Many people are scared of wasps because they sting, and these stings can indeed be painful. While not all wasp species are aggressive, they will sting if they or their nests are threatened. Many species can even sting and inject venom multiple times in a row.
There are many different species of wasps found throughout the world, but there are only a handful of species that are found in South Carolina. Here are the most common species in the area and what they look like:
- Paper Wasps: This is a common group of wasp species that are known because their nests have a papery appearance. They are slender with dark brown and orange markings.
- Yellow Jackets: This species has smooth, non-hairy bodies and yellow and black stripes. They are also known for being one of the more aggressive species.
- Hornets: Most hornets are black with yellow or white bands. They are usually a smaller species at about half an inch long.
- Mud Daubers: This species can reach up to two inches in length. They are best identified by the extremely thin waist with an almost string-like appearance that connects the thorax and abdomen.
Are Wasps Good For The Environment?
Just like bees, wasps aren’t all bad as they do play an important role in the environment. Wasps are pollinators that play an essential role in food production for many animals including humans. They can also be beneficial to ecosystems as they can control the populations of other smaller pest insects.
While wasps might be beneficial to the environment, this doesn't mean they are good to have around your home. Because many species can sting multiple times, they are rather dangerous. While especially dangerous for people who are allergic, being stung multiple times can lead to hospitalization for people who aren’t allergic as well. Not to mention that being stung can hurt even if it's just one sting.
How To Prevent Wasps
Because wasps can be dangerous, knowing how to prevent them is important. While prevention tips aren’t 100% guaranteed to keep wasps out of your yard, they can help by making the property less appealing. By following some prevention steps, you can make it less likely that wasps will want to build nests around your home.
- Make sure that outdoor garbage cans have tightly-fitting lids.
- If eating outside, be sure to clean up spills and not leave food outside for long.
- Store any outdoor pet food in containers with secure lids.
- Get rid of standing water on your property.
- Keep features like hot tubs and pools treated with the correct chemicals.
The Safest Method of Wasp Removal
Trying to remove a wasp’s nest on your own is when you’re most likely to get stung. Even if you think a nest is inactive, trying to get rid of it by yourself can be dangerous. The safest way to control and remove wasps from your yard is to contact the expert pest control professionals at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. With over 35 years of experience, our services can prevent and remove wasps to keep you and your family safe and allow you to enjoy spending time outside. Give us a call today to find out more.
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