Most people feel instant fear the moment that they hear the word "wasp." During the warmer months, these flying insects become extremely active and can be everywhere. They will build a nest inside your home and around your property and possibly sting you if you get too close to them or their nest.
At Axum Pest Management, we are a locally-owned pest control company that knows how to handle the common wasp in this area. Our Cookeville pest control specialists can keep you safe by helping you safely remove the wasp nest from your property.
Distinctive Wasp Characteristics: How To Identify Wasps
There are over 30,000 different types of wasps around the world. In Cookeville, however, we only have to deal with a few different types. You are likely to see these wasps in the Cookeville area:
- Mud dauber wasps: This type of wasp can measure anywhere from ½ to over 1 inch long and has a thread-like "waist" that is long and thin. Their bodies are usually black but can also have a blue-metallic tint. Their nests are made of mud and primarily found in elevated areas.
- Scarlet wasps: The scarlet-bodied wasp moth is one of this area's most common flying insects. They are easily recognizable thanks to their bright red bodies, metallic blue abdomen, and large transparent wings that span about 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Yellow jackets: These are one of Cookeville's most aggressive types of wasps. The yellow jacket has a long, slender body covered in black and yellow stripes. It can build large aerial nests that look like they were made of paper. They might also take over old rodent holes in the ground and live in underground nests.
There are both social and solitary wasps in this area. The social wasps tend to be more territorial and are quick to defend their nest.
Wasp Infestations: Potential Health Risks
Wasps have an injectable venom that they use whenever they feel threatened or when they are hunting for food. They use this venom to subdue small insects that they like to eat. If a human is stung, the venom will typically only cause minor swelling and pain that will disappear in a day or two. If you are allergic to wasp venom, you may experience life-threatening symptoms that require medical attention.
Essential Outdoor Maintenance: Tips To Prevent Wasp Nests
Wasps can build a nest on your property for many reasons. However, they will likely pick a spot that appears safe and far away from human activity. They also like to live close to food and water. Some of the things that you can do to prevent wasps from building their nests on your property include:
- Pick up ripened fruit and berries off the ground as soon as possible
- Don't leave your pet's food and water dishes outside
- Place hummingbird feeders far away from your home
- Remove unused lawn equipment and other objects that wasps could use as a nesting location
- Keep the lid on your outdoor trash cans at all times
- Cover any holes in your yard as soon as you see them
While wasps are commonly found outdoors, they will come into your home if they are able. Make sure to repair any rips or tears in your door and window screens to ensure they can't get in.
Expert Wasp Extermination: Swift And Effective Solutions
Wasps can become extremely aggressive if they are disturbed. At Axum Pest Management, we can keep you safe by getting rid of all of the wasps and their nests in your Cookeville yard. Give us a call today to receive your free estimate on professional home pest control in Cookeville!