If you’ve ever had a wasp nest on your property, you know how dangerous they can be. Wasps can, and will, sting anyone that they consider a threat to their safety. And, we understand how tempting it can be to handle the wasp removal on your own — it’s cheaper and you don’t have to wait around for an appointment. However, attempting to remove a wasp nest on your own can prove dangerous.
At Earthwise Pest Management, we strongly recommend reaching out to our Sacramento pest control company for assistance. We’ll even get you started with a free estimate.
What Are Wasps?
Wasps are stinging insects that are in the order Hymenoptera, and the suborder Apocrita. And, although they are often mistaken for bees, the two insects are not the same. The types of wasps that are generally found in the Sacramento area include paper wasps and yellow jackets.
Wasps do play an important part in our ecosystem acting as both accidental pollinators and controlling the population of other insects and spiders. Adult wasps feed on sugars, such as those found in pollen or fruit. However, their young feed on insects, so the adults must hunt to feed them.
And, while our ecosystem would be thrown out of whack without wasps, they certainly aren’t a pest that you want around your home. Wasps will sting if they feel threatened, so when they build their nest on or in your home, you want to be proactive and ensure that it gets removed to protect yourself and your family.
How Do I Tell If I Have Wasps or Bees?
Bees and wasps are commonly mistaken for each other due to their similar colors and characteristics. If you are dealing with wasps, they will live in a paper nest. These nests can commonly be found in attics, sheds, garages, and on the underside of your roof. Wasps have a slightly different appearance than bees with slimmer waists, longer legs, and hairless bodies.
Check out the graphic below to learn more about the distinguishing characteristics that can help you to determine if you have a wasp problem.
Why You Should Not Attempt DIY Wasp Removal
Once you’ve identified the pest you’re dealing with as wasps, it can be tempting to tackle the problem yourself. After all, it’s cheaper to run down to your local hardware store and pick up a bottle of wasp spray. But — trust us when we say — wasp removal is one thing you don’t want to attempt on your own.
Wasps Removal Can Be Dangerous
First and foremost, wasps are dangerous. They have stingers and will not hesitate to use them when they feel threatened. And, while one wasp sting may not seem too bad, consider that a wasp nest can contain anywhere from 100 to thousands of wasps, depending on the species. Also, unlike honey bees, wasps do not lose their stinger, meaning they can sting you again and again.
Wasp Control Chemicals Can Be Dangerous
In addition to the wasps themselves being dangerous, the chemicals that are used to exterminate wasps can also be dangerous. These are not the types of chemicals that you want to expose yourself or your family to. When you work with an experienced pest control company, they will have the experience and expertise to get the job done right without unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.
You May Have Allergies
When wasps sting, you aren’t just being exposed to their pointy stinger — they also inject venom. If you’ve never been stung by a wasp before, you could be allergic to the venom and not know it — or your children or spouse could be. Attempting DIY wasp nest removal may expose you or your family to wasp stings, which can result in an allergic reaction that you were not even aware of.
Let the Experts Handle the Wasp Removal
Wasps are necessary in nature, but that doesn’t mean that you want them living in your backyard, garage, shed, or attic. Wasp nests can be dangerous to remove on your own, and you should always consider hiring a professional pest control company to handle it. At Earthwise Pest Management, we can help to remove any wasps nests from your property safely and effectively. Reach out to us today to ask about our wasp extermination services and we’ll get you started with a free estimate.