What are Wasps?

Wasps, also known as ``yellow jackets`` and ``hornets,`` are medium-sized pests, measuring between 0.39 to 1 inch. They are easily recognizable by the black and yellow or white bands on their abdomens. However, many other harmless wasps resemble pests and can be mistaken for them.

A hollow stinger at the rear of the wasp's body injects venom when it penetrates the skin. These stings can be quite painful.

Social wasp species living in groups are the most common and dangerous due to their behavior. German yellow jackets are considered the most aggressive among them. Many of these wasp species have the habit of scavenging in garbage cans.

Social wasps construct paper nests in various shapes and sizes, some visible and others hidden. Depending on the wasp species, the paper nest can be fully enclosed with an opening near the base or have an open structure.

Should I be concerned?

Social wasps are common in urban and rural North America and are the most common stinging pests in many Canadian cities.

Wasps often visit outdoor gatherings due to their attraction to sweet foods and protein foods earlier in the season. Stings can occur when people or animals disturb wasps that are hunting for food or when they accidentally approach a nest, triggering a defensive reaction from the nest-guarding wasps. However, wasps may sometimes attack people or animals even when seemingly unprovoked.

Several thousand people are stung by these venomous insects each year. In some rare cases, severe allergic reactions to the venom have caused death. Seek medical attention immediately if your response to a sting includes unusual swelling, itching, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Unlike bees, wasps can sting more than once. Wasps can also damage ripe fruit by creating holes when they eat the flesh.

Wasps can be beneficial in many ways. Workers catch insects like flies and caterpillars and carry them back to the nest to feed the developing larvae. They also act as pollinators when they visit flowers for nectar. Additionally, they are a food source for small mammals, birds, and spiders.

What to do if you are stung by a wasp ?

If a wasp lands on you, remain calm, wait for it to fly off, or brush it off gently. Otherwise, you risk getting stung because the wasp will feel threatened by any sudden movement.

Stings can be soothed with ice packs or a baking soda paste. A wasp's venom is very potent. Some people have allergic reactions and need medical attention. If the effects of a sting are severe, you should see a doctor immediately. Effective anti-venom shots can reduce the number of severe reactions in vulnerable people.

How can I get rid of wasps?

Given their beneficial role in nature, try to tolerate small populations of wasps. Use preventive practices to stop them from becoming intolerable. Learn to distinguish between harmful social wasps and the solitary ones that are mostly harmless and beneficial.

Prevention

Before wasps become a problem, inspect your yard and home surroundings in early summer, looking for any wasp activity or paper nests taking shape. It is easier to discourage a single queen wasp from establishing too close to your home than handle a full-sized nest later in the season.

Physical control

Since wasps hunt for high-protein food like insects for their larvae, don't leave moist pet food or picnic leftovers in the open.

Because they are also attracted to sweet food and strong scents, avoid leaving food or drink uncovered when eating outside.

Don't wear scented products like perfume and hairspray.

Keep all garbage covered in tightly closed containers until it can be thrown out.

Avoid walking barefoot on lawns or grassy areas, especially in late summer when wasps are more abundant and active.

Traps

You can find different commercial traps at garden centers and department stores. Food bait can increase the effectiveness of these traps. Try to use protein foods, like dog food, instead of sweet foods so that bees are not trapped.

Be aware that there may be more wasp activity around baited traps, so they should not be placed close to play areas or other human activity places. These traps can be helpful in the short term during outdoor events where wasps can be drawn away from food-serving areas.

Nest removal

If the nest's location does not present a health hazard, it's best to leave it until November or December. Once it has been abandoned, you can remove it and dispose of it with little risk.

If the nest must be removed when the wasps are active, it should be done in the evening when wasps are least active. Nest removal can be dangerous, and extreme caution must be used due to the risk of attack by a large group of wasps. Although a homeowner (with enough protection) can remove a nest, professional help is recommended.