Fort Worth's Complete Guide To Effective Wasp Control

Wasp problems are far too common in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). We have several pest wasp species in DFW. The two most common are paper wasps and yellow jackets. One creates aerial nests. One makes nests in the ground, or within structural voids. Both can present a stinging hazard for your family. Here's what you need to know most.

Early Detection Is Key For Paper Wasps

When paper wasps come into your yard to create aerial nests, you may be able to do something about those nests before they develop into a problem by doing routine inspections during the spring. Starter nests that are created low enough to the ground, such as on the roofline of a shed or on the ceiling of your porch, can be easily brushed away with a broom. The trick is to do this during the day while the queen wasp is out gathering material. You may also use soap and water spray on a wasp nest. Use two tablespoons of dish soap in a bottle of water to do this job. Soapy water kills wasps on contact and is a non-toxic solution. Just be careful that you don't miss a wasp and get stung.  

Remove Harborage Options To Deter Yellow Jackets

When a yellow jacket comes into your yard, it may decide to establish a nest if it can find a suitable location. You can prevent this.

• Fill in ground holes.
• Remove stone or wood piles.
• Remove yard clutter.
• Seal openings on playground equipment.
• Inspect sheds and other exterior structures. Use a caulking gun or expanding foam to fill in gaps, cracks, and holes.
• Inspect the exterior of your home and seal gaps around water mains and electrical conduits.
• Replace old or worn-out weatherstripping and door sweeps.
• Replace wood that has been damaged by wood-destroying organisms.
• Repair or replace damaged screens.

Remove Food Options

Paper wasps and yellow jackets can eat sweets and meats. That is to say, they can feed on carbohydrates and proteins. You can deter these insects from establishing a nest in your yard by removing food options. Here are a few examples:

• Store all your garbage in covered containers. You would be amazed at how many food options are in your trash.
• Keep your trash container clean. The scent of rotting organic matter is enough to create wasp problems.
• Reduce insect populations. Paper wasps and yellow jackets eat living and dead insects. One key way to reduce insects is to keep lights off at night where it isn't a security concern. If you are worried about security, replace white lights with yellow lights. Yellow lights are less attractive to insects.
• If you have pets or livestock, wasps can feed on the food you feed your animals. Refrain from feeding pets outside, or put food down only at mealtimes.

Remove Water Sources

• Stinging insects drink water. If you have puddles or containers of water in your yard, you'll attract paper wasps and yellow jackets.
• Keep your gutters free of clogs. A clogged gutter can create a water source that is out of sight and out of mind—unless you're a wasp. When a wasp drinks from water in a clogged gutter, it may also notice a gap to enter and create a nest. A clogged or broken gutter system can also create oversaturation of your perimeter. This can lead to the formation of puddles.
• A toy left out in the yard, or any object that captures water, can create a watering hole for wasps.
• Overwatering of your landscaping can create ground saturation. Only give you plants the water they need. Another rule of thumb is to water plants in the early morning. This gives the sun plenty of time to dry the topsoil.

Surprising Things That Can Attract Wasps

• Bright flower colors can make wasps think that you have lots of flowers in your yard.
• Sweet smells can attract wasps.
• If you leave a juice cup on your porch, wasps will love you for it.
• A dollop of ketchup on your deck near your grill is more than enough food for several wasps.

The Best Way to Deal With Wasps

It is always best to have a licensed pest professional handle wasp nest detection, early nest treatments, and the removal of mature nests. There are a few reasons for this:

• Life gets busy. It's easy to forget to do routine checks for wasps nests. When you have ongoing pest control, you don't have to remember. We remember for you.
• Some starter nests can be in difficult locations. A professional uses field-tested methods to address these complicated nest-removal situations.
• A fully-formed nest can present a serious threat. A professional has the equipment and training to address mature nests without creating a threat to you or your family.

Fort Worth Wasp Management And Nest Removal

If you live in Fort Worth, let the team here at All-Safe Pest & Termite guide you in finding the right solution for your wasp and pest control needs. We provide one-time nest removal as well as ongoing residential pest control with coverage for wasps. Connect with us today to learn more or to schedule service.