All About Ground Wasps: What You Need to Know as a Homeowner

As a homeowner, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of insects that you may encounter in your backyard. One type of insect that is commonly found in residential areas is ground wasps. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ground wasps and discuss how you can identify them and manage them safely.

What Are Ground Wasps?

Ground wasps are a type of wasp that builds their nests in the ground. They are also known as solitary wasps because they do not live in large colonies like some other types of wasps. Unlike social wasps, ground wasps do not typically sting unless they feel threatened or provoked.

Types of Ground Wasps

There are several types of ground wasps that you may encounter in your backyard. Some common types include:

• Cicada killers: These ground wasps are large and can grow up to two inches long. They are named after their preferred prey - cicadas. Cicada killers are not aggressive towards humans and will only sting if they feel threatened.
• Yellow jackets: Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp that can build their nests in the ground. They are smaller than cicada killers but can be more aggressive. Yellow jackets are attracted to sweet foods and beverages, so it’s important to keep your outdoor eating areas clean and free of crumbs and spills.
• Paper wasps: Paper wasps are another type of social wasp that can build their nests in the ground. They are named after the papery material that they use to construct their nests. Paper wasps are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they will defend their nests if they feel threatened.

Identifying Ground Wasps

One way to identify ground wasps is by their appearance. Cicada killers are large and have a reddish-brown body with yellow markings on their abdomen. Yellow jackets are smaller and have black and yellow striped bodies. Paper wasps are slender with narrow waists and have a brownish-red body with yellow markings.

Another way to identify ground wasps is by their behavior. Cicada killers are often seen flying low to the ground and hunting for cicadas. Yellow jackets are attracted to sweet foods and may be seen hovering around garbage cans and outdoor eating areas. Paper wasps are often seen buzzing around flowers and plants.

Managing Ground Wasps

If you have ground wasps in your backyard, it’s important to manage them safely to prevent stings to yourself, your family, and your pets. Here are some tips for managing ground wasps:

• Avoid provoking them: Do not disturb ground wasps or their nests. If you must walk near a nest, do so slowly and calmly to avoid agitating the wasps.
• Remove food sources: Keep your outdoor eating areas clean and free of crumbs and spills. This will help to deter yellow jackets from building their nests in your backyard.
• Use traps: There are several types of traps that can be used to catch and kill ground wasps. These traps can be purchased at most garden supply stores.
• Call a professional: If you have a large infestation of ground wasps, it may be best to call a pest control professional to manage the problem safely.

In conclusion, ground wasps are a common backyard pest that homeowners should be familiar with. By learning about the different types of ground wasps and understanding how to manage them safely, you can keep your family and pets safe while enjoying your outdoor living spaces.

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