Stinging insects are a huge problem here in Indianapolis in the summer. At best, a wasp sting is painful and itchy. At worst, a wasp sting can result in anaphylaxis, leaving some individuals in the hospital. These insects are dangerous and scary. This guide can help you protect your home and yard from wasps. Keep your family and friends safe by taking steps to keep wasps away from your indianapolis yard.
Wasp Fast Facts
There are several different species of wasps that live across Indiana. Wasps are characterized by having smooth bodies and legs with hardly any hair. They are often black and yellow or white. Here are a few common wasps in the area:
- Bald-faced hornets: These are black with white spots on their face and body. They build large nests in trees, shrubs, poles, and homes.
- Mud daubers: These get their name from their nests which are made of mud. There are a few different types of mud daubers but most are long and thin wasps with black and yellow coloring.
- Paper wasps: These are mostly yellow with some black. They build very distinctive nests out of a paper-like material.
- Yellow jackets: These are among the most aggressive wasps. They live in large colonies and sometimes build their nests underground.
Factors That Increase Your Chances Of Attracting Wasps
Wasps and other stinging insects come into your yard and home looking for food and a place to build their nests. They are attracted to nectar, sugars, and protein. You may be unwittingly attracting wasps with a flower garden or by eating and leaving food outside. Sugary drinks such as soda and juice are especially attractive to wasps, along with candy, meat, and fruits.
If wasps find food in your yard, they will look for a place to build their nest. Wasp nests may be found on trees, under porches, along the eaves of a house, or even in a shed or wooden playground. If you think wasps are starting to build a nest near your home, get help quickly before they become a bigger problem.
Wasp Protection
The trick to wasp prevention is to be aware of their presence and to keep them away from your home before they build a nest. Start prevention by limiting their access to food. Plant flowers far from your home and from play areas. Don’t leave food sitting outside, and cover food and drinks if you have an event outside. Make sure your trash cans are properly sealed and covered.
If you see a large number or wasps or notice a nest on your property, don’t try to take care of it on your own. Wasps can sting many times and the reaction can be severe. Contact Action Pest Control to help you eliminate the nest and identify attracting factors that may be drawing wasps to your property. Our home pest control technicians can also help you put into place effective preventative measures so you can enjoy your Indianapolis yard without the unwanted company of these wasps.