Image by Observations? Science needs your data www.inaturalist.org from Pixabay
Summer is finally here in Calgary and you are looking to have a nice BBQ dinner out in your backyard, only you have some unwanted guests trying to steal your food! No, it’s not your neighbours… Wasps are a common backyard pest and since they can be more on the aggressive side and can sting you, they are feared and loathed by many.
Hornets and yellowjackets are types of wasps that can be found commonly in Alberta. They are in the same family of insects as bees and fire ants, Hymenoptera. Wasps look shiny and hairless in appearance and are able to sting their victims repeatedly, which is different than bees. Reactions to these stings can vary from minor to severe. Both the yellowjacket and hornet are stout and colourful with distinct yellow and black, or black and white markings. In Alberta, we also have paper wasps which are longer bodied and thin, with more yellowish-red markings, and mud daubers, who are not so colourful compared to the others with mostly black bodies and pale-yellow markings.
Wasps and hornets can make their nests in a variety of places, such as in the ground, fully concealed in walls or attics, handing from trees, or attached to the side of your house. Wasps never re-use old nests, so if there was one from last year, it will remain empty and can be safely removed. Since wasps can be so aggressive, it’s important to be cautious when around them or a nest. Waps nests can be discovered accidentally while you are doing yardwork or cleaning. Although there are many DIY options online to try, it’s best to leave the wasp removals to the professionals at Absolute Pest Control. We have the proper safety equipment and knowledge to quickly and effectively remove the nest. Never try and remove a nest by burning or flooding it. Wasps will react offensively and you could be attacked by them.
There are a few things you can do around your home to prevent wasp issues.
- Keep garbage in bins with a tight sealing lid.
- Keeping screen doors in good condition to give them no entry points into your home. Seal potential entry points like window cracks, doorframes and vents so that don’t create a nest in your home.
- Dispose of food waste and do not leave out animal food, wasps seek out protein in the spring and early summer.
- In late summer and fall, wasps will be seeking sweet tasting food as food supplies dwindle. You will want to keep food containers closed and juices covered.
- Trim back bushes and vegetation.
- Remove old, unused wasp nests.
- Wear dark colours and do not wear floral perfume.
- Buy wasp bags at your local hardware store to prevent wasps lingering in your yard.
If you find yourself dealing with a wasp nest, call us at 403-238-7400 to receive a free quote! We guarantee our wasp services for the remainder of the year. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out today!
