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What Are Wasps?

Wasps are predatory stinging insects that feed on a variety of insects, helping to control their numbers. They also feed on a lot of other things, including foods that are high in sugar like fruits, and drinks, as well as meats and other food that they find in compost piles and trash cans. Examples of stinging insects that invade properties throughout Tennessee include yellow jackets, paper wasps, hornets, and mud daubers. Hornets have thin waistlines, and bodies that are void of hair. They come in a variety of colors, including black and brown, and some have yellow or white markings.

Are wasps dangerous?

Wasps that place their nest in a high traffic area of your yard, on your home, or in another outbuilding, can be very dangerous for a number of reasons:

Stings from wasps are painful and leave behind raised red welts.
Most species of wasps are aggressive and can sting their victims multiple times to protect themselves or their nest.
The venom that wasps deliver with each sting is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions.
In the case of a group attack or those individuals that are severely allergic to their venom, anaphylaxis may occur.
Wasps tend to gather around outdoor eating areas. Their presence can make it impossible to enjoy eating out on the deck with your family.

Why do I have a wasp problem?

Wasps are attracted to properties for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they find it offers a place for them to build a nest that is near food and water sources. Water sources that attract wasps to a property include leaky pipes, clogged gutters, pools, and ponds. Wasps forage for food in open trash cans, compost bins, gardens, and outdoor eating areas.

The late summer season is the time of year when wasps are most active and when they become the biggest problem for people. The workers are out and about feverishly finding food for the queen. A well-fed queen is likely to make it through the winter to start a new colony in the spring.

Where will I find wasps?

Wasps will nest in a variety of places but like to choose areas that are quite sheltered. Familiar places where wasps build their nests include trees, shrubs, utility poles, woodpiles, and between rock crevices. They also build their nests on our homes in doorways, under roof eaves, on chimneys, and behind window shutters. Sometimes they will place their nests in attics, behind wall voids, and on rafters.

How do I get rid of wasps?

The task of eliminating wasps from your Tennessee property should be left to a professional. At Colonial Pest Control, we have 50 years of combined pest control experience. We know pests and how to eliminate them from properties once and for all!

We guarantee our results and take pride in treating our customers like family. We are a local company dedicated to using only the most efficient, cutting-edge services possible. If you are looking for exceptional pest solutions for your Knoxville area home or business, contact the pest professionals here at Colonial Pest Control today!

How can I prevent wasps in the future?

In addition to our professional pest control services, take the time necessary to implement these easy-to-execute prevention tips:

Remove as many nesting sites from your property as possible. Fill in ground holes, remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and excess piles of wood, rocks, or other debris.
If possible, place garden areas away from the outside walls of your home.
Limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted near your home’s exterior.
Keep wasps out of your home by keeping windows and doors shut and repairing torn screens.
Trim back trees away from your house.
Get rid of water sources by fixing leaky pipes and low-lying areas. Make sure gutters are directing rainwater away from the outside of your home.
Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans to avoid wasps foraging for food in them.
After eating outside, immediately take any leftovers inside and clean up dirty dishes and drink container.