Bees & Wasps

Wasps & Hornets

Description:  Smooth bodies with a variety of colors and shapes. Generally 1/2" to 3/4" in length. Habitat:  Forage outdoors and nest in structures & trees. Some may be solitary such as the mud duaber and others are social such as the paper wasps. Social groups with large nests are more dangerous than the solitary wasps. Food:  Primarily feed on other insects. Damage/Signs of Presence:  Can pose painfull stings. Location of nest and seeing live wasps. Life Cycle:  Complete Metamorphosis Egg, Larva, Pupa & Adult. Populations peek in late summer early Fall. Management:  Treating nesting sites with dusts or residules.

Yellow Jackets

Description:  5/8" to 1" in length and generally Black and Yellow in color. Habitat:  Nest in ground, old railroad ties or wall voids. Will see foraging outside. Food:  Primarily feed on insects in the Spring but are attracted to people food such as sweets and meats. Damage/Signs of Presence:  Serious stings that some people may be allergic to with severe reactions. Life Cycle:  Complete Metamorphosis Egg, Larva, Pupa & Adult. Colonies are at the highes level in late summer early fall. Management:  Sanitation, keep garbage secured. Treatments to nests are most effective. Do not try this yourself during the day. Yellow Jackets are very territorial and this could be dangerous. Call a professional.