Wasps are one of the most common summertime pests, especially here in the Northern Utah and Southern Idaho area. Normally a beneficial part of the environment, wasps can create a hazardous environment when they build their nests in residential areas. There are a few different types of wasps in our areas, and they all build different kinds of nests. Although itโs important to never approach a nest, itโs also important to learn how to identify them. The team at Rentokil is here to help you learn how to identify wasp nests.
Most Common Wasp Nests
In our region, we are used to seeing a variety of wasps. The main ones are mud daubers, paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and, of course, yellowjackets! The main differences between these wasp nests are:
- Mud daubers. Solitary female mud daubers build nests out ofโyou guessed itโmud! The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
- Paper wasps. Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open, and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
- Bald-faced hornets. These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.
- Yellowjackets. Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
Where to Look Out for Wasp Nests
A wasp nest can be in a wide variety of places. Yellowjackets favor areas near the ground, in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas. Mud daubers tend to build their nests in sheltered areas, including under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings.
Paper wasp nests are often located under and within the eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas. Bald-faced hornets, on the other hand, like to build nests high up off the ground. This can mean in trees, but also on structures. In general, wasps tend to favor sheltered spots for their nests.
How to Get Rid of Nests
Bottom line: itโs important to never attempt to knock down or get rid of a wasp nest on your own. Even if itโs small or appears abandoned, there could be more stinging insects inside than you realize. Many types of wasps will sting repeatedlyโdisturbing them will make them more likely to do so. Itโs safe to simply call your local wasp control experts at Rentokil when you need help with wasps.
The Asian giant hornet, infamously known as the โmurder hornetโ, has certainly made the rounds in the media over the past couple of months. Itโs easy to understand why this hornet has struck fear in the heart of so many nationwide, even though theyโve only been spotted in the Pacific Northwest (so far). Originally from Japan, China, and other Asian countries, this hornet made its first appearance in Vancouver and Washington state late last year. Their sting is known to be potentially fatal, but the true threat they pose is to the honeybee population. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about murder hornets from the team at Rentokil!
Few places are as beautiful as Northern Utah and Southern Idaho in the springtime. Unfortunately, springtime also means spring allergies! This time of year, many residents are suffering from runny noses and itchy eyes, among other seasonal allergy symptoms. But is it the weather causing your allergies, or something else? A little known fact is that pests like roaches, dust mites, rodents, and more could be behind the allergy symptoms so many people are experiencing this time of year.