This is a complex question to answer. There are many factors that need to be considered. Today, we're going to take some time to go from worst- to best-case scenarios and discuss what you should know most about wasps if you live in Mooresville.
Insect Allergies
It only takes one sting from a wasp to create a serious health threat for some individuals. If you have an insect allergy, wasps can be very dangerous. Now, you may say, "I don't have an allergy. I was stung as a child and I was fine." This could be the case. But an allergy to insect venom can develop later in life. Keep this in mind as this threat could be more than something someone else has to worry about. It could directly impact your life and your safety. Learn what the early warning signs of insect allergies are, and what the symptoms of anaphylaxis look like. Fortunately, severe reactions to wasp stings are rare.
Super Nest
Most nests aren't super nests. We'll cover those next. First, let's consider a nest that is multi-seasonal. If a void-infesting wasp, like a yellow jacket, gets into the void behind a soffit, or inside a wall of your Mooresville home, you can have a serious problem developing, over time. Wasps in our area can create layer upon layer of nesting materials in a void and they can grow their colonies to a scary level. The worst part is that wasps can start emerging inside a home that has a super nest. Fortunately, we quickly get a call when this starts happening. But we put this as a worse-case scenario as the number of wasps can present a serious threat.
Ground Nest
Yellow jackets don't just create nests inside structural voids, they can create them inside stored furniture, appliances, and also in the ground. If you have a ground nest in your yard, this can present a unique threat as the vibration from your lawnmower can agitate a yellow jacket nest and cause you to become swarmed by bad-tempered yellow jackets.
Regular Nest
Social wasps have a nest-protection instinct. If paper wasps, yellow jackets, or some other social wasp creates a nest on your property, even a regular nest that is above ground can be a threat. When disturbed, the wasps will come out of the nest, swarm together, and start to attack. Each wasp can sting multiple times, so they can cause multiple sting wounds even if the nest is small and there are only a few wasps.
A Wasp By Itself
When away from its nest, a social wasp isn't much of a threat. If you don't wave your arms or take a swing at the wasp, it is likely to leave you alone. Wasps aren't looking to sting you. Most of the time, they only sting when their nests are disturbed. This is why nest removal is so important. It isn't a problem to have a wasp visit your property. In fact, it is beneficial. Wasps help with pollination and also take down certain spiders that can present a threat.
Solitary Wasps
There are several species of solitary wasps in our area. You don't have too much to worry about with solitary wasps, even if you get near their nests. They don't have a nest-protection instinct. But a solitary wasp can sting you if you sit on one or you put your hand on one. It is best to have them removed simply because it will lower the chances of having an accidental encounter. Solitary wasps also present other issues of which you should be aware. They can excavate tunnels in soil and damage your lawn and they can bore tunnels inside the wood of your home and damage your home.
What Should You Do About Wasps?
There are few steps you can take to mitigate the threat of being stung by a wasp. These are our top suggestions.
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If you see a small umbrella-shaped paper structure forming in the spring, you can sweep it away during the day when no wasps are present. Wasps are diurnal insects.
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Take some time to inspect your exterior and seal any gaps, cracks, crevices, and holes. This will help keep wasps from making a nest inside your voids.
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Fill in any ground holes in your yard and remove rock and wood piles.
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Be on the lookout for wasp activity around holes or near structures.
Wasp Control
Remember that the team here at Lake Norman Pest Control is available to assist you with nest removal. We have the tools and expertise to make sure it's done correctly. We can also support your home with a year-round service plan that includes coverage for wasps. Reach out to us today for assistance. We're here to help.
