There’s nothing like a summer cookout or backyard celebration to bring family and friends together. Unfortunately, the same warm weather and sugary drinks that attract your guests can also invite some unwanted stingers: yellowjackets and wasps. While these buzzing intruders may seem similar, they behave differently and require different prevention strategies.
At Womack Pest Control, we understand how much of a nuisance (and hazard) stinging insects can be, particularly around children, pets, or allergic guests. Here’s what you need to know to recognize, repel, and defend your gatherings this season.
Yellowjackets vs. Wasps: Know Your Enemy
Not all stingers are created equal. Yellowjackets are actually a kind of wasp, but they are much more aggressive during late summer. They prefer meat and sugary beverages, so your impromptu barbecue or picnic is always a prime target.
Wasps, more broadly, are insects within the suborder Apocrita and include a variety of species, such as paper wasps and hornets. They tend to be less aggressive unless their nests are threatened, but that can still spell trouble if one’s near your deck or play area.
How to Spot a Nest Before It’s a Problem
Early detection is key. Watch for:
- Paper-like nests in eaves, fences, or under deck furniture (typically wasps)
- Ground or wall cavities with burrowed nests (common for yellowjackets)
- Increased activity near trash cans, compost piles, or food
If you see a nest, don’t touch it, especially if it’s active. Self-removal could inspire stings and won’t eliminate the entire colony.
Prevention Tips: Keep Them Away from Your Party
Here are just a few simple, effective ways to keep your yard and guests sting-free:
1. Cover Food and Drinks
Yellowjackets are very drawn to sugar and protein. Store snacks in covered containers, have lids on beverage containers, and wipe up spills immediately.
2. Secure Trash and Recycling Bins
Use tight-fitting lids and wash containers before disposing of them. Position bins at a distance from where people tend to congregate.
3. Seal Entry Points
Inspect screens, vents, and siding cracks in your house to keep wasps from nesting in your home or wall voids.
4. Hang Decoy Nests
Certain wasps are territorial. A decoy can fool them into believing the space is already taken, lessening the likelihood they’ll build in the vicinity.
5. Avoid Floral Scents and Bright Colors
Perfumes, bright clothing, and floral prints attract stinging insects. Keep things neutral when entertaining outdoors.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, even the most effective prevention is not sufficient. If you notice frequent wasp activity, find a nest, or wish to protect your yard before a gathering, a professional pest control technician is your best defense.
Stinging insects send thousands of people to the emergency room every summer. Don’t take unnecessary chances, especially if there are children or allergic people around.
As professional exterminators in Maryland, we safely remove wasp and yellowjacket nests and provide long-lasting deterrent treatments to keep your outdoor spaces protected.
Let’s Make Your Summer Sting-Free
Hosting a backyard bash or just enjoying your deck in peace? Womack Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today or call 301-881-5181 to schedule a free inspection and make stinging pests a thing of the past.