Getting Stung
At the very least, a wasp or hornet sting is painful, and it can cause itching and swelling. These symptoms can be treated with a cold compress or antihistamines.
Getting stung by these insects can also be life-threatening if you have an allergy to their venom. Those who have this allergy might develop hives and/or begin wheezing, and might have a hard time breathing and swallowing. If these symptoms are observed after being stung, it's important to seek immediate medical care.
If you have a wasp or hornet nest on your property and a visitor is stung, you could be held liable. Your homeowners insurance policy will cover related expenses, but to avoid hassles and protect the safety of your guests, it might be wise to eliminate a wasp or hornet colony if you notice a nest on your property.
Identifying the Nest
Wasps and hornets make their homes in large nests made of a material that resembles paper. This material is composed of bits of wood that have been finely chewed by the insects and mixed with their saliva.
Wasp nests: A wasp nest is typically shaped like an umbrella. It can usually be found in eaves and ledges.
Hornet nests: A hornet nest resembles a large ball shaped like a teardrop. These nests are usually affixed to a tree or shrub, and they might also be found on the side of a building.
How to Get Rid of Wasps
Wasp control is best tackled at sunrise, dusk or night, since these are the times when these insects are least active.
If you'd like to tackle the problem yourself, an over-the-counter wasp spray can be used to coat the nest. Start by spraying the nest opening, and then spray the nest in its entirety. The spray will kill all insects in the nest, and it will remain on the nest to kill absent wasps when they return. Insecticide dust formulations are also available.
It's important to make sure you're standing at a safe distance from the nest when it is being sprayed, since the wasps may attack to defend their home. There are wasp sprays on the market that allow you to spray a nest from up to 20 feet away.
It's also important not to break open the nest while it is being treated. If the nest is opened in this way, it will cause the wasps to emerge en masse, which could trigger an intense attack.
Professional Wasp Extermination
If there is a large wasp colony on your property, or if someone in your home has an allergy to wasp venom, the best bet is to seek help from a professional exterminator. A wasp control professional will be able to tackle the task more quickly and thoroughly than you’d be able to on your own.
The exterminator will first inspect your premises to develop a suitable plan for wasp control. Many options are available, and these include traps, insecticides and physical removal. If a wasp nest has been sprayed or dusted with insecticide, only one treatment is required, and the entire colony will usually be dead within a day or two. Exterminators might also make modifications to the area around your home to discourage future nesting.
Professional wasp extermination typically costs between $100 and $400. Typically, the higher the nest, the more expensive the extermination fees.
Seek Professional Help When Banishing Hornets
While it's possible to handle wasp control yourself under certain circumstances, hornet control is best left to professionals. Hornets are much more aggressive than wasps, and a full protective hornet suit that's securely sealed at the ankles, wrists, and collar is necessary to avoid being stung.
As with wasps, an aerosol or dust insecticide is used to banish hornets, and only one application is required when treating the nest.Professional exterminators will often clip a plastic bag over the nest after it's been sprayed or dusted to make sure all the insects are dead.
Successful hornet control often involves the use of exclusion materials to prevent hornets from building new nests in cracks and attic spaces. Also, by trimming trees and bushes, you can discourage hornets from building aerial nests.
As is the case with wasp control, it can cost between $100-$400 to hire a professional to get rid of hornets.
Wasp and Hornet Control: Seasonal Considerations
There's good news if you live in a part of the country that gets colder winters. Wasps and hornets die off naturally when the temperature drops, and their nests disintegrate. If the nest is located in an out-of-way location, you have the option of simply waiting for winter's frost to set in and eliminate the pests.
However, in warmer states like Hawaii, weather isn't on your side. In these areas, using a pesticide or hiring an exterminator is essential if you need to keep wasps and hornets in check.
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