People don’t tend to think of the dangers of wasps until a colony has already moved into their yard. The problem is that these stinging pests can pose direct harm to you and your loved ones, not to mention anyone nearby who might be allergic to their stings. That’s why every Las Vegas property owner needs to learn how to prevent yard pests from invading long before they pose a threat.
Common Wasps In Vegas
The term wasp refers to a range of flying, stinging insects. Even bees are considered wasps from a pest control perspective. So, in the interest of being able to spot various species, here are some common stinging pests to watch out for:
- Honey Bees: The most common type of bee and an effective pollinator of plants, these insects are nevertheless dangerous to have right in your backyard.
- Bumblebees: While they tend to be more docile than other stinging pests, bumblebees can still carry venom that’s dangerous for some.
- Yellow Jackets: Unlike bees, these wasps lack the fuzzy hairs that make for good pollination. They are still attracted to yards with flowering plants, however, and they are much more aggressive.
- Hornets: The nasty, bigger cousins of bees are hornets, which can come in a range of colors. While some hornets are good for eliminating other yard pests, the risk of their stings isn’t something you want to take lightly.
Things That Attract Wasps To Your Yard
No matter the variety of insects, all wasps are attracted to yards for the same reasons. To avoid an infestation, you need to keep up on the following:
- Landscaping: Wasps prefer overgrown trees and bushes to build their nests in, so keeping your yard trimmed will discourage wasps from moving in.
- Moisture Control: All pests need water to survive, so lawns with water build-up or sprinkler systems tend to be more attractive to wasps.
- Trash Storage: The smells given off by food waste, especially discarded soda cans and other sugary items, will attract all kinds of pests including wasps.
How To Prevent Wasps From Moving In
Addressing those factors directly, through proper trash storage and frequent yard maintenance can certainly help. But there are other, more targeted ways to prevent wasps:
- Plant Selection: As pollinators, wasps prefer flowering plants that people often like to use for yard decoration. Avoiding roses, lilacs, and other bright flowers will help reduce your risk of wasps.
- General Pest Control: Unlike bees, some wasps hunt insects for food. That means existing pest populations also attract stinging pests. General pest control helps you avoid more serious infestations.
- Treatments: The simplest and most effective way to account for all of these factors is through seasonal treatments of your yard and exterior walls, to ward off insect populations.
Don’t Try To Remove Wasps On Your Own
If stinging pests have already moved in, contact the professionals right away rather than trying to remove them on your own. A single sting may just be uncomfortable, but an angry swarm of wasps can be dangerous for anyone -- even those without allergies. At Anderson Pest Control, we can save you from nasty stings and quickly remove an existing hive. Even if wasps aren’t already in your yard, our thorough inspections of your property can help identify the things that might attract pests in the first place. Plus, our effective treatments can help ensure that stinging bugs never invade. To protect your property from bees, hornets, and all kinds of stinging pests, contact Anderson Pest Control today.