foreign Cooper with major Pest Control I'm here today in collaboration with our on-site associate certified entomologist to provide homeowners with some general information about wasps discuss a preventive approach against them and respond to some frequently asked questions regarding these aggressive nesters there are more than 500 species of wasps most wasps are social species that live in multi-member colonies numbering from fewer than 10 individuals up to fifteen thousand these nuisance wasps include Hornets Yellow Jackets paper wasps and mud daubers wasps range from 13 to 40 millimeters in length are yellow white black or reddish and have three pairs of legs and two pairs of thin transparent wings different wasp species bear characteristic markings unlike most bees wasps are generally hairless the body of a wasp is composed of three distinct Parts head thorax and abdomen a common sign of wasp infestation is the wasp nest these may be found in or around homes or other structures different wasp species have different nest building locations paper wasps create aerial nests which can be found hanging from trees under roof Eaves and from decking Arbors and gazebos in contrast most yellow jackets create underground nests utilizing former rodent Burrows or cavities beneath rocks and shrubs wasps are aggressive and readily defend their nests by stinging any perceived threads individuals with allergies to wasp Venom may experience debilitating and potentially life-threatening reactions if stung different wasp species construct nests that range in shape size and location in the case of paper wasps nests are built using a thin paper-like material that is created when the Wasps chew plant materials and glue them back together the nests of paper wasps consist of 150 to 300 cells arranged in a single comb-like layer and the nests have stalks or stems called a pedicell paper wasps typically attach their nest to fences tree branches roof Eaves frames of doors and windows as well as exterior trim like paper wasps the nests of yellow jackets and hornets are constructed of plant materials these nests comprise 1500 to 3500 cells arranged in several layers consists of five to nine Combs and may be enclosed in a paper envelope or non-enveloped some yellow jacket nests can be quite large and similar in size to a soccer ball hornets and yellow jackets commonly create nests in Hollow trees wall voids and the interior of outbuildings whereas other nests may be located underground in areas free of vegetation unlike other social wasps mud daubers are a solitary wasp species the mud dauber's name is derived from the nests they construct from mud these nests are around 20 to 25 millimeters long and are built next to one another to form clusters up to 100 millimeters wide mud daubers prefer sheltered areas for nesting sites such as exterior trim and outbuildings wasps feed on plant materials such as nectar fruit juices or honeydew many common wasp species are primarily scavengers or carnivores that specialize in feeding on other insects as such wasps play a beneficial role due to their predation of insect pests in gardens and crop fields the Scavenging behavior of wasps contributes to their interest in human environments and activities where food is located and makes wasps common household nuisance pests as wasps develop from eggs into adults their bodies transform through metamorphosis which takes around six weeks for most wasp species for the first weeks after the eggs hatch wasp larvae emerged to feed on dead insects provided to the larvae by stinging female workers next larvae entered the pupae stage in which the larvae transform into adult wasps over a few more weeks the queen generally produces workers only at the beginning of the warm season and those workers will then care for larvae while the queen lays more eggs the largest population of a wasp Colony occurs during late summer to early fall at this time the colony produces a reproductive generation of males and females shortly after mating males die while the remainder of the colony dies off over subsequent weeks as temperatures decrease queens or fertilized females over winter and when spring arrives we'll lay the eggs that begin a new Colony For That season Queens prefer to hibernate in low traffic areas of homes and structures such as attics outbuildings or other storage spaces they can access let me cover some wasp prevention tips when eating Outdoors keep food items covered at all times keep garbage cans tightly sealed regularly inspect the home and yard to detect newly created nests early seal cracks and crevices that may be wasps potential points of Entry repair cracks in the perimeters of Windows and Doors cracks along walls or baseboard voids limit potential food sources inspect exterior trim and lighting fixtures keep window screens in good repair wasps may use an opening of more than six millimeters to gain entry into a structure control populations of flies ants and spiders in and around the home promptly clean up food crumbs and Spilled liquids store garbage bins more than 15 meters away from the home or outdoor activity sites trim vegetation away from the exterior of structures discard old wasp nests that are no longer in use let's ask some frequently asked questions wasps are attracted to human environments and activities primarily due to the presence of food or Garbage overwintering Queens May seek out low traffic areas of homes and structures such as attics outbuildings or other storage spaces previously used animal Burrows outside the home can provide suitable nesting sites and may therefore attract wasps to the property additionally wasps May nest in bare or Sandy soils within wall voids abandoned vehicles or tree cavities found near the home around the property wasps play a beneficial role because they prey on pest insects that can damage crops or Gardens wasps can also deliver multiple stings when provoked which could potentially result in deadly anaphylactic shock in allergic individuals who do not receive prompt treatment because wasps are highly Territorial and can be dangerous and very aggressive the removal of wasp nests should be completed by a trusted and reputable pest control company due to the aggressive nature of wasps they can turn a summer of fun into one of fear many outdoor structures where you plan to spend your Leisure Hours serve as perfect Nest sites for wasps but there's no need for the barbecue Blues take the sting out of your summer by Consulting a reputable Pest Control expert today foreign