WASPS

Wasps. Few insects can elicit as quick of a flight response as a big hornet’s nest. They’re pervasive across Texas and pack a painful sting. Yellow Jackets, Paper Wasps, Baldfaced Hornets, and Cicada Killers are all common in Texas. With the Cicada Killer excluded, these beasts are protective of their homes and will often attack with little to no provocation. Wasps are typically categorized into social and isolated categories, and the Cicada Killer is the only isolated wasp on our list. This wasp lives alone, burrowing into the ground to make a place to bring its prey (cicadas) so that its young can feed on them. They don’t share the same predilection for aggression, nor are they territorial like their social cousins. Although the females have the ability to sting, it is highly unlikely to be stung by one, unless stepped on or handled. The rest of the wasps are another story.

Wasps can inflict multiple stings.

Unlike bees, these flying insects don’t lose their stinger and are capable of stinging multiple times—which leaves a potential for multiple stings in close proximity as the wasps attack their prey. This can be especially painful if you find yourself on the receiving end of an attack. You’ll find nests on eaves, in trees, in attics—really anywhere they can find respite from the weather. Yellow Jackets will often build nests deep into attic spaces and other entry points, making removal difficult. To add to the difficulty, these nests can grow for years and produce thousands of wasps.  Wasps are best handled by professionals, like the team at 855Bugs. We’d be happy to find the best course of action during a free inspection and offer services like our Don’t Bug Me Plan to ensure that wasps will no longer be a source of worry.