PAPER WASPS TREATMENT & REMOVAL
The Paper Wasps also known as the “Umbrella Wasps” are commonly found in and around homes and buildings. They are black with various yellow markings, reddish-orange to dark brown or black depending on the type of species. They make their nests by chewing wood tissue and mixing it with their saliva. The paper pulp is then applied into thin layers to build the six sided cell that make up the flat nest. The wasps hang their umbrella shaped nest by a very short and narrow stem where the cells are left visible. The queen lays an egg in each cell. The larvae is then raised and cared for by the female workers until the larvae reach the pupal stage, the adults that emerge from the pupae are all non reproductive females that are ready to assume the roll of building new cells and collecting food and water. If the queen dies, she is replaced by one of the female subordinate workers. Paper Wasps are a common pest during the summer and fall months around areas where people most frequent and leave food exposed (ex: picnics, school yards, dumpsters and parks).
Although they may sting if they or their nests are harassed, they typically are not a problem if they are left alone. Their sting can be painful and their smooth stinger allows them to sting more than once. A reaction to the sting can vary from swelling and redness to nausea, respiratory problems, anaphylactic shock or even death in very rare cases. The Paper Wasp adult is between 3/4 inch to 1 inch long. Paper wasps are seen as beneficial insects as they assist in pollination by feeding on nectar and they also assist with insect population control (ex: spiders, caterpillars) by feeding them to their larva. Their nests are commonly found above doorways, in the corners of windows, electrical boxes, grills, wall voids, louvers of gable vents, attic rafters, under eaves, decks, ledges, behind shutters, fire escapes, stairs and under the branches of trees and shrubs.
Treatment of Exposed Nests
If Paper Wasps are a threat or if someone from your household is allergic, It is recommended that a trained pest control professional be contacted to help assist in the treatment and removal of a wasp nest. Control can be achieved by using a quick knock down residual insecticide. The best time of the day for treatment, would be in the evening when the wasps are all back in their nests. Some nests may also be harder to locate and would require the expertise and skill set of the pest control professional to identify the nesting site and implement a safe and effective strategy in the treatment and removal of the wasp nest.
Once the nest has been knocked down and removed, the wasps will try to find another area in which to build their nests. As they don’t usually use the same spot to rebuild. If the queen has since died, the wasps will attempt to become part of another nest if accepted or go off and attempt to start a new colony. It does not take long for the wasps to build another nest and it is important to keep an eye on any new wasps nest developments and have them removed.
We offer services in wasp removal and treatment. Please feel free to give us a call and we would be more than happy to assist you in solving your pest problem.
