Here in Sevierville, summertime is beloved by all. Warmer temperatures means more time spent outdoors near the beaches, at parks, or in your own backyard. Unfortunately, wasps love the summertime as much as you do, and can be a constant nuisance for people all summer long. Wasps are more than a nuisance, though–they can be dangerous and are known to sting when they feel threatened. There are 3 common summertime wasps to look out for: paper wasps, mud daubers, and, of course, yellow jackets. If you see signs of stinging insect activity or nests built near your home or business, it’s important to stay away. Read on for more things to know about these summertime wasps from the experts at Johnson Pest Control.

What to Know About Summertime Wasps

1. Paper Wasps. These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas. Their nests typically hang from tree branches or twigs, but can be built on porch ceilings and door railings as well. The nests usually only contain about 30 wasps, but are still dangerous. While paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, their stings are especially potent and can cause an allergic reaction in some.
2. Mud Daubers. As their name suggests, mud daubers build their nests from mud. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. The most characteristic feature of the mud dauber is their thin, thread-like waist. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics. These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled.
3. Yellow Jackets. During the summertime, yellow jackets are infamous for being aggressive. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers. This is why it’s so important to never attempt to knock down a nest on your own. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting more than once.

How to Prevent Wasps

Wasps are a normal part of life, but it’s important to avoid nests and swarms of them. In addition to keeping an eye out for nests forming on or near your property, it’s crucial to know how to prevent wasps when you spend time outside:

• When outdoors, wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
• Do not leave drinks or food in accessible areas.
• Install screens on doors and windows.
• Always keep garbage in sealed receptacles.
• Do not swat at wasps as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
• If stung, seek immediate medical attention, as reactions can be severe.

Safe Wasp Removal

When it comes to wasp problems, it’s important to always be very cautious. Never try to remove nests yourself, as this can be very hazardous for anyone around at the time. The team at Johnson has the years of experience needed to provide safe and reliable wasp removal during the summer and all year long.