3 Summertime Wasps You May Encounter

Learn about summertime wasps in the Virginia area - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sEveryone looks forward to summertime in Northern Virginia. Warming temperatures bring about more opportunities to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, wasps love the warmer weather as much as you do! There are three summertime wasps that tend to be most prevalent this time of year: yellow jackets, mud daubers, and paper wasps. If you see signs of stinging insect activity or nests built near your home or business, it’s important to stay away and call your local pest control company. Keep reading for facts on these summertime wasps from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Common Wasps in the Summer

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are the most common and most infamous type of wasp. In the summer, particularly late summer, these wasps can get very aggressive. Their nests can contain upwards of or more than 1,000 workers, making them very dangerous to knock down without the help of a professional. These wasps usually will not bother you unless they feel threatened. When they do sting, yellow jackets are capable of stinging repeatedly.

Mud Daubers

Just as their name suggests, mud daubers build nests out of mud. These wasps can be easily told apart from other stinging insects because they are mostly black with light-colored markings or a metallic sheen. Their bodies are long and slender with a thread-like waist. Their nests are often located in covered areas, particularly sheds and attics. Mud daubers are less social than many types of wasps, and are also less aggressive–they will only sting unless threatened or handled.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps construct umbrella-shaped nests in a paper-like material. These nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. A mature nest can have between 20-30 adult wasps living inside. While social in nature, paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellow jackets. However, they may sting to defend their nests, which can be rather dangerous. Paper wasp stings are especially potent and could trigger an allergic reaction, making it important to avoid their nests.

Common summertime wasps in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's.

Tips for Preventing Summertime Wasps

To prevent encounters with wasps this it’s important to regularly keep an eye out for nests that may have formed on or near your property. To avoid getting stung when you go outdoors, it’s important to stay away from things that attract wasps. Avoid leaving food or drinks outdoors, seal your garbage cans securely, and install screens on your windows and doors. Never swat at wasps to avoid making them more aggressive and likely to sting.

How to Stay Safe From Wasps

If you do notice a wasp problem or a nest, always contact a professional wasp control expert. Wasp nests can contain many more stinging insects than you think, making it a risk to attempt to knock it down yourself. The team at Ehrlich has the experience needed to provide wasp control services in a way that is safe for you and your family.

Do Pest Problems Trigger Seasonal Allergies?

Cockroaches may trigger seasonal allergies in Virginia - Connor's Termite & Pest ControlSpringtime in Virginia is something everyone looks forward to each year. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when millions of people suffer from bad allergy symptoms. From a runny nose to itchy eyes, seasonal allergies are dreaded by all. But what if it’s more than the blooming trees and changing weather causing your symptoms? There’s a chance that certain pests are triggering your allergies. With May being National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, it’s important to learn about pest allergens in your home. Allergens created by the presence of pests can be dangerous for your family, making it crucial to learn how to prevent pests in your home in the first place! The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has gathered info on how to stay protected against pest allergens in our latest blog post–keep reading to learn more!

Are Pest Allergens Dangerous?

Pest problems can be hazardous for a number of reasons, allergies included. Cockroaches in particular can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Roach droppings, saliva, shed skins, and other parts contain allergy proteins. If you have a cockroach problem in your property, these pest allergens can be dangerous for your family. Other pests tied to allergies include stinging insects–yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps, and more. Stings can trigger a wide range of reactions in people, from itching and hives to more serious symptoms.

**If you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get medical attention immediately!

9 Ways to Prevent Pests & Allergens

The good news is that the key to preventing pest allergens is to prevent pests altogether. Simple pest prevention tactics can effectively reduce the chances of getting pest allergens in your home. Our top tips for avoiding pests and their allergens include:

  1. Storing all food in airtight containers 
  2. Cleaning your kitchen on a daily basis or after mealtimes
  3. Disposing of garbage regularly and using a tight-fitting trash can lid
  4. Sealing cracks and holes in the home
  5. Sealing entry points for pipes, and placing screens over doors and windows
  6. Ensuring your basement and crawl space are well-ventilated and dry
  7. Washing your blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water 
  8. Vacuuming and dusting your property frequently
  9. Keeping pet food sealed, cleaning up after pet messes, and washing food bowls

What to Do About Pest-Triggered Allergies

Allergies this time of year are already bad enough–you don’t want a pest problem making them any worse! If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests and pest allergens in your home but still are having issues, it’s time to call the experts at Ehrlich. Our team is committed to keeping our customers safe from the many dangers of pests–allergies included.