Wasps are one of the world’s most unique creatures. We often associate aggressiveness to carnivores such as lions, tigers, and other mammals. You would not believe if I told you that there are insects too that are very aggressive. One of which are wasps, fire ants, and other spider species. For this segment, we will be focusing on one of the most temperamental insects ever, the wasp.
Wasps are omnivores that live in colonies. These creatures grow up to 1.25 to 1.50 inches which are approximately the size of a paper clip. Wasps make up a diverse array of insects with over 30,000 identified species.
Entomologists study two classifications of wasps: the social wasps and the solitary wasps. Social wasps only comprise of about 1000 species that includes the yellow jackets and hornets. The colony of social wasps starts during spring when a queen wasp who was fertilized in the previous year survives the winter. When she starts to emerge from hibernation, she starts to build a small nest, a starter for worker females to develop.
When the queen produced enough female workers to take care of the nest, these workers start to take over expanding the nest. The start to build multiple six-sided cells where the queen continually lays her eggs. By the time summer ends, the colony will have more than 5000 wasps that eventually die in the winter. Unfortunately, for their species, only the fertilized queens survive the cold to restart the process of building a colony when spring comes.
The solitary wasps, on the other hand, consist of the most number of species. From the name itself, they do not form colonies and they are far more violent than the other wasps. This comprises the cicada killers and the striking blue and orange tarantula hawks. Both of these wasps can reach approximately 1.5 inches in length. Social ants use their stingers only when they are apprehended. However, solitary wasps rely on their stingers and their poison to hunt for their prey.
Threat Brought By Wasps
If I asked you what brings you the most painful sting among all insects, what would you say? Some would think it would be the bullet ant, some spiders, and some bees. You’re not wrong. But let me tell you one more insect that can cause as much pain as you can ever imagine.
Wasps are one of the most aggressive insects that ever lived the planet. One move around their nest could lead to death. The worst part is, wasps are often mistaken as bees. We associate bees as cute, fuzzy, and industrious. They rarely bite humans and animals.
But wasps, their temperament is way worse than that of bees. There are so many cases of wasp attacks all over the globe. For example, in September 2016, BBC News reported a woman in Sussex that was attacked by a swarm of wasps. According to the victim, her dog must have disturbed the wasp nest that eventually mistook Ms. Dickinson as the perpetrator. She ended up having more than 60 wasp stings all over her body. According to her experience, it was like being electrocuted. The wasps started to sting her on the arms, up to her back. Luckily, she ran into some joggers who helped her shoo off the wasps from her hair and her clothes. Police reports say that there were at least three more cases of wasp attacks in that area.
There was another case in London where a man had a heart attack caused by the allergens brought by the wasp's sting. The 45-year-old man was diagnosed with Kounis syndrome or allergic myocardial infarction after being stung. This illness is characterized by severe allergic reaction preceded by angina (chest pain). According to police reports, the man was stung by a yellow jacket on his left arm as he was walking into his van. Eventually, he started to feel dizzy and itchy all over. He eventually finds rashes all over his body. The man started to feel like his left hand is starting to get heavy and painful. Hours later, the pain started to spread to his arm, to his shoulders, then his back. Thankfully, he was able to call for an ambulance. The paramedics arrived just in time to resuscitate him.
According to experts, when a wasp stings a human being, it can cause Rhabdomyolysis. This is a serious condition that is characterized by the obliteration of the striated muscles. Other activities and events that cause the disease are associated with drug use, heart attacks, and viper bites. Furthermore, Rhabdomyolysis can cause renal infections and eventually renal failure. Though the occasions of this happening are rare, it is always best to take precaution.
Wasps can be distinguished from bees by observing their pointed lower abdomens and their narrow petiole, or their waist that separates their stomach from their thorax. Just like bees, wasps come in different colors - from yellow to brown, metallic blue, even bright red. According to entomologists, the brighter the color of the wasp, the more likely it is to be more violent. Wasps also build their own nets by using papery abodes they gathered from wood fibers. They scrape these fibers using their strong, hard mandibles and chew it into pulp.
Bees can only sting once because their stingers are directly attached to their abdomen. When they sting an intruder and pull out, they literally rip their guts from their stomach. This leads them to their untimely death. Wasps, on the other hand, can repeatedly sting an intruder. Any creature that dares to disturb their peace ends up getting swarmed with violent and aggressive wasps. They do not necessarily investigate the culprit. Whoever they see first will be their target.
Common Hiding Spots Of Wasps
To successfully prevent if not eliminate wasps, you need to determine the common hiding spots where they usually stay and build their habitats. These creatures should not be allowed in any way to be near friends, family, and pets. Which is why you need to check these following places from time to time and add some DIY treatments to prevent any wasp from brooding.
- Trees around your house. If you live in bushy areas or near the forest, you could be at risk of a wasp infestation. As much as possible, conduct a weekly checkup around your environment for any sign of pest infestation. Usually, wasps have the habit to build their nests in a hole or under the bark of a tree. Wasps can build a nest with chopped wood that gives their habitat a papery, brown appearance. If you are not aware of wasp activity, they could be very hard to track. Their nest might seem like typical holes and parts of a tree. But when you accidentally disturb it, you might get in real trouble.
- Your garden and backyard. Did you know that there are some species of wasp that can hide and create their nests on soil? Some wasps are called mud daubers. They use clay or mud to furnish their nest. Again, if you are unaware of wasp activity inside your house, playing in the backyard and the garden could be very dangerous. I can only imagine if I had my kid or my dog playing around a wasp’s nest.
- The attic and the roof. Wasps have extremely strong and hard mandibles. They can easily get through walls. Wasps have different preferences as to where to establish a nest. Some prefer to build nests within walls. Some prefer to hang it from the roof. Others, however, like to hide at the basement or the attic.
- In-between walls. If wasps can get inside your attic and basement, they can also live in-between walls. It may seem less likely but it is not impossible. If you hear buzzing sounds and grinding sounds during the day and night, you should consider checking your walls.
How To Get Rid Of Wasps
Sugar & Water Traps
If you want DIY methods of prevention, you can use sugar and water traps against wasps. This method works by attracting wasps into the glass or container filled with sugar and water. Then, the wasps will not be able to escape until they get dehydrated or malnourished.
Soap & Water
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to prevent wasps is to use soap and water. Just dissolve a generous amount of soap with water and put it in a sprayer. Soap instantly kills wasps, for this reason, you may spray it where you observe wasp activity.
Call An Exterminator
Considering the threat that they bring, wasps are very dangerous indeed. Which is why it is best to call for the local pest exterminator in Mooresville. Lake Norman Home Services has the highest quality of methods for pest control. If you are looking for a fast, safe, and affordable way to get rid of your wasp problems, the exterminators from Lake Norman Home Services are your guys. With their help, they can eliminate all types of pest infestation inside and outside your house without any additional charges at all. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy as skillful exterminators get to work only at Lake Norman Home Services.