When Wandering
Wasps Invade
You can’t mistake it: Loud buzzing and frenzied flying in the spring signal a wasp invasion.
“Wasp” is the common name for about 10,000 different kinds of insects, including yellow jackets and hornets. All are similar in appearance, with black and yellow bands on their bodies and two sets of wings. Adults have a narrow waist between the first and second segments of their bodies. In Ireland, there are two main wasp species: the Common Wasp and the German Wasp.
Wasps will build nests in any dark, hollow, protected area. They can be found outdoors in trees, shrubbery, underground and near dustbins. You may spot nests on buildings near windows, in balcony and under overhanging eaves. Wasps will enter homes through open doors and windows, as well as through cracks and holes in walls and foundations. They may build nests in sheds, lofts, attic spaces and inside walls.
In late April or early March, the queen wasp will emerge from hibernation to find a suitable nesting place. Once she marks her territory, she will construct a nest out of tree bark and her own saliva, whereupon she will begin to lay eggs.
When the eggs hatch, the queen will raise these larvae into workers. By mid-June, the workers take over building the nest, while the queen continues to lay eggs—an average of 1,000 to 3,000, which hatch and develop on a daily basis. The nest reaches its peak size around September and, by then, may contain as many as 10,000 wasps.
When cold weather arrives, wasp season is over. Only the queen and a few fertilized females survive. They scatter, scouting places to hibernate until next spring, when they repeat the reproductive process.
Wasps sting humans and animals when they feel threatened—and attempts to destroy their nests and exterminate them definitely qualify as perceived threats. Unlike bees, which sting once and die, wasps can sting multiple times, and their attacks are quite aggressive and painful. Try to run, and wasps will chase you in an attempt to inflict further damage.
Some readers may be allergic to wasp stings—and not even realise it. You’ll know you’re experiencing an allergic reaction if you develop hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and headaches. The most severe allergic reaction, known as “anaphylaxis,” is life-threatening, characterised by shock, unconsciousness and ultimately death, so prompt emergency medical treatment is required. Don’t hesitate! Immediately call an ambulance. Medics will inject epinephrine, which quickly halts the allergic reaction. Remember: Time is of the essence, so act fast!
With such potential hazards to your health,
it’s always advisable to leave wasp extermination to a pest-control
professional, who has the special gear—including heavy face nets—to protect him
from stings. When destroying a wasp nest, he will use an industrial-grade spray
that can reach its target from a distance of up to 20’. The first blast of the spray will be directed
at the nest’s entrance to kill any “guards” and prevent an attack. Then, the
rest of the nest will be soaked, and a pesticide dust will be sprayed directly
into the nest to ensure all inhabitants are destroyed—including the ones who
are “running errands” and subsequently return home. Within 24–48 hours, all wasps
should be dead, and the nest can be safely removed.
Once a pest-control specialist has eradicated your wasp population, prevention of future infestations is relatively simple, but you must be diligent about it:
- In early spring, seal cracks or holes in your home’s exterior.
- Fill any holes around your home’s foundation and near bushes.
- If you have fruit trees, clear away fallen fruit from the tree base.
- Make sure dustbins have tight-fitting lids.
- Cover fruit and any sweet-smelling foods inside the house.
- Keep doors and windows closed, or cover them with netting.
- Regularly inspect your home for signs of a wasp nest that is “under construction.” If you spot a wasp, follow it so it can lead you to its “headquarters.”
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