What You Should Know About Wasps

If you have a wasp nest on your property, you probably want to get rid of it right away. Unfortunately, a pest removal service might not be able to arrive for a day or two. A little wasp knowledge and some simple tips can help you stay safe and protect your family during the wait.

Avoid All Nests

First, do not try to remove a wasp nest or even inspect the nest up close. Wasps feel threatened when anything approaches their nest. A wasp that feels it is in danger will release a pheromone that alerts the rest of the nest. The warning signal increases the aggressiveness of the insects.

Wasps are not like bees. A bee loses its stinger after it strikes. A wasp can strike repeatedly without any ill effect on its health. The mistake of a closer look at a nest could leave you stranded on a ladder with a dozen angry wasps ready for a fight.

Keep Yourself Calm

Wasps have an aggressive attitude, but they typically use their stingers for defense. Do not attempt to swat a wasp that flies by or lands on your body. Instead, stay calm and allow it to continue its journey. If a sting happens, calmly leave the area and go inside to treat the wound. Walk quickly, but do not swing your arms around because this could aggravate any wasp still in the area.

Remove All Lures

Strong perfume, bright clothing, and sugary items can lure wasps. Wear light colors when out in the garden, and only wear closed-toe shoes to do any yard work. Do not leave soda cans or other sweet beverages outside. Take down hummingbird feeders, and keep lids on trash cans until after the removal of the wasp nest. Clean up any debris left after a barbecue or picnic.

Remember Their Importance

In some cases, you're better off leaving wasps alone if the insects are not near a house and you only see them occasionally in the yard or garden. Wasps have an important role in nature despite their scary stings and aggressive attitude. For example, wasps pollinate many different types of flowers and fruit.

In addition, wasp larvae feed on a variety of bugs, so they keep other insect populations under control. The larvae need the protein to develop. Many of the insects a wasp will eat are those that would happily make a snack of your garden. Wasps are sometimes used in the agriculture industry to kill crop-damaging insects.

Treat Stings Properly

All the goodwill in your heart will probably disappear when a sting takes place. The sharp burn of the sting can feel intense, but it can end quickly too. Any discomfort, redness, or swelling usually fades within a few hours. An over-the-counter pain reliever that is also an anti-inflammatory will dull the pain and reduce the swelling. Ice packs also provide the same benefit.

People with more severe reactions like extensive swelling and a feeling of heat from the sting area may also need an antihistamine. The more bothersome pain can signal a mild allergic reaction, and a basic drugstore-brand antihistamine is often enough to calm the discomfort.

A severe reaction needs medical attention and will usually begin as soon as the sting takes place. Signs to look for include:

• Hives
• Facial or throat swelling
• Dizzy spells or lightheadedness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Pulse irregularity
• Difficulty breathing

Beneficial or not, most homeowners want wasps away from their home and yard. The risk of a sting or the insecurity about any possible allergies is reason enough to call a pest removal service. At Bobby Grisson's Pest Management , we can help to keep you and your family safe from the risk of wasps. Contact us to schedule a visit or to learn more about our services.