If you live in Houston, Texas, you’ve likely seen your fair share of wasps buzzing around your backyard. But how much do you really know about these stinging insects? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wasps in Houston, from how to identify them to how to keep them away.
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.
There are several types of wasps that you might encounter in Houston, but the most common ones are hornets and yellow jackets. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Hornets: Hornets are larger than yellow jackets and have a black and white striped pattern on their bodies. They also have a distinct “waist” between their thorax and abdomen. Hornets build large, paper-like nests that can be found in trees, bushes, and under eaves.
Yellow Jackets: Yellow jackets are smaller than hornets and have bright yellow and black stripes on their bodies. They do not have a distinct waist like hornets. These wasps build nests in the ground or in other protected areas such as attics, walls, or crawl spaces.
If you see wasps flying around your yard, there’s a good chance there’s a nest nearby. Here’s how to identify a wasp nest:
Hornet Nests: As mentioned earlier, hornets build large, paper-like nests that are usually found in trees, bushes, and under eaves. These nests can be as big as basketballs and are often shaped like a teardrop.
Yellow Jacket Nests: Yellow jackets build their nests in the ground or in other protected areas such as attics, walls, or crawl spaces. Their nests are made of paper-like material, but are much smaller than hornet nests. They can be as small as a golf ball, or as large as a football.
The best way to deal with wasps is to prevent them from setting up shop in the first place. Here are a few tips for keeping wasps away:
If you do find a wasp nest on your property, it’s important to leave it alone. Wasps can become aggressive when they feel threatened, and attempting to remove a nest yourself could result in painful stings.
Instead, call a professional pest control company to handle the situation. They will have the experience and equipment necessary to safely remove the nest without putting anyone in danger.
In conclusion, while wasps can be a nuisance, they’re an important part of our ecosystem and serve a valuable role in controlling other insect populations. By following these tips and knowing how to identify and handle wasp infestations, you can coexist peacefully with these buzzing neighbors.