If you’re trying to spend time outdoors in South Carolina, coming across a wasp can ruin all the fun. Wasps are scary to encounter because of their ability to sting and inject venom. These stings can be quite painful and sometimes dangerous.
However, while most homeowners know that wasps can be a problem, they sometimes aren’t sure how to tell them apart from other similar species, such as bees. In this article, we’ll go over how to identify wasps and give some tips on how to prevent them.
What Do Wasps Look Like?
First of all, it’s important to note that hornets are just a subset of wasps, so all hornets are wasps but not all wasps are hornets. All of the members of the wasp group have a few identifying characteristics that they share that are different from the characteristics of bees.
To start with, wasps have long, thin bodies and a rather sleek appearance. Bees, on the other hand, are rather round and look less streamlined. Secondly, wasps are hairless and shiny as they don’t have visible hair or fuzz on their bodies. In contrast, bees are known for their furry, fuzzy look.
Wasps: The Good And The Bad
Just like bees, wasps are pollinators who play an important part in the ecosystem as they pollinate all kinds of plants. They are also able to help control the populations of other, smaller insects. Because of this, wasps in general aren’t bad, and they don’t just exist to cause harm.
However, they are still dangerous to have around your South Carolina property. They pose a danger to people and pets, and while this is especially the case for those allergic to wasp venom, even people who aren’t allergic can end up in the hospital. This is because some species of wasps can sting multiple times in a row and inject their venom over and over.
Tips For Keeping Wasps Away
While it can be difficult to completely prevent wasps, there are some steps you can take to discourage them from nesting on your property. Mainly, you should focus on removing or reducing water sources and maintaining your yard and foliage. Here are some specific steps to follow:
- Remove standing water from your yard and ensure that rainwater can drain properly.
- If you have hot tubs, water fountains, or pools, keep them cleaned and make sure that water cycles through.
- Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and trees.
- Store pet food indoors and remove bird feeders that can attract wasps.
- Avoid planting too many kinds of flowering vegetation and also make sure not to overwater your lawn and plants.
- If you eat outside, clean up any food and drink spills right away.
The Easiest Way To Remove Wasps
While there are things you can do on your own to deter wasps, it’s not a good idea to remove them on your own if you already have a nest. Even nests that look empty might not be, and attempting to remove these wasps on your own is when you’re most likely to be stung.
Instead, let the experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. handle the problem. We have nearly 40 years of experience in the area, and we can remove wasps and ensure they don’t come back. Schedule your free inspection today.
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