Wasp Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Wasps

What are wasps?

Wasps are a type of stinging insect. These stinging insects are exceptional predators and, through their feeding habits, help to control populations of dangerous insects along with other predatory species. Using a stinger extending from their hind end, wasps sting and paralyze their insect prey to bring them back to the nest to feed the young. Adults usually don’t feed on insects but prefer to feed on plant nectar and fruits, aiding in the pollinating of many plants and trees. 

We typically describe wasps as either solitary or social. Solitary wasps have females that build individual nests, and social wasps live and work together in large groups. Most types of wasps in Pasadena have a slender, hairless body with a defined waist. They are usually a combination of black, brown, yellow, or orange and, like many other insects, have two pairs of wings and six legs.

Are wasps dangerous?

When wasps build their nests near our homes or other structures, they pose dangers to people. These stinging insects are territorial, and when nesting in our yards, they aggressively defend themselves and their nest. The more contact you have with wasps, the more chance you or a family member will be on the receiving end of a painful sting. 

Wasps have a smooth stinger, which provides them with the ability to sting a victim multiple times. With each sting, a person or animal is injected with more of their venom. Wasp venom is potent enough to trigger allergic reactions in people; those very allergic to their venom can experience severe and life-threatening reactions.

Why do I have a wasp problem?

The reality is that wasps become a problem in our yards because they offer a suitable place to call home. Our yards provide wasps with many benefits, including easy access to multiple food sources, water sources, and sheltered areas to build their nests. Like all living creatures, wasps want to survive; unfortunately, our Pasadena backyards naturally provide wasps with a suitable habitat to feed, breed, and nest. 

Typically, wasps are most problematic in the late summer and fall when their populations are at their highest. They have short triggers this time of year and are very aggressive as they are trying to gather the last of the available food sources to ensure the survival of their queen during the winter months.

Where will I find wasps?

We regularly find wasps swarming around their nesting sites as they move to and from them, gathering food. They will choose a secluded place to build their nest, protecting it from harsh weather and predators. Some of the most common areas to discover a wasp nest in your yard include:

• The ground next to sidewalks or walkways
• Under decks, steps, or roof eaves
• The corners of doorways and windows
• On or in bushes, shrubs, or tree branches

In addition to swarming around their nests, people regularly spot them swarming around open trash cans, flowering plants and trees, outdoor eating and cooking areas, and areas of standing water.

How do I get rid of wasps?

Get rid of wasps with the help of a local professional. Never attempt to remove wasps or their nests from your property on your own. DIY wasp control can put you in danger of triggering a dangerous wasp attack. At Accutech Pest Management, our professionals know how to find and safely remove a wasp infestation. We will tailor our stinging insect control methods and treatments to each customer's unique needs. With our help, you can bring peace back to your backyard by partnering with our wasp removal experts.

How do I prevent wasps in the future?

Sharing your yard with wasps puts you and your family in danger. In addition to professional pest control, use these helpful wasp prevention tips:

• Limit the number of flowering plants that you have near windows, doors, and outdoor sitting and eating areas. 
• Cut back shrubs, bushes, and tree branches from your home’s exterior.
• In garden areas, plant plants that naturally repel wasps, like thyme, basil, and lemongrass.
• Keep lids on trash cans and recycling bins to stop wasps from being able to forage for food within them. 
• Keep wasps out of your home by ensuring screens are intact, caps are on chimneys, and weatherstripping is installed around windows and doors.

If wasps ever become a problem on your property and inhibit your family’s ability to enjoy your backyard safely, Accutech Pest Management can help. For the best wasp control in Pasadena, reach out to us now.