Wasps can be a cause of concern for homeowners in Keller. This is especially the case during warmer months when their activity peaks. Some species are aggressive and capable of multiple stings. Others are more solitary and less threatening. Those who know the different types of wasps common in the area can recognize potential risks and decide when to hire Romney Pest Control.
Romney employs a team of skilled technicians who can effectively and safely handle a wasp infestation. With their expertise, homeowners can be confident about the full elimination of the problem. Below are different kinds of wasps in Keller:
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, porch ceilings, and in sheds. These nests are made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. Paper wasps are not as aggressive as some species, but they will defend their nest if disturbed. Their sting can be painful and cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets have black and yellow bodies. They usually nest in the ground, wall voids, or attics. They are quite protective of their colonies and can sting multiple times. That is why any attempt to disturb or remove a nest without professional equipment can lead to dangerous encounters. Yellow jackets also forage for food, often appearing near trash cans, outdoor gatherings, or exposed pet food.
Hornets
The bald-faced hornet is black with white markings. These hornets build large, football-shaped nests in trees, shrubs, or under eaves. Hornets are very territorial and can attack in groups if their nest feels threatened. Their stings are stronger than those of smaller wasps. Their nests can house hundreds of insects, so professional expertise is required to safely remove them.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers build tubular nests out of mud on walls, ceilings, and other sheltered structures. These wasps are slender, with long legs and a narrow waist. Mud daubers are not aggressive and rarely sting. They mainly feed on spiders, paralyzing them and storing them in their nests as food for their larvae. Their presence is less of a danger, but their nests can be unsightly. Also, these nests may still encourage other wasps to settle nearby if left unchecked.
Cicada Killers
Cicada killers usually alarm homeowners with their size, reaching up to two inches in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not aggressive toward people. Females dig burrows in the soil where they bring paralyzed cicadas to feed their young. They don’t typically sting humans unless provoked, but their burrowing habits can disturb lawns and gardens.
Potter Wasps
Potter wasps in Keller are solitary. They are named for the pot-shaped mud nests they build. These nests can be attached to walls, branches, or outdoor structures. Potter wasps are not aggressive. Also, they help control caterpillar populations by storing them in their nests for larvae to feed on. They are less dangerous; however, their small mud structures can accumulate in unwanted areas around the home.
Wasp populations in Keller may start with just a few wasps flying near the house. But their nests can grow rapidly. So, call a pest control company if you notice heavy wasp traffic in your yard or discover a nest close to your home. Professional technicians can identify the species and apply the right treatment. They can also remove nests without putting anyone at risk.
Wasp activity in Keller peaks during spring and summer as colonies expand. By late summer, nests can hold hundreds of wasps. As temperatures cool, activity decreases, but some species seek shelter in attics or wall voids to survive the winter. Homeowners should stay alert year-round and address nests early.
