If you’re a homeowner in Glendale, Arizona, chances are you’ve come across some wasps buzzing around your backyard. While these insects can be intimidating, it’s important to understand that not all wasps are created equal. In fact, some species are actually beneficial for controlling other pests in your garden. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common wasps you might see in Glendale and help you learn how to tell them apart.
For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.
Paper wasps are perhaps the most recognizable type of wasp for homeowners. They typically have dark brown bodies with yellow markings and long, slender legs that hang down when they fly. Paper wasps are named for the paper-like nests they build, which are often found hanging from eaves, tree branches, or other protected areas. These nests can be quite large and contain many individual cells where female wasps lay their eggs.
While paper wasps can be aggressive if their nest is threatened, they are generally not as dangerous as some other types of wasps. If you do find a nest on your property, it’s best to leave it alone unless it poses a direct threat to you or your family.
Mud daubers are another type of wasp commonly found in Glendale. These wasps are usually black or metallic blue and have long, thin waists. Unlike paper wasps, mud daubers do not live in colonies and do not build nests. Instead, they create small mud tubes where they lay their eggs. You may see these tubes on the sides of buildings or other structures.
Mud daubers are not typically aggressive towards humans and are actually beneficial for controlling spiders and other pests. If you see mud tubes on your property, you may want to consider leaving them alone to allow the mud daubers to continue their pest control work.
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp that can be identified by their bright yellow-and-black stripes. They are social insects that live in large colonies and build paper nests similar to those of paper wasps. Yellow jacket nests are often found underground or in other concealed locations, and can be quite large and dangerous if disturbed.
Unlike paper wasps and mud daubers, yellow jackets are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to sting multiple times. If you suspect you have a yellow jacket nest on your property, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company to remove it safely.
Bald-faced hornets are a type of wasp that looks similar to yellow jackets but with white markings on their faces and bodies. They build large, gray paper nests that can be found hanging from trees, shrubs, or other outdoor structures. Bald-faced hornets are also known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings.
If you find a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it’s important to have it removed as soon as possible to prevent anyone from getting stung.
Now that you know a bit more about the wasps you might encounter in your Glendale backyard, you can better understand how to identify them and what to do if you come across a nest. Remember, not all wasps are dangerous, and some are even beneficial for controlling other pests. But if you do have concerns about wasps on your property, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for help.