Can Pest Control Keep Wasps Away?

What Attracts Wasps?

Wasps are a common nuisance in the summer months along the Jersey Shore. Understanding what attracts them can help homeowners and business owners take steps to minimize their presence. Here’s a detailed look at the factors that make your property appealing to wasps:

Food and Drink

• Sweet Foods and Sugary Drinks: Wasps are particularly attracted to sugary substances. This includes soda, fruit juice, ice cream, and ripe fruits. Outdoor picnics and barbecues often have an abundance of these attractants, making them a hotspot for wasp activity.
• Protein Sources: In addition to sweets, wasps are also drawn to protein-rich foods such as meat. They often scavenge for food on outdoor grills and trash cans.

Floral Scents and Bright Colors

• Floral Scents: Perfumes, scented candles, and flowering plants can attract wasps. The sweet aroma mimics the scent of nectar, which is a natural food source for these insects.
• Bright Colors: Wasps are attracted to bright colors, particularly yellow and orange. Clothing, patio furniture, and even pool toys in these hues can draw them in.

Activity and Movement

• High Activity Areas: Areas with a lot of human activity, such as outdoor dining areas, poolside lounges, and playgrounds, are attractive to wasps. The movement and noise signal potential food sources.

Shelter and Nesting Sites

• Wooden Structures: Wooden decks, fences, and pergolas are ideal nesting sites for wasps. The wood provides both a sturdy foundation and insulation against the elements.
• Hollow Spaces: Wasps build nests in sheltered areas such as hollow trees, gaps in eaves, and inside sheds or garages. They seek out these protected spots to safeguard their nests from predators and harsh weather.

Why Wooden Structures Are Ideal for Wasps

Wooden structures are particularly attractive to wasps for several reasons:

• Durability and Stability: The solid structure of wood provides a stable and durable base for wasp nests. Wasps, especially paper wasps, use wood fibers to construct their nests.
• Insulation: Wood offers excellent insulation, keeping wasp nests warm during cooler nights and providing shade during the heat of the day.
• Accessibility: Cracks and crevices in wooden structures offer easy access for wasps to build and expand their nests.

Are There Advantages of Having Wasps Around?

Bees are beneficial insects known for their pollination services but wasps are not as loved by many due to their scary reputation and painful stings. In fact some might even say the advantages of having wasps around doesn’t outweigh the risks and inconveniences.

Though wasps are predators of other insects and can help protect garden crops from caterpillar and insect larva damage, wasps can also be a nuisance to humans. They are known to build their nests in inconvenient places such as doorways or under roof eaves. Some people are allergic to wasp stings and can have serious reactions that require medical attention.

Unlike social wasps, solitary wasps are non-aggressive and do not sting in defense unless provoked. So while we acknowledge wasps have a role in the ecosystem it’s understandable why many would want to keep them away from their homes and gardens.

Do You Need A Pro for Wasp Nests?

Got a wasp nest on your property? You might be tempted to DIY but it’s best to call in a professional pest control company. Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control based in Ocean County, New Jersey offers pest control services including wasp nest removal.

With our expertise and professional equipment the removal process can be done safely and effectively so you can get rid of wasps. In addition to wasp nest removal Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control also offers other pest control services, mold remediation and crawl space solutions. Don’t take on a dangerous task alone, let the pros at Callahan’s do it for you.

How to Prevent A Wasp Infestation?

If you want to prevent wasps, here are a few things to remember. Make sure any potential entry points into your home or outdoor living spaces are sealed off. This includes gaps or cracks in walls, floors and ceilings and holes in screens or other barriers.

Eliminate any sources of food or water that might attract wasps such as standing water or uncovered garbage bins. Consider investing in some natural remedies to deter wasps such as hanging fake wasp nests, putting up hummingbird feeders or planting herbs like peppermint or lemongrass around your property. With these tricks up your sleeve you can deter wasps and have a pest free summer!

Common Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets in New Jersey

In New Jersey, there are several types of stinging insects that can cause significant discomfort and pose risks to people enjoying the outdoors:

Paper Wasps

• Description: These wasps have slender bodies with long legs that hang down during flight. They are generally brown with yellow or red markings.
• Behavior: Paper wasps are less aggressive compared to other wasps but will sting if they feel threatened. They build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, decks, and other sheltered structures.

Yellowjackets

• Description: Yellowjackets are small, robust wasps with black and yellow striped bodies. They are often mistaken for bees but have a more defined waist and lack the fuzzy body of bees.
• Behavior: Yellowjackets are highly aggressive and will defend their nests vigorously. They build their nests in the ground, inside wall voids, or in hollow logs.
• Risks: Their stings can be very painful and potentially dangerous for individuals allergic to their venom.

Bald-faced Hornets

• Description: These large, black and white wasps are a type of yellowjacket. They have a distinctive white face and can be quite intimidating due to their size.
• Behavior: Bald-faced hornets build large, paper-like nests usually found in trees or shrubs. They are very protective of their nests and can sting multiple times.
• Risks: Their stings are painful and can cause significant swelling and allergic reactions.

European Hornets

• Description: European hornets are larger than other wasp species, with brown and yellow striped bodies. They are known for their loud buzzing.
• Behavior: These hornets build nests in hollow trees, attics, and wall voids. They are less aggressive than yellowjackets but can still pose a threat if their nest is disturbed.
• Risks: Their stings are painful and can lead to severe reactions in allergic individuals.

What Does A Wasp Nest Look Like?

Yellowjacket nests

These are usually enclosed and can be found in hidden spaces such as underground, in wall voids, or within tree stumps. When exposed, they resemble a papery mass, somewhat similar to a football in shape. These nests are often less visible, so if you notice wasps entering and exiting a small hole in the ground or wall, you are probably dealing with yellowjackets, which are known for their aggressive nature.

Bald-faced hornet nests

These are large, pear-shaped structures made from a gray, papery material and can grow up to two feet in length. These nests are typically found in trees, bushes, or under the eaves of buildings. Unlike paper wasps, bald-faced hornets construct fully enclosed nests with a single entrance, which are often located high off the ground in open, visible areas.

European hornet nests

These appear similar to those of bald-faced hornets but are usually found in more hidden or enclosed spaces. Made of coarse, brown, paper-like material, these nests are commonly located in hollow trees, wall voids, or attics. European hornets are less likely to build nests in visible areas, so if you hear loud buzzing or see large hornets entering a small hole in a building, it may be a European hornet nest.

To identify a wasp nest, observe its shape, structure, and location. For instance, note whether the nest is open or enclosed, its shape (such as umbrella, football, or pear), and the material used (papery, gray, or coarse). Also, consider the activity around the nest—whether the wasps are entering and exiting a specific hole or if they exhibit aggressive behavior.

Accurate identification of the nest can help determine the appropriate response. For safety, it is often best to contact a professional pest control service like Callahan’s Termite & Pest Control to handle the removal of the nest, as disturbing it yourself can be dangerous, especially with aggressive species like yellowjackets and hornets. Understanding the appearance and behavior of wasp nests can help you protect your home or business and ensure a safer environment during the warmer months.

Preventative Measures

To minimize the presence of wasps around your home or business, consider these steps:

• Cover Food and Drinks: Keep all food and drinks covered when dining outdoors.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean up food scraps and spills, and ensure garbage cans are tightly sealed.
• Use Unscented Products: Opt for unscented lotions, sunscreens, and candles to avoid attracting wasps with floral scents.
• Inspect and Seal: Regularly inspect your property for nests, particularly in wooden structures, and seal any cracks or crevices that could serve as entry points.
• Professional Pest Control: Contact a professional pest control service, like Callahan’s Termite & Pest Control, for regular inspections and treatment plans to keep wasps at bay.

By understanding what attracts wasps and taking proactive measures, homeowners and business owners along the Jersey Shore can enjoy a more comfortable and safer outdoor environment during the warmer months.

What type of pest control do professional exterminators use to keep wasps away?

When it comes to managing wasp problems, Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control employs a variety of effective techniques to keep these stinging insects at bay. Our team starts with a thorough inspection to identify the location and type of wasp nest. Depending on the findings, we may use targeted sprays and baits designed to eliminate wasps and prevent future infestations.

These treatments are carefully chosen to be both effective and safe for your property. For nests that are difficult to access or present a higher risk, our experts utilize specialized equipment to ensure precise and efficient removal. In addition to treating existing nests, we also offer preventative measures, such as sealing potential entry points and providing advice on reducing attractants around your home or business.

With Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control, you can trust that we’ll address your wasp issues with the expertise and care needed to keep your property safe and comfortable. As professional exterminators, we use a variety of pest control methods to effectively manage and keep wasps away. The choice of method depends on the type of wasp, the location of the nest, and the severity of the infestation. Here are some common techniques used:

Chemical Treatments: Specialized insecticides are used to target wasps. These chemicals are available in various forms, including sprays, dusts, and foams. For nests that are located in accessible areas, such as under eaves or in open spaces, contact insecticides can be applied directly to the nest. Dusts are useful for treating nests in hard-to-reach places, like within wall voids or underground. Foam can expand and cover the entire nest, ensuring that all wasps are affected.

Professional-Grade Traps: Some exterminators may set up wasp traps to capture and kill wasps. These traps are typically baited with attractants like sugary solutions or pheromones that lure the wasps in. The traps are strategically placed around the property to reduce the wasp population and prevent further infestation.

Nest Removal: For nests that are visible and accessible, professional pest control services can physically remove the nest. This process involves carefully approaching the nest with appropriate protective gear and removing it, often in the evening when wasp activity is lower. The nest is then treated to ensure that any remaining wasps are eradicated.

Insecticidal Dust Application: For nests that are not easily accessible or are located in voids, exterminators may use insecticidal dust. This dust is applied through small openings or crevices near the nest entrance. The dust adheres to the wasps as they enter and exit the nest, effectively killing them and leading to the collapse of the nest over time.

Barrier Treatments: Residual insecticides may be applied around the perimeter of your home or business. These barrier treatments create a protective zone that repels wasps and other stinging insects from entering the area. This method is particularly useful for preventing new nests from forming near the treated area.

Preventive Measures: To reduce the likelihood of future infestations, exterminators can provide recommendations and implement preventive measures. This may include sealing entry points around the property, removing potential food sources, and advising on proper maintenance to avoid attracting wasps.

Each of these methods is designed to address specific aspects of wasp control and ensure long-term effectiveness. Professional exterminators are trained to select the most appropriate approach based on the situation, ensuring safe and efficient removal of wasps and their nests.

Pest Control For Keeping Wasps Away in New Jersey

Pest control can get rid of wasps. Remember wasps do serve a purpose in our ecosystem but their presence can be a problem when they nest too close to our living spaces. Proactive measures like sealing entry points and eliminating food sources can prevent wasp infestations.

If you have a nest call a pro like Callahan’s Termite and Pest Control. A harmonious coexistence with nature means we do our best to be respectful of all creatures, while keeping ourselves safe and comfortable.