The Do’s and Don’ts of Paper Wasp Control

What do you need to know about wasp control inside and outside of your home? The paper wasp is a common type of household pest that you can find almost everywhere in Minnesota. If your home has a paper wasp infestation, take a look at the do's and don'ts of pest removal.

Do Know What a Paper Wasp Is—And Isn’t

Before you take the next steps, make sure that you know which pest you have inside or outside of your home.

Paper wasps can sting, which makes them more than just a nuisance. If you aren't sure what type of flying pest is the problem, look at the would-be wasp from a safe distance—such as from behind a closed window.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, the paper wasp is brown with yellow markings, slender, and has legs that are one-half to one full inch long. The National Pest Management Association's PestWorld website also notes that this type of wasp may have reddish markings, has six legs, and can range in size from 5/5 to ¾-inch.

Along with the pests themselves, it's also possible to identify the invader by its nest. As the name implies, the paper wasp builds its nest out of a papery type of material. The paper wasp's nest is an umbrella shape with an exposed comb of cells. You can usually find under a flat or horizontal surface, such as an eave, attic beam, shed roof, overhang, or even a tree limb.

Don't Ignore the Pest Problem

Do you see an umbrella-shaped, paper-like nest on or in your home? Is the nest in an out-of-the-way area, such as under your roof or below a second-story gutter? A wasp nest that is on your home is different from one that is under a far-away tree limb.

Even though it may not seem like a problem, you should never ignore a wasp nest that is on or in your house. Without intervention, the nest will not go away on its own. This means it could grow, the wasps could move into another area of the home, or the pests could get inside through an open window or a door.

Do Call a Professional

Have you seen a few wasps flying around the exterior of your home? While a wasp or two that happens to fly by your house—or even get into it—isn't something for most homeowners to worry about, a nest is a different story. Most nests only contain up to 100 paper wasps, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Even though the nest isn't filled with thousands of ready-to-sting wasps, it is still a home hazard.

Bug sprays may not work and could aggravate the wasps inside the nest instead of quickly eliminating them. This could force the wasps out of the nest and on to you. Physical elimination methods, such as nest removal, could also put you at risk for more than just one sting. Paper wasps and other social wasps will defend their nests from a threat.

A non-allergic reaction to a paper wasp sting could include pain, redness, burning, and swelling of the area for up to one week. Some people experience a mild allergic reaction, such as hives, a rash, or an upset stomach. People with severe allergies to wasps could go into anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening reaction that makes it hard to breathe.

If you or a household member is allergic to wasps or unsure about an allergy, stay far away from these pests until the professional exterminates them and removes the nest.

Don't Choose Just Any Pest Management Company

Not all pest control contractors are the same. Some companies specialize in wasps, while others may either include wasps in their menu of services or not exterminate the pest at all. Before you hire a contractor, make sure that the technicians have extensive experience locating wasp nests, identifying paper wasps, removing the nests safely, and eliminating the problem from residential settings.

Along with talking to the pest control contractor about the services the company offers or the specialties they have, ask for references. These should include real reviews from past or current customers. You can also talk to neighbors, family members, friends, or other people you know who live in your locale and have used pest control services for wasp extermination in the past.

Do Ask About Routine Pest Control Maintenance

Pest control isn't always a one-time service. Paper wasps don’t reuse their nests year after year. This means they could return next spring or summer. Routine pest control services can help to stop a problem before it goes from minor to major.

Do you need professional pest extermination services for a wasp infestation in or outside of your home? Contact Paffy's Pest Control for more information on your options.