Paper wasps tend to have brown coloring with reddish or yellow markings, and they have narrower waists than honey bees or bumblebees do. This species gets its name from the paper-like material that they use to construct their nests. As their name suggests, yellow jackets have a yellow and black pattern, hairless bodies, and thin waists. Regardless of which wasp you’re dealing with, these stinging insects can be dangerous for Omaha property owners. Here’s what you should know about how hazardous wasps are, how you can discourage them from constructing nests on your property, and what to do if you find a wasp nest near your Omaha home.
How Dangerous Are Wasps In Omaha?
Wasps may put a damper on your picnic or cookout, but these stinging insects can actually be quite beneficial for the environment. Perhaps most importantly, paper wasps and yellow jackets help control other insect populations, and if you’re a gardener, having a couple of wasps around can help keep other pests from eating your flowers and crops.
However, having a wasp nest or infestation on your property can quickly become dangerous. Unlike some stinging insects, wasps are capable of stinging you multiple times – and both paper wasps and yellow jackets tend to be aggressive defenders of their nests. A wasp sting is already dangerous for anybody who’s allergic, but even if you aren’t, getting stung multiple times by a swarm of wasps can still require medical attention.
How To Prevent Wasps In Omaha
It’s normal (and beneficial for your garden) to spot the occasional wasp on your property, but things become dangerous when these pests try to build their nests near your home. Fortunately, there are a couple of tips to help keep wasps from constructing their nests on your Omaha property:
- Clean up after cookouts, picnics, or other outdoor meals. Wasps are scavengers and attracted to food scraps, especially sugary ones, that may be left around your property.
- Keep your garbage and trash cans well-sealed.
- Fill holes and cavities in the ground as this is a common spot for yellow jackets to build their nests.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your walls and foundation to prevent wasps from entering, and keep windows shut.
- Keep your hedges trimmed and prevent extra moisture by not overwatering plants and flowers.
It’s also important to regularly check for wasp nests in places like wall cavities, holes, under porches, and eaves so that you can get professional help before the nest and the wasp colony grow too large.
The Safest Way To Deal With A Wasp Nest In Omaha
Once you discover a wasp nest on your property, you should never try to get rid of it on your own. Even if you suspect the nest is inactive or abandoned, your safest option is always to leave wasp removal up to Beeline Pest Control. We’ve been serving Ohama and surrounding areas for over twenty years, and our experienced professionals can safely and effectively remove any wasp nests on your property. If you’ve discovered a wasp nest or suspect the presence of one, call us today to learn more about our stinging insect control program or to request a free quote.