Once the weather gets warmer, we all crave an afternoon enjoying the solitude of our backyard. Unfortunately, here in Portland, nasty wasps could be lurking under your deck, in the folds of your grill cover, or underneath your gutters.
Though these stinging, nasty insects make us feel uneasy, it’s important to learn about them so that we know how to keep them off our property. For some, wasps are just a nuisance whose sting results in swelling and discomfort, but for others, a wasp sting could result in a visit to the emergency room.
To understand a little bit more about wasps and the problems they cause, here are four useful facts as well as some information about how the experts at Big Blue Bugs can control your wasp problems.
Fact #1: Hornets & Yellow Jackets Are Considered Wasps
The term “wasp” is a catch-all for numerous flying insects that can sting humans. This includes bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets, which are common in Portland. At maximum, bald-faced hornets are ¾ of an inch long. Their black bodies have white markings on them. Poles, trees, and roof eaves are some of the places where they’ll nest. They have a reputation for being particularly aggressive and striking targets as a group. Moreover, they can inject large quantities of venom.
Yellowjackets vary in size and color. They can grow to be ⅝ of an inch long. While most are black and yellow, several are black and white. These bugs roam properties trying to track down nectar, sweets, meat, and fellow insects. You’ll find their paper-like nests around stairs, porches, foundation voids, and tree bases.
A few other wasps that frequent the area are:
- Cicada-killer wasps: These have red or black bodies, with yellow bands. On the larger side, they’re two or three inches long. You’ll spot them burrowing in foundations, sidewalks, and lawns.
- Paper wasps: This type is about an inch long and dark brown, with black wings and yellow markings. They too surround building voids and eaves. When their nests are made of plant material and saliva dries, it will resemble paper.
Fact #2 Wasps Can Sting Multiple Times
In a matter of seconds, wasps can sting you many times. Whether you’re allergic to their venom or not, this increases the risk of severe pain, skin inflammation, and intense bodily reactions. Breathing difficulties and convulsions are among these. You may have to seek medical attention.
Fact #3 Some Wasps Are Social, Others Are Solitary
Social wasps have large colonies and use their stingers to attack and defend. Solitary wasps don’t create colonies at all, and they reserve their toxins for prey. However, there’s still a chance they will attack you. In any case, it’s best to avoid them.
Fact #4 Wasp Extermination Requires Big Blue Bug Solutions
You can make your land less of a wasp magnet by doing the following:
- Routinely groom your lawn and plants, and distance greenery from exterior doors.
- Keep your vents, gutters, patios, and eaves clean.
- Have garbage cans with tight lids.
- Call Big Blue Bug Solutions if you have other critters wasps consume.
Wasp elimination necessitates Big Blue Bug Solutions because it’s unsafe to fiddle with these pests and their nests in any way. It doesn’t matter if their cocoons seem active or not. Our licensed technicians will treat impacted areas properly. Our products are eco-friendly, so there’s no harsh chemical threat to you or your vegetation. You won’t have to worry about your wallet either. Our comprehensive plans are affordable and effective. They even come with return visits! Keep yourself out of harm’s way, and call us today!