Enjoying a meal in your outdoor space or spending time by the pool while wasps are flying around is nearly impossible. Certain species are more aggressive than others, but they all can sting more than once. Whether you are allergic to the venom or not, numerous stings at the same time can be very dangerous.
This article will explain more about the wasps in our area, including how the seasons affect them and how to identify the nests of different species. We’ll also explore how your garden or other food sources on your property may increase the chances of a wasp invasion. Continue reading to learn more about effective wasp control in Boca Raton with the experts from GOTBUGSIKILL.
Climate And Seasonal Impact On Wasp Activity
Even though we don’t experience the four seasons like our northern neighbors do, wasp activity follows the same patterns no matter where they live. The wasp season begins in the spring when new queens emerge and build their nests by combining wood pulp and saliva to form a paper nest where they lay their eggs.
The life cycle from egg to adult takes between 28 and 48 days, depending on environmental factors. The wasp nest will start at the size of a walnut with just a few wasps and, over the summer, will increase to the size of a basketball or larger, with as many as 10,000 wasps living inside.
In the late summer and early fall, when nests are at their peak populations, wasps become more aggressive as competition for food increases and food sources dwindle. As we head into winter, most of the wasps die off, except for fertilized queens who overwinter to emerge in spring and begin laying eggs.
If wasps are often a problem on your property, the pros at GOTBUGSIKILL are here to help. Putting wasp prevention measures in place during the winter can help to ensure you won’t have wasp problems in the spring. Contact us today to learn more about our wasp control services or to request a free inspection.
Identifying Wasp Nests: Locations And Characteristics
Different types of wasps build various kinds of nests, and knowing how to identify the nest can help you protect your family from more aggressive species. The following list describes the most common South Florida wasps and their nests:
Bald-faced hornets are black with white markings and white-patterned faces. They build aerial paper nests in trees or on houses.
Paper wasps are brown with yellow or reddish markings. They build umbrella-shaped paper nests in areas like bushes, porch ceilings, eaves, and attic rafters.
Mud daubers are usually black but may have lighter markings. These solitary wasps build mud nests.
Yellow jackets are yellow and black and may build underground or aerial paper-like nests.
Wasps can be very territorial if you approach their nest, and many will simultaneously attack if they sense a threat. It is best to avoid trying to remove a nest on your own. Contact us today at GOTBUGSIKILL for assistance in getting rid of wasps and preventing future invasions.
The Impact Of Nearby Gardens And Food Sources On Wasps
Most wasps are omnivores, consuming nectar and meat. Adult wasps primarily sustain themselves on nectar and aphid honeydew, and they will hunt insects, spiders, and other invertebrates to feed the larvae in the nest. If you are having trouble with wasps on your property, the following list explains some of the ways you may be attracting them with your garden or other food sources:
The sweet liquid in hummingbird feeders
Nectar-rich flowers, especially ones that are white, purple, yellow, and blue
Open trash receptacles
Soda cans and alcohol left out during a cookout
Ripe fruit from trees or bushes
Professional pest control technicians can help determine what factors on your property may attract these pests. Contact us today at GOTBUGSIKILL if you need assistance with wasp prevention in Boca Raton.
The Safe Way To Remove A Wasp Infestation From Your Yard
No matter what wasp species you have, they will likely become defensive when you approach the nest. Some species are more aggressive than others, including yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets, which will attack without provocation. If large populations of wasps are around your home or you notice nests, it is time to call in the pros.
GOTBUGSIKILL is here to help with all your wasp removal, control, and prevention needs. Contact us today to learn more about our residential pest control services or to schedule a free inspection.
