Many local property owners each year find that their yard or other exterior area houses a nest filled with stinging insects. Although many types of winged creatures benefit the environment by helping with pollination, they also often respond in an aggressive manner when they perceive a threat. Among the most common types are yellow jackets, wasps, Hawaiian yellow-faced bees, carpenter bees, and others from the Hymenoptera order.
This region's most common types of wasps include paper wasps, yellow jackets, and mud daubers. Aptly named based on their “paper-like” nests, paper wasps appear yellow, black, and sometimes with a reddish-brown color. As with the majority of species, paper wasps will defend their nest by delivering a painful sting.
Yellow jackets (Vespa pensylvanica) began appearing in Hawaii during the 1970s and, in the years since, spread across most of the Hawaiian Islands. In many U.S. states, yellow jackets die off in the cold winter months; however, these creatures thrive in the year-round warmth of Hawaii. With a yellow and black appearance, yellow jackets are known for their aggressiveness.
Since yellow jackets are a non-native and predatory species, they also may disrupt the natural ecosystem, particularly among types of arthropods. Yellow jackets may significantly deplete certain species; in fact, the Hawaiian National Parks implement abatement measures for this reason.
Unlike the two aforementioned wasps, mud daubers are largely solitary creatures also distinguished by having a skinny waist. Black and yellow mud daubers are the most common type found in the region and lack the aggression of paper wasps and yellow jackets. Although predatory, mud daubers often consume nectar and gather spiders to feed their young.
Are wasps a substantial problem on your property? An experienced Hawaii pest control company maintains the latest products and equipment for providing the best wasp control services and knows how to remove a wasp nest safely.
How To Tell If You Are Dealing With A Wasp Infestation
In general, social wasps build nests above the ground, and solitary wasps build them underground. Paper wasp nests often exist beneath homes or building overhangs, on decks, or around exterior light fixtures. As their name suggests, mud daubers create nests composed of mud that often resemble tubes. Yellow jackets will build nests either above or below ground. For help with how to control wasps in yard areas, it’s best to contact professionals like Able Pest Management.
Are The Wasps In Hawaii Dangerous?
Are wasps dangerous for those in Hawaii? In most cases, the victim of a sting will experience mild symptoms such as some pain and redness at the site. Other individuals experience more serious adverse allergic reactions. In extreme cases, a victim might enter anaphylactic shock.
Some Helpful Wasp Prevention Tips
What are some of the best preventative measures that homeowners should consider regarding wasps? Consider the following tips:
- Many wasp species enjoy human food; thus, always clean up any food remnants following cookouts.
- Fill any crevices, holes, or other voids that might serve as a nesting site.
- Consider alternatives to flowers such as marigolds, basil, or geranium.
Property owners must remember that many wasp species form underground nests; therefore, you should move cautiously when walking through yard areas.
The Best Form Of Wasp Control
The seasoned team of local professionals with Able Pest Management understands what attracts wasps and the best methods for how to repel wasps from areas near your home. As a truly full-service pest control company in business since 2000, we will assist property owners struggling with bed bugs, termites, mosquitoes, and other aggravating critters that may harm the property or pose significant health risks.
Our organization uses many of the latest products and application methods, many of which offer enhanced efficiency and environmental benefits. We remain active in the local business community as well as regional and national activity within the pest control industry. For example, many of the new eco-friendly options come with recommendations from the Hawaii Pest Control Association and other leaders and educators.
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you regarding an inspection.
