Wasp Pest Control: A Guide for Austin, Texas

Social vs. Solitary Wasps

Wasps can be either social or solitary, depending on the type. If you see a bunch of wasps buzzing around your home, you’re likely dealing with a social species, which needs to be addressed quickly to prevent them from spreading.

When Are Wasps Most Active?

• Seasonal Activity: Wasps are most active during the spring and summer months. As temperatures drop, most wasps die off except for the queen, who hibernates through the winter and emerges in spring when it warms up.

• Daily Activity: Wasps are busiest from morning through early afternoon. As the day winds down, their activity slows.

Are All Wasps Aggressive?

Not all wasps are aggressive. Many species are actually beneficial to the environment around your home, playing key roles in controlling pest populations and pollinating plants.

The Benefits of Wasps

Wasps can be surprisingly helpful. Some species are used in agriculture to control pests by acting as natural parasites. Others are predators that help keep insect populations in check, and some even function as pollinators, aiding in plant fertilization.

Wasp Pest Control in Austin, Texas

While it’s tough to completely control wasps outdoors, there are a few things you can do to keep them from taking over:

• Plants: Wasps aren’t fans of certain plants. Consider adding basil, mint, and eucalyptus to your garden to naturally deter them.

• Seal Cracks & Crevices: Make sure to seal up any cracks and crevices around your home to keep wasps from finding shelter.

• Remove Food Sources: Wasps love sugary foods, so keep those tempting treats out of sight. Place garbage cans away from high-traffic areas to avoid making them a hotbed for wasp activity.

DIY Wasp Pest Control

Wasp freeze is a solid insecticide that knocks down wasps on contact. When treating a nest, leave it up for at least 24 hours to ensure the freeze reaches any wasps that might not have been home when you sprayed.

Dealing with Wasp Nests Around Your Home

If you’ve noticed wasp nests around your home, we can take care of that for you. Afterward, take a few steps to keep them from coming back:

• Patch up any damaged window sills, vents, or screens.

• Cover compost bins and garbage cans.

• Keep doors and windows closed, and make sure screens are installed.

• Remove wasp-friendly foods like ripe or rotten fruits, veggies, and hummingbird feeders from areas like porches, decks, and front doors.

• Cover any holes in the ground.

• Regularly check for active or empty nests.

Are Wasps Dangerous?

Wasps are venomous, but they’re typically not dangerous unless you’re allergic. If you experience any adverse reactions to a wasp sting, seek medical attention immediately.

Wasp Sting Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to wasp stings and should seek medical help if they experience symptoms like pain, swelling, redness, or itching. If the reaction spreads beyond the sting area to a whole arm or leg, it could be an allergic reaction.

When Should You Worry About Wasp Stings?

If you’re stung and start having trouble breathing, develop hives, experience unusual swelling, a rapid pulse, dizziness, or stomach cramps, head to the emergency room immediately. For more info, check out WebMD’s guide on insect stings.

Wasp Sting Home Treatment

If you get stung by a wasp, here’s how to handle it:

• Wash the sting area with soap and water to remove any venom.

• Apply a cold pack to ease swelling and pain.

• Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.

• Cover with a bandage if needed.

If the stinger is stuck in your skin, carefully remove it with a knife, tweezers, or something with a blunt edge.

Using Vinegar for Wasp Stings

Vinegar can help neutralize the alkalinity of a wasp sting. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider or white vinegar, place it on the sting, and apply gentle pressure to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Leave it on for several minutes for the best results. Just remember, this trick doesn’t work for bee stings since they’re more acidic.

Remember Jo’s Pest Control

Not sure how to get rid of wasps, bees, or anything that stings? Give Jo’s Pest Control a call, and we’ll handle it for you. We’re here to help keep your home safe and sting-free.