, they know just how annoying and persistent they can be. Wasps can be a nuisance in your home, garden, or even at the local park. But with the right knowledge and precautions, you can control, kill and prevent wasps from taking over your space. In this article we will give you the information you need to understand wasps better, so that you can take the necessary steps to keep them away.
Signs of a Wasp Problem
It’s important to know how to recognize the signs of a wasp problem. A few obvious signs are seeing wasps flying around or their nests near your home. Wasps tend to build nests in sheltered areas such as under eaves or porches, in shrubs and trees, or in outdoor furniture. Another sign of a wasp problem is if you start noticing more than usual hanging around your home or garden. Wasps are also likely to be attracted to sweet scents such as sugary drinks and garbage. If you see wasps coming and going from an area in your home or garden, then it’s likely that this is where their nest is located.
How to get rid of Wasps
If you’ve determined that you have a wasp problem, then it’s important to take steps quickly to get rid of them. The most effective way to get rid of wasps is with insecticides. You can buy insecticides at any hardware store that contain permethrin, deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin which are all effective against wasps. Make sure to read the directions on the insecticide bottle carefully before use.
You can also use a wasp trap to get rid of wasps. Wasp traps work by attracting the wasps with bait such as sugar water or fruit juice. Once the wasps enter the trap they are unable to escape and eventually die. Wasp traps are easy to set up and are very effective.
How to prevent Wasps
Preventing wasps from becoming a problem in the first place is always better than having to deal with them once they’ve already established themselves. To prevent wasps from coming into your home or garden, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep food sources sealed and stored away so that they aren’t accessible by wasps.
- Cut back trees and shrubs that provide shelter for wasps.
- Keep garbage cans sealed tightly.
- Repair any holes in screens and doors.
- Eliminate standing water sources where wasps can breed.
What attracts Wasps
Wasps love sweet smells and foods such as sugary drinks, fruit juices, and garbage. Food scraps left outdoors can also attract them. They are also attracted to open spaces such as gardens and parks where they can find shelter and food sources.
What does a Wasp eat?
Wasps feed on sugary food sources such as nectar from flowers and other sweet fruits as well as proteins like insects and spiders. They also feed on carrion (dead animals) when available.
Where does a Wasp hide?
Wasps often seek shelter in sheltered areas such as under eaves or porches, in shrubs and trees, or in outdoor furniture. They may also hide in cracks in walls or behind shutters. In the winter months they may burrow into soil or wood.
What is the lifecycle of a Wasp?
The lifespan of a single wasp varies depending on its species but typically ranges from 1-3 months. Wasps go through four stages during their lifecycle: egg, larva (grub), pupa (cocoon) and adult. The adult female will lay eggs which hatch into larvae which feed on food provided by the adult female until they mature into adults.
Can a Wasp lay eggs?
Yes, adult female wasps can lay eggs which will hatch into larvae which will feed on food provided by the adult female until they mature into adults.
What size is a Wasp?
The size of a wasp depends on its species but typically ranges from 1/4 inch – 3/4 inch (6-19 mm) long.
