How To Stop Wasps From Taking Over

July 19, 2024

After a long work week, there's nothing better than relaxing on the deck, watching your family swim in the pool or play in the yard. It's been a long time coming, and now that the dog days of summer have arrived and the temperatures are soaring, it's time to enjoy the time until the white stuff starts falling from the sky. We're not the only ones taking advantage of the hot, humid days either; wasps and other stinging insects are more active right now and, unfortunately, more aggressive. In today's blog post, we'll delve into the topic of wasps and what to expect from these stinging pests as we head toward fall, and what property owners can do to stop wasp activity.

What types of wasps are common in Maine?

Before discussing wasp behavior, let's begin by identifying the common types of wasps found in Maine. You might be surprised to find hornets on the following list, but that's no mistake. Hornets are indeed wasps and are part of the same family as yellow jackets and paper wasps. With that clarification, let's identify the wasp species that Maine residents are likely to encounter on their properties every year.

Yellow jackets

Yellow jackets are small wasps with yellow and black stripes. Their nests are usually paper-like and can be found underground, hanging from tree branches, in bushes, in wall voids, or under eaves, as well as around other man-made structures. They build these nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, creating a distinctive papery texture. Yellow jackets are highly territorial and can become aggressive, especially if their nest is disturbed. They can sting multiple times, which is not only painful but can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies.

Paper wasps

Paper wasps are slender, brownish wasps with yellow markings. Their nests look like upside-down umbrellas made from a papery substance, usually hanging from eaves, tree branches, or other sheltered spots. These nests are open and have hexagonal cells visible from below. 

Paper wasps generally aren't aggressive unless they feel their nest is threatened. Like yellow jackets, paper wasps can sting repeatedly because they don’t lose their stinger after the first sting. 

Bald-faced hornets

Bald-faced hornets are black wasps with white markings on their faces and bodies. They build large, gray, football-shaped nests that are often found hanging high in trees or on buildings. These nests are enclosed, unlike the open cells of paper wasps. 

Bald-faced hornets are very protective of their nests and can be hostile if you get too close. Their stings are painful, and they can sting multiple times. 

European hornets

European hornets are bigger than most wasps, with reddish-brown bodies and yellow stripes. Their nests are usually in hollow trees, attics, or wall voids and are made from chewed wood, giving them a papery appearance. 

European hornets can be aggressive, especially near their nests. They can sting multiple times, making them a significant threat if disturbed.  

Bees are important pollinators but are wasps? 

Wasps do help with pollination by consuming nectar and transferring pollen between flowers. However, bees are much more effective at this task. Their hairy bodies can trap pollen better, and they also tend to visit a wider variety of flowers, pollinating many crops and wild plants. 

It's worth mentioning that wasps’ role in pollination is secondary to their role as predators. These insects feed on other insects and not strictly nectar. Of course, they also raid food for human consumption, but more on that later. 

Why are wasps a problem for Maine residents?

Unfortunately, co-existing with wasps is not as easy or simple as it may sound. For one thing, when you have a wasp nest on your property you don’t just have a handful of wasps buzzing about. Depending on the species, you could have thousands of wasps to deal with.  With that many wasps flying around, it’s only a matter of time before they sting. 

During the summer, wasps mainly consume protein-rich foods such as insects, spiders, and other arthropods to nourish their growing larvae, which helps in building up the colony. As the summer progresses and the colony matures, the need for protein decreases. Later in the summer and into the fall, wasps change their diet to include more sugary foods like nectar, fruit, tree sap, and human food leftovers. This change in diet helps sustain adult wasps as they prepare for the colder months, but it also increases the chances of being stung as they raid barbecues, picnics, and other instances of outdoor dining.

Finally, if a person gets too close to a wasp nest, whether on purpose or by accident, they’re sure to be met by aggressive wasps ready to defend their territory. This is a common problem for homeowners trying to mow their lawns or weed whack. They may not realize there’s a yellow jacket in an abandoned rodent burrow or another hole until it’s too late. 

Are wasps stings really that dangerous?

Wasp stings can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies to wasp venom. Most people will experience pain, swelling, and redness at the sting site, but it's usually not life-threatening. However, for people with venom allergies, stings can cause severe reactions known as anaphylaxis, which include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness. Multiple stings can also be dangerous due to the amount of venom injected. It's important to seek medical attention if a severe reaction occurs from a wasp sting.

How to make your property less wasp-friendly this summer

Here are some tips to make your property less attractive to wasps:

• Keep food covered
  Make sure to cover food and drinks when eating outdoors.
• Clean up spills, crumbs, and trash
  Quickly clean up any food or drink spills, especially sugary substances. Toss empty soda cans, used plates, and other trash as you go.
• Secure trash cans
  Make sure your outdoor garbage cans have durable, tight-fitting lids.
• Remove standing water
  Dump out rainwater that has been collected in potted plants, empty planters, kid toys, clogged gutters, and other items. Likewise, look for and address areas where water is pooling.
• Pick up fallen fruit
  Once fruit trees start producing, keep an eye on ripe fruit on the ground and clear them away before they rot.
• Limit bright colors in your outdoor living space
  Use neutral colors when decorating or purchasing outdoor furniture for your deck, patio, or other outdoor living spaces, and avoid planting bright flowers near seating areas. 

What to do if you discover wasps on your property

If prevention doesn’t work and wasps are too close for comfort this summer or even this fall, contact Pine State Pest Solutions for assistance. 

Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers residential pest control services in Auburn, Lewiston, and Falmouth, as well as throughout our multi-county service area. Our services target wasp nests and provide solutions for all types of wasps. You can compare our home pest control plans and pricing below or give us a call for more information!

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