Denver Property Owners' Helpful Guide To Wasp Control
If you have never encountered a wasp nest, consider yourself lucky. Many people in our Colorado service area that do encounter one attempt to knock down the nest, only to incur the wrath of the entire colony. Most times this doesn’t end well. Wasps are not usually aggressive, and only attack when they perceive a threat to their nest. Provoked or not, the stings are unpleasant.
Wasps Common To The Denver Area
Two types of wasps frequent the Mile High city. Considering that there are 4,000 species in the United States, we should be grateful there isn’t more in Denver.
- The mud dauber wasp - Named for its nest built from mud. You will see these nests under eaves, stuck to concrete walls, and in apartment complex breezeways. Any place where they can be out of the harsh elements, but still outdoors. These nests will last years if undisturbed. The mud dauber is usually only aggressive when threatened.
- The paper wasp - Named for the nests built from a paper-like substance they produce. These wasps build their nests on horizontal surfaces, preferring tree branches, garages, barns, and sheds. Extremely territorial and aggressive, they have a nasty sting that is incredibly painful. Known to cause an anaphylactic reaction to those that are allergic.
Proactive prevention is the best approach when dealing with wasps and other area pests. Educating yourself on ways to make your property unwelcoming to them will help.
What Will Attract Wasps To My Denver Property?
Many factors will draw wasps onto your property. The problem is, most of the things they are attracted to are enjoyed by humans as well, so eliminating those factors isn’t so easy.
- Flowers - Wasps like flowers. They are attracted to the sweet nectar as a food source, but also, they enjoy the smell. Maybe they are just taking time to smell the roses, but whatever the reason, humans that enjoy their flower gardens aren’t likely to give them up to reduce the wasp population.
- Meat - Wasps needs protein, so meat is a natural attraction for them. Have you ever been to a BBQ, and had wasps try to help themselves to your steak? They are a terrible nuisance at backyard outings.
- Fruit trees - Dropped, rotting fruit is another attractor. You should keep the dropped fruit picked up. Use caution when disposing of fruit, many people who get stung have it occur when reaching for the fruit. Try using an extension grabber, so you can maintain a safe distance.
- Insects - As we said earlier, wasps like protein. This includes insects. Mud dauber wasps will even eat black widow spiders.
- Sugar-based drinks - If you are sitting poolside with a soda, there is a pretty good chance you will be visited by a wasp.
People won’t be giving up any of these items. So, we need to look for another way to handle the problem.
Tips To Keep Wasps Away From My Denver Property
There are several DIY tips for keeping wasps away, here are the top three:
- Remove any food source. This includes garbage cans, empty soda cans, dropped fruit from trees, and other insects.
- Check for sources of stagnant water, removing these water sources will help with many insect issues.
- Grow plants that naturally repel the wasp, such as mint, thyme, or lemongrass.
These three simple tips will serve you well.
Call In The Pros
It's time to reclaim your Denver backyard and wear that ‘King of the BBQ’ apron with pride. We know you are brave, but removing wasps should be left to the pros. Our team at Advantage Pest Management is here to help. Give us a call today to find out more about our home pest control or commercial pest management services.