About Wasps
Adult wasps are about 5/8 to 7/8 inches long with the queen getting up to 1 1/8 inches long. They are black with a white pattern on much of the face, white stripes on the thorax section, and white bands down the last 3 abdominal segments. Colonies of wasps can have 100 to 400 workers per nest. Each nest lasts for one season before being abandoned for a new one.
Wasp Prevention
As the weather warms up during the spring months, queen wasps will abandon their hibernation site in search for a new home. During this time, some of them inadvertently find their way into homes. In an attempt to prevent this from happening to you, the following steps should be taken:
– Seal all cracks and crevices around the exterior and interior of the home. This includes around doors, windows, baseboards, and any other location a wasp could enter.
– Install screens on any openings that are left open for extended periods of time.
– Knock down nests as soon as you see them. Letting them be allows more time for the wasps to find their way into the home.
– Exterior of homes can be treated in early April to deter the pests from building a nest on it.Large colonies can be very difficult to completely remove from a property without professional assistance. It can also be risky trying to remove a hive by oneself as a disturbance to the nest will provoke the wasps to defend their home. A professional should be contacted in these situations to assess the infestation.