Questions:
Are wasps
hazardous to humans?
Yes. A wasp sting, aside from
being very painful can prove serious and sometimes fatal. If
you suspect a reaction to a wasp sting report to your
nearest hospital immediately.
Do all wasps
sting?
Only the queens and workers
possess an ovipositor (egg-laying tube) which forms the
stinger, Normally the stinger is used to kill prey on which
wasps and their larvae feed, but will use it on animals and
man if provoked.
Do wasps cause
damage?
No. Since they feed on flies
and other insects they are considered beneficial. However,
because they are attracted to sweet substances such as fresh
fruit and juice their presence can prove to be a nuisance.
When are wasps
most common?
During warm spring and summer
months n workers are foraging for food.
When am I most
likely to see wasps?
Wasps are most active during
the daylight hours.
Where do you
find wasps?
Nests can be found around
buildings on verandas, under eaves, ceilings, attics or in
trees and shrubs. Several varieties of wasp build nests
under ground.
What are their
breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
The queen (female
reproductive) lays all the eggs. Most eggs develop into
sterile workers. Late in the season, the queen produces eggs
which develop into queens who over winter and establish
nests the following spring. An average of 1,000 to 3,000
eggs laid per nest which hatch and develop on daily basis.
Do wasps die
off in cold months?
Yes. Only the new queens
survive the winter while the rest of the colony dies off
when weather becomes cold. The queen over winters under
loose bark or in crevices and lays eggs in the spring to
start a new colony.
Can weather
conditions affect the size of a wasp infestation?
Yes. An abnormally cold, wet
spring or hot, dry summer can have an effect on the size of
a wasp colony.
Can I do
anything to prevent wasp activity on my property?
Yes. Whenever possible try to
eliminate fallen fruit and refuse which will attract wasps.
Sealing holes and other potential sites may help prevent
nesting. Once a nest is established do not seal the hole
until after treating and there is no more activity.
If I have wasp
nests on my property what can be done to eliminate them?
Your local Kitsap Pest
Control office has products developed for the control of
pests such as wasps. Due to the potential danger from a wasp
sting, it is advisable to contact an Kitsap Pest Control
Service Representative.
Preparation Guidelines for a
Wasp/Bee Treatment
Step 1
Kitsap Pest Control
will be injecting a pesticide directly in the nest to kill
all stages of the insect present in the nest. Normally,
Kitsap Pest Control will remove the nest when possible.
A few wasps/bees that are out of the nest at the time of the
treatment may return to the area, upon discovering that a
treatment has been done, the insects will disperse from the
area or die.
Step 2
Generally, there is no need
to vacate the premises; however, it is advisable to avoid
the immediate vicinity of the nest for at least 24 hours.
Before service, infants, pregnant women and people suffering
from heart, kidney, respiratory ailments or allergies should
consult a medical doctor.
