Hornets and wasps are everywhere in Indianapolis, IN. Whether you have an allergy to wasp venom or you just want to be able to enjoy your next picnic, you probably don't want wasps to be on your Indianapolis property. Follow these tips to leave how to keep hornets and wasps away from your Indianapolis property.
Which Wasps Live In Indianapolis?
Several types of wasps and hornets live in Indianapolis. Although they all vary in appearance and behavior, local wasps all share the ability to be dangerous to you and your property. With that in mind, here are a few key differences between the local types of wasps and hornets.
- Yellow Jackets: These wasps are highly aggressive. Unlike bees, they don't have hairy bodies. They tend to be yellow and black and have thin waists. At times, they nest in trees but they are also capable of nesting underground.
- Bald-Faced Hornets: Although bald-faced hornets are similar to yellow-jackets in appearance, they have a few key differences. These wasps don't nest underground and have large football-shaped nests. Furthermore, they are larger and don't lack the distinctive yellow and black stripes.
- Paper Wasps: People often confuse paper wasps for yellow jackets. However, these wasps don't live in hives. They make small paper-like nests where they store their food and grubs.
- Mud Daubers: One of the least aggressive wasp species, mud daubers are still a nuisance. They make small mud nests on porches and under roofs. You might like the fact that they eat caterpillars in your garden, but you still could experience a painful sting from one.
What Deters Wasps And Hornets?
If you don't want to deal with wasps in your yard or home, you need to be proactive. And that means taking steps to make your yard less appealing to wasps. Typically, stinging insects are attracted to sugary foods and drinks. They also seek out nectar and insects. All of these tips can keep stinging insects away from your property:
- Make Nesting More Difficult: If your home has many overhangs, it's easy for waps and hornets to build nests. Take steps to reduce harborage places. At the very least, call a pest control professional when you notice a nest forming. They can remove the nest before you have too many wasps flying around your yard.
- Plant The Right Greenery: Certain greenery repels wasps, while other plants attract them. Therefore, the plants in your garden can contribute to your pest problems. If you have too many flowering plants in your garden, you can be sure you'll have wasps and hornets. Try to limit the number of flowering plants on your property, or move them further from your structures. Instead of flowering plants, consider using greenery that deters wasps. Cucumber, mint, and lemongrass will make your property less desirable to waps and hornets.
- Be Wary With Food And Drinks: When you bring food and drinks outside, don't make them accessible to flying insects. Use lids on your food and drinks whenever you're not using them. If you leave behind a mess, you can expect hornets and wasps to check out the area. After you're done with an outdoor meal, take the trash out immediately. Place it in a closed bag, in a sealed garbage can.
Call The Pros
The number one way to keep wasps and hornets away is to work with a professional. Action Pest Control is ready to help you. Our team inspects your property for wasp activity and safely removes your nests. Whether you need advice, prevention, or elimination, our seasoned pros can help. You can trust our technicians to help with your stinging insect control needs. Call us now at Action Pest Control to learn more.