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Blogs from April, 2023

Wasps coming out of a wasp nest
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Wasps are summertime pests that are very common in San Antonio. But nobody really wants them around. Tackling a wasp infestation can be daunting, though. Accurate Pest Control offers pest control in San Antonio that includes wasp removal and prevention for your home. Call today to learn more about our treatment options. 

What Are Wasps?

The official definition of “wasp” is an insect that’s related to both bees and ants but is not part of either species. The term includes hornets and yellow jackets. They can be confused with bees, but there are a few differences. Wasps have clearly defined abdomens with thin waists. They often have more vibrant coloring than bees; wasps can be yellow, orange, red, or black and white. Wasps also have smooth bodies, unlike bees which are fuzzy. They also have smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times without dying. 

Different wasp species have different social structures. Some are social wasps, such as bald-faced hornets, paper wasps, and yellow jackets. These wasps all build nests out of paper-like cellulose. Mud dauber wasps are solitary; they build mud tubes to live inside. Nests can be a clear sign of wasps in your yard, whether they’re made of paper or mud. 

Some Wasps Can Be Dangerously Aggressive

Yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets, in particular, are known to be more aggressive. However, other wasp species will sting if they’re threatened or bothered. And what could be more threatening than trying to remove their homes? 

Wasp stings are notoriously painful. Their venom is primarily used to paralyze or kill their prey. Although it’s much less harmful to humans, it still hurts. And if you’re allergic, symptoms can be even worse. If you are stung by a wasp and begin experiencing difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. 

Ways To Prevent Wasps From Hanging Out In Your Backyard

Wasps can be difficult to remove from your yard. It’s hard to even approach the nest, let alone get rid of it. Often, wasp prevention is the best way to combat wasp infestations. Here are some tips to keep these stinging insects out of your yard: 

  • Seal cracks and holes in the walls of your house.
  • Make sure all window screens are in good condition.
  • Keep food covered outdoors, including outdoor garbage cans.
  • Try using essential oils to repel wasps.
  • Install wasp traps around your yard.

Wasps have a varied diet that includes nectar, insects, and human food –particularly proteins. Whether you’re having a picnic or taking garbage cans out, any container with food in it should be kept covered as much as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of attracting even more wasps to your area.

Essential oils, strangely enough, can be useful for repelling wasps. Peppermint oil alone can prevent wasps when used around your yard. A blend of clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils also works to repel wasps. Depending on the size of your yard, it might not be the most practical option to apply essential oils all over. But if there are specific areas where wasps have built nests in the past, it can be useful to target those areas.

Wasp control can be difficult to figure out. Your best option when it comes to tackling infestations around your yard is to call a professional wasp removal team. 

The Most Effective Way To Keep Wasps Away

Accurate Pest Control knows how to get rid of wasps from your San Antonio yard. We always focus on what you need, not selling more products. We make sure we’re up to date on insect and pest control research so that we can be sure we’re using the best methods possible. And we’re intentional about the products we use so that you can see the best results. We don’t waste your time or your money. You need wasp control, and we provide effective and affordable treatments. Contact Accurate Pest Control today to learn exactly how you can keep wasps out of your San Antonio yard.