Nature has a habit of making beneficial things really difficult to kill, and sometimes aggressively so. Such is the existence of stinging insects like wasps; they're incredibly helpful to the environment and dangerous to have inhabited your South Carolina property. Some may be more aggressive than others, but all are fairly harmful to a person's health, especially if an allergy is involved. Regardless of allergy, wasps can sting multiple times, and a swarm of stings would send anyone to the hospital.
Common Wasps In South Carolina
Three species of wasps are most commonly found within the state of South Carolina:
- Yellow Jacket – ½ inch long, hairless, black and yellow patterned bodies, defined segmentation
- Mud Dauber – 1 ½ to 2 inches long, hairless, coloring ranges from black to metallic blue with green or yellow markings, very slender body
- European Hornet – up to 1 ½ inch long, slightly hairy, pale yellow and black markings, stocky body
It's not commonly known that hornets fall within the category of wasps, and the only true hornet that can be found in the United States is the European hornet. Each of these species has its different nesting preferences as well. Yellow jackets are more likely to nest within the ground, but they've also been known to inhabit homes that have openings in their siding or roof. Hornets make the paper nests in trees and bushes that we always see in the cinema, and mud daubers create mud tubes on house siding, tree trunks, outdoor chairs and tables, and pretty much anything that mud will stick to.
What Attracts Wasps To South Carolina Homes
Two factors will attract any pest to your South Carolina property, including wasps; easily obtainable food sources, and available living space. Depending on the species, living spaces significantly vary, but they all enjoy a wide range of foods:
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Proteins
- Greasy food
- Plant nectar
- Other insects
- Fruits and fruit juices
Adequate living arrangements for wasps include abandoned rodent nests in the ground, overgrown trees and shrubs, holes, and openings in siding, and anywhere that doesn't get too much foot traffic. Most wasps will stay away from areas where people are more active unless they've already built their nest. Then, they will defend their home and queen by any means necessary.
How To Deter Wasps From Nesting On Your South Carolina Property
Trying to control outdoor insects is difficult at best, and no precaution you take is going to be completely effective. Still, it never hurts to try, especially when you're dealing with dangerous pests:
- Fill in any holes and old rodent nests around your property
- Plant fruit trees and flowering plants far away from your home
- Add wasp-deterrent plants to your scenery; marigolds, geraniums, wormwood, citronella, pennyroyal
- Add tight-fitting lids to outdoor trash cans
- Clean outdoor food-prep and eating areas immediately after eating
- Avoid over-watering your garden
- Repair any holes and cracks in your siding and roof trim
- Consider adding a fake wasp nest to your property; wasps are incredibly territorial, and won't nest anywhere within several hundred feet of another colony
- Keep garden plants, trees, and bushes regularly trimmed
How To Get Rid Of An Ongoing Wasp Infestation On My South Carolina Property
It is never recommended to try to get rid of wasps on your own. Store-bought pesticides for wasps aren't always effective, and making an entire nest of wasps angry is a life-threatening mistake. This pest is best left to the professionals, and the Bugman knows a thing or two about getting rid of these summertime savages. When danger lurks around the corners of your South Carolina property, you know you can always depend on our highly-trained pest experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
As a family-owned and operated company, we know that the safety of your family is your number one priority, and it's our top priority as well. Our technicians only use the best state-of-the-art pest control equipment and products when we treat pests, and every treatment comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee; if you still notice a problem after we've treated, we come back out and re-treat at no additional cost. Get in contact with us today to start discussing your pest control options.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
Complete the form below to schedule your no-obligation inspection.