Of course, having wasps in the house is not an option to consider, as they pose a huge danger, especially if children live with us. Therefore, here we will tell you everything you need to know about these pests and give you tips to help you eliminate them and keep your family well protected.
WHAT ARE WASPS?
They are flying insects present in almost all regions of the world, which belong to the family Hympenoptera and the subgroup Apocrita. Some people tend to confuse them with bees, but wasps are distinguished by the small size that separates their abdomen from their thorax. They are particularly known for the danger of their sting, which has earned them a place on the podium of the most feared insects by humans and animals.
Despite their terrifying nature, some species are harmless to humans. In fact, they tend to be solitary and help control other pests that attack crops and also have an important and very specific pollination function as in the case of the fig tree, whose flowers are fertilized by wasps.
As far as their appearance is concerned, these animals have a pointed abdomen and a very small size that separates the belly from the tail. They can vary their colors from classic black to more vivid and striking colors depending on the species they belong to. They usually build their nests with wood fibers that they extract from the bark of trees and chew until they become a clay-like paste.
WHY DO WASPS APPEAR?
Wasps are present everywhere in the world, except in the polar regions. They can be fine in deserts, jungles or forests and survive without any problem. They must proliferate during the summer season, because the milder temperatures favor them. However, in winter, only the queen wasp takes refuge in the nest to survive, while the others die.
Temperature being an important factor for them, they prefer to settle in sunny places. They also like to nest in cracks in walls and ceilings. Therefore, if your home is full of cracks everywhere, you will probably find wasps.
If you have a garden, you’ll probably notice them because they seek out the wood fiber they pull from trees and combine it with their saliva to create the paste that will form their nests. In addition, gardens provide them with important food sources, such as other insects with which they satisfy their appetite and that of their larvae.
WASP STING
In case you didn’t know, the wasps have a small sting which they use to attack their prey or defend themselves if they feel threatened and, of course, humans are not immune to being a perfect target for these animals and their terrible sting, which tend to inject poison.
In most cases, wasp stings do not represent a greater danger, as they are characterized by a fairly brief discomfort, which involves redness of the area and mild pain that lasts only a few hours. However, some people are highly allergic to the venom of these insects. Therefore, if they receive a shot, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as the consequences can be fatal.
As for the symptoms that occur after a wasp sting, they can be:
- Swelling of the lips and throat.
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decrease in blood pressure.
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Inflammation and redness in the area of the sting.
If you are allergic to wasp stings, or if you think your health is deteriorating after being stung by one, it is best to seek medical attention immediately after the first symptoms of an allergic reaction.
ARE WASPS DANGEROUS?
While it is true that some species are not a threat to humans, we keep thinking that wasps are very dangerous insects. When they nest in areas inhabited by humans, they automatically become a potential danger. In fact, they are toxic animals that tend to cause major accidents in humans. For this reason, it is considered a dangerous species that must be controlled, either by moving the hive to a remote area or, in the worst case, by fighting it.
To give you an idea, these animals are the cause of many deaths in some countries, even more than spiders and snakes.
As you can see, wasp stings can not only be very annoying and painful, but they can also lead to death, either by anaphylaxis, which occurs when the insect stings someone sensitive to its poison, or poisoning. In case of massive bites, this means that these animals are even more dangerous than one might think.
HOW TO ELIMINATE WASPS?
To control wasp infestations, we must proceed with theelimination of wasp nests and put an end to the conditions favorable to the development of these insects, spraying insecticides and filling the cracks and grooves with cement, putty or other materials. However, it is very important to consult a exterminator expert before using any pesticide, as there could be side effects or be extremely toxic in its application. It is also important to remove food sources such as other insects, fallen fruit from trees, garbage, etc., as they attract these insects.
In addition, there are traps that are ideal for exterminate wasps outdoors These are traps in which a container is placed containing a substance attractive to these insects, which contains a hole in which they enter and, falling into the liquid, they die drowned. These traps can be placed in gardens or in areas most frequented by these pests, to reduce the risk of bites.
As for the aerosols sold at the supermarket, some of them are not effective in killing wasps, but they can be used to keep them away. On the other hand, you can acquire repellent creams or lotions to apply on our skin and avoid getting stung, or resort to some products that are usually applied on the edges of swimming pools, barbecues or on plants, but are usually quite dangerous for humans.
HOME REMEDIES TO ELIMINATE WASPS
If you are looking for a more natural and practical alternative to control these terrible insects, you can try the ‘home’ remedies below:
SOAP AND WATER
It is a natural, non-toxic insecticide that you can prepare with simple ingredients and is readily available. You should only mix a quarter cup of liquid dish soap with 1 liter of hot water, which you should throw on the hive, making sure to protect yourself with covered clothes (or wear protective clothing), and then move away as quickly as possible. We recommend that you do this at night, when the wasps are at rest.
BORAX POWDER
This product is extremely useful for eliminating many types of pests, including wasps. The best part is that, as a natural insecticide, it is completely harmless to humans unless applied in excessive amounts. If you have the opportunity, take some borax and put it in the wasp hive, if not, just spread it in the areas where these insects tend to be, it will only be a matter of time for them to disappear from there.
VINAIGRE
Vinegar is a powerful natural repellent against many types of insects. To take advantage of its properties, take a container and fill it with equal parts vinegar and water. Then, spray it on the hive and in areas where wasps travel.
MORE TIPS FOR KILLING WASPS
If you want to explore other options for getting rid of these bugs, don’t miss the tips we have left.
SCENTED CANDLES
It may sound simple, but it is quite effective. Some candles have a strawberry scent and are ideal for repelling wasps. You can light a few in your home to keep these insects out while giving off a fragrant atmosphere.
CUCUMBER SLICES
Even easier! Wasps hate the smell of cucumbers, so simply cut slices and place them in the areas most frequented by these animals.
Now that you know all about wasps, we hope you can manage this annoying affair using our practical tips.
Ready to get rid of invasive wasps? Calling an exterminator is the most effective solution! Contact us now!
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