Killingsworth Environmental: Wasps
If you live or work in either of the Carolinas, you naturally also know they’re wonderful places to live. The cost of living is reasonable, there are plenty of job opportunities to explore, and citizens enjoy four distinctly beautiful seasons each year.
However, some of the same perks that make the Carolinas ideal places for people – like the beautiful weather – make them equally appealing to stinging insects like wasps. So, if you believe your Carolina home or business could be developing a wasp problem, it’s best to seek professional wasp removal help sooner rather than later.
Killingsworth Environmental is proud to be the Carolinas’ go-to wasp exterminator solution. Here’s a closer look at what Carolina-area property owners should know if they’re dealing with wasps and how Killingsworth can help.
Why Are Wasps Such a Big Problem in the Carolinas?
Both of the Carolinas are famous for their lush greenery, sweet-smelling flora, and balmy weather. Many Carolina homes also have features like overhangs and eaves, which provide ideal spots for a wasp nest to hang relatively undisturbed. Add nest-building material and any sort of water source to that mix – like a pond, fountain, or even a puddle or two – and wasps have everything they need to thrive on a particular piece of property.
All Carolina property owners should understand that wasps aren’t just annoying and bothersome. They’re highly aggressive and potentially dangerous to both people and animals. This is especially the case for those who are allergic to wasp venom. However, you don’t necessarily need to be allergic to wind up seriously hurt and in need of medical attention because of a wasp attack.
Keep in mind that while bees can only sting you once (and at the risk of their lives), wasps can sting multiple times. It doesn’t take much to provoke an attack, either, and some wasp colonies can be quite large.
What Types of Wasps Are Issues in the Carolinas?
Although there are over 4,000 different species of wasps in the United States, they aren’t all common in the Carolinas. Common species to be on the lookout for in your area include the following:
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are common in many areas of the United States, including North and South Carolina. They’re typically about ½ inch long with distinctive yellow and black stripes. Yellowjackets can build nests nearly anywhere there’s an empty space, including wall voids and ground cavities.
European paper wasps
European paper wasps are frequently confused with yellowjackets, as they feature similar black and yellow striping. They’re also close in size – about ¾ inch long. However, European paper wasps are true to their name in that they build hanging paper nests.
Northern paper wasps
Like European paper wasps, Northern paper wasps build aerial paper nests. However, they are bigger – about an inch in length – with yellow and copper striping.
Cicada killers
Unlike the above wasp varieties, cicada killers are solitary wasps. However, they are quite large – about 2 inches long – with black and orange stripes. They also burrow into the ground to build their nests.
Mud daubers
Mud daubers are another type of solitary wasp and are around two inches in length. They are typically black or metallic blue with yellow stripes and build tube-like mud nests on the sides of buildings or trees.
How Can I Make My Carolina Property Less Attractive to Wasps?
Wasps are common enough throughout the Carolinas that every property owner should have a good wasp removal service like Killingsworth Environmental on speed dial. But a solid wasp prevention strategy can help keep potential problems at bay.
Here are some tried and true ways to make your Carolina-area property as unattractive to wasps as possible.
Revamp your garden
Like most insects and bugs, wasps have certain plants they prefer not to be around. Adding some to your garden, porch, and backyard area can help discourage them from setting up shop on your property. Examples include:
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Thyme
- Basil
Keep plants that produce sweet-smelling flowers or fruit to a minimum, and avoid overwatering. It’s also important to keep shrubbery and trees well-pruned, as unruly or overgrown plants can appeal to wasps.
Avoid leaving food and trash out
Wasps are very attracted to food, so take care not to leave any out. If you cook or eat outdoors, clean up after your meals thoroughly and immediately. Take care to pick up any food or garbage that falls on the ground.
Keep garbage bins well-sealed. Lids should fit tightly and prevent any odors inside from escaping or wayward wasps from entering.
Keep your property well-maintained
Carolina-area wasps love cracks and gaps that could easily shelter a nest or make a good place for a burrow. Monitor your property for cracks or holes around building exteriors, especially around door frames, trim, siding, windows, or roofing. Repair anything you find promptly. If you have holes in the ground, fill them in.
If your home or business has eaves or overhangs, check them often for wasp nests, and call a wasp nest removal expert right away if you see one. Most wasps don’t want to nest in another colony’s territory, so you can also consider hanging a false nest as a deterrent.
Why Trust Killingsworth with Your Wasp Removal Needs?
Although there are numerous pest control services throughout the Carolinas that are capable of helping you handle wasps, there’s only one Killingsworth Environmental. Here’s an overview of what makes us different:
- Over 28 years of solid experience effectively eliminating wasps, rodents, roaches, ants, and a variety of other common Carolina-area pests
Safe, environmentally-conscious pest control solutions that won’t jeopardize your health or harm the beautiful Carolina ecosystem - Customized solutions that take each client’s unique needs and pest control goals into consideration
- State-of-the-art methods that not only get rid of pests but keep them from coming back
- Friendly, professional technicians that instantly put your mind at ease
Thorough inspections designed to uncover all problem areas and potential entry points
Remember, wasps in the Carolinas can be dangerous, so it’s important to seek out wasp removal assistance as soon as you realize you might have a problem. Call Killingsworth today, and let us know how we can help!
Wasp FAQs
Yes, wasp stings can be dangerous, especially for individuals who are allergic. Allergic reactions can include hives, itching and swelling, abdominal cramps, nausea, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you’re stung and experience severe symptoms.
While it’s possible to remove a small wasp nest on your own, it can be risky. We strongly recommend contacting professionals for safe and effective nest removal, especially for large or hard-to-reach nests.
To prevent wasps from building nests, ensure that all food and garbage containers are sealed tightly. Regularly inspect your property for signs of nest construction, and consider professional wasp control services for long-term prevention.
Yes, our treatments are safe when applied by trained professionals. We take precautions to ensure the safety of your family and pets during and after our services.
Yes, we offer emergency wasp control services for situations that require immediate attention. Contact us, and our team will respond promptly to address the issue.