It can be tricky to tell the difference between some of the different types of wasps, but with a little bit of knowledge you can stay safe from their stings. Pest Control Dunlop guide will teach you all about the different types of wasps and what they look like, as well as their habits and how to identify them if you find one in your home.
What are the different types of wasps?
There are many different types of wasps, and each has its own unique features. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
Yellow Jacket Wasps: These wasps are the most common type in the US. They’re small (usually under 1/2 inch) and have yellow and black markings on their bodies. They can sting pretty hard, but they’re not typically dangerous to humans.
Bee Wasps: Bee wasps are slightly larger than yellow jackets and have more distinctive markings. They can also sting fairly well, but aren’t as common as yellow jackets.
Wasp Species: There are actually a lot of different types of wasps, but we’ll just focus on three here: The hornet, paper wasp, and European wasp.
The Hornet: Hornets are the biggest and fiercest of the three species. They’re usually seen flying around in large colonies (sometimes up to 10,000 bees), making them one of the most conspicuous wasp species. Hornets can sting really hard (especially if provoked), so keep your distance if you see one!
The Paper Wasp: Paperwasps are smaller than hornets and don’t build colonies like hornets do. Instead, they live solitary lives nestled in wood or other crevices. They don’t often sting humans, but they can get pretty angry when threatened or attacked…which is why it’s important to stay away
How to identify wasps in your home
Wasps are one of the most common types of insects in the home, and can be difficult to identify. Below are three key distinctions between wasps, bees, and yellow jackets:
1. Size: Wasps are typically smaller than bees and yellow jackets. Yellow jacket queens can be quite large, while bee queens are usually smaller.
2. Coloration: Wasps have a smooth body with no hair, while bees and yellow jackets have a hairy body with color variations including yellow, black, brown, or white.
3. Wing Structure: Wasps have two pairs of wings while bees only have one pair of wings.
Tips for preventing wasps from invading your home
Wasps are incredibly beneficial in the natural world, but can be harmful if they invade your home. Here are some tips for preventing wasps from invading your home:
1. Seal all cracks and openings in your home’s exterior with caulk or sealant. This will help to keep moisture out and make it more difficult for wasps to enter.
2. Keep your property clean and free of debris. This will make it less appealing to wasps and other insects, which can lead to a decreased population of these creatures inside your home.
3. If you do see a WASP inside your home, do not panic! Wasps are not aggressive and will usually leave when approached in a calm manner. Simply close any windows or doors that may have been opened, wait 10 minutes, and then inspect the area again to see if the wasp has left on its own. If not, use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to remove the wasp from inside the house.
