Wasps and bees, while they wear the same black and yellow uniform, are completely different in temperament. Bumble bees in picture books could be described as cute. We all know that a bee’s sting marks the end of their short life, a life they want to preserve. This means they will very rarely sting a human. Wasps, on the other hand, can be extremely aggressive in temperament. If wasps notice human activity near their nest, they are likely to attack. Wasps, if bothered, and can and will sting you and your family, and even your pets.
Wasp Nest Removal
Wasp Nest Removal

The nests

Wasps like to build their nests in sheltered spots that are accessible to the outside. Wasps may also build their nests on the ground, in trees, and in and around compost bins. If you have a sheltered balcony or verandah, this could be the perfect location for a wasp nest. You may not always be able to see the nest, but if you do notice wasps swarming around your home, there is a high likelihood that there is one close by. If you see or suspect there is a wasp nest in or around your home, it is vitally important that you call a pest professional for expert wasp nest removal as soon as possible.

Don’t DIY

As previously stated, wasps can be extremely aggressive, and become even more so if you get close to their nest and begin trying to remove it. It is not recommended that you attempt to remove the nest yourself, as there is likely to be hundreds or even thousands of wasps inside the nest. The best wasp control method is to completely remove the nest, which is what a pest control technician can do for you. Pest professionals will come equipped with the correct safety gear, and right tools to effectively remove the nest and all the wasps inside. If you try to remove the wasp nest yourself, it is very likely that you will be attacked by a swarm of wasps, which can be very harmful and cause a lot of pain. It is extremely unlikely that, without the proper tools and equipment, that you will be able to effectively remove the nest safely and effectively.
Wasp Control
Wasp Control

Wasp Season

Wasps are usually most active in the warmer, Summer months, so keep a lookout for an increase in wasp activity in the coming weeks. In Spring, the Queen wasp will emerge from her Winter site and begin to look for a new place to build a nest that is out of the way of weather and potential predators. During the Summer, wasps will begin breeding, which is why many will become aggressive in the warmer months, as they are protecting their young. Wasps will usually disappear in the cooler, Winter months, when they will retreat back to their Winter hiding spots. Wasps will almost never return to their nest the following season.

How to prevent wasps

After going through the rigmarole or removing a wasp nest, you probably want to do everything you can to avoid the wasps coming back. To prevent wasps as best you can, keep the outdoor areas of your home as tidy as possible, and avoid leaving out items like leftover wood, which can create excellent hiding spots for wasp nests. You should also keep your outdoor area as clean as possible, by avoiding leaving food scraps out, especially anything sweet, as wasps are attracted to sugar and sweet foods. Wasps are particularly attracted to soft drink cans, as they can venture inside them. Be sure to check for any presence of wasps before doing gardening or sending children outside to play, as they could be lurking in quiet corners or spots on the ground.

If you get Attacked

If you do find yourself the target of a wasp, there are a few things you can do to minimise your chance of getting stung. If a wasp is making a beeline for you, it it best to stay still. If you do try to make a run for it, which is likely to be your first instinct, run in a straight line, and avoid darting left and right, and do not flail your arms or more around too much. Protect your head and face, as these are the areas the wasp will most likely be aiming for. Avoid swatting at or hitting the wasp, as it is much more likely that you will anger it than kill it, which will make it angrier still. If you do get stung, you should wash the area with soap and water, to get rid of as much of the venom as possible, before applying ice or a cold compress, which will manage the swelling.