Some people are terrified of spiders. Others hate being in high places. Everyone has things they are afraid of. Some fears are logical, others irrational. Our question for you today is, is the fear of wasps a rational fear? Do these pests pose a serious health risk or are they actually harmless? Find out now as we uncover the secrets of these invasive insects and provide you with some helpful tips to keep them off your Las Vegas property.
What Wasps Live In Las Vegas?
Nevada is a vast place with lots of open roads. Another thing Nevada has a lot of is different species of wasps. In Las Vegas alone there are dozens, including a few species of paper wasps, cicada killers, yellow jackets, weevil wasps, and the notorious tarantula hawk. To identify a wasp, look for its thin waist, long, oval-shaped wings, six legs, and often black, metallic, or bright-colored body.
The Dangers Of Wasps
All wasps are venomous and can cause pain with their quick stingers. The severity of the pain caused depends on what species you are stung by. A paper wasp has the least painful sting in our area and is known to be less aggressive than some of their close cousins. Yellow jackets are much more aggressive and have slightly more potent venom. As for which has the most painful sting, that award goes to the tarantula hawk. They aren’t just the most painful pests in our area, they are number two in the whole world. If you see one of these large, dark blue wasps anywhere in your immediate vicinity, calmly remove yourself to a safer area.
Problems go beyond pain if the individual stung is allergic to insect venom. If you are unsure if you are allergic or not, consult your doctor. They will perform the needed tests, evaluate your risk, and get you the needed precautions, such as an Epi-Pen if you are at risk.
Why Wasps Invade Properties
Wasps are opportunistic creatures that prefer living near areas that offer them food and shelter. Of these two requirements, shelter is the easiest to find as all these pests need is the eaves of your home, a tree standing nearby, soil, or mud. As for food, wasps live on a diet of protein and sugar-based items. This includes beef, chicken, honeydew, apples, pet food, berries, ants, cake, beetles, soda, and a variety of other tasty treats. The more food your property offers wasps, the more likely you will be to have trouble.
Strategies To Deter Wasps From Your Yard
The best way to deter wasps from your property is to limit their access to food and shelter. Follow these simple tips to prevent these pests from settling down in your yard.
- Pick up fruit and berries that drop into your yard.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Keep foods and beverages covered when eating outdoors.
- Avoid feeding your pets outside.
- Knock down wasps' nests that are smaller than a golfball.
The Only Solution To Wasp Infestations
If you find larger wasps' nests on your property or keep finding these pests around your yard and don’t know what to do, look to the professionals at Anderson Pest Control. Let our team inspect your property. We will evaluate your risk and safely remove any nests we find. From paper wasps to tarantula hawks, we have the tools and experience needed to handle whatever wasp problems you are up against.
Give us a call today and schedule your Las Vegas property for a service visit. We will take care of the rest.