Wasps are a pesky summer insect that can make outdoor life uncomfortable. But fear not, we’ll show you how to identify them, kill them and remove their nests to keep your home wasp free in this handy guide.
There are 5 steps to completing this project:
Though bees and wasps may look similar, they’re quite different. The body shape of a bee is a bit more bulbous and hairier, while wasps are much skinnier with a shiny appearance. Beehives are honeycomb-shaped while wasp nests are round and made of fibres and saliva.
First things first, never swat a nest down or try to hit it off of your home. It’s best to leave wasp nest removal to professionals, but if you attempt it, be sure to do so at night when wasps are less active. Wasp traps can also be effective to capture and kill them while they’re out hunting. Wasp sprays are a great option as well but be sure to use them in well ventilated areas.
Use wasp traps to help prevent them from building nests. If you can find one with the attractant already included that’s great, otherwise, bait them with sugar water or juice. You can also purchase fake wasp nests, as they’re territorial and seeing an existing nest in the area can be a deterrent.
If you encounter a wasp, be sure to avoid aggressive movements like swatting or attacking it. If one lands on you, simply remain calm and brush it away. Do not squish it near you or on you as the they release a pheromone that can attract other wasps.
Wasp stings can be painful, but they’re easily treatable. Some of the symptoms they can cause are:
To treat them, be sure to wash the bite area with soap and water. Cold water or ice can help with the pain. If you’ve got swelling, allergy pills can help and calamine lotion can help relieve itching.
