It's no secret that wasps can be a real pain in the neck, but as we head into fall, you might find them acting "crankier" than usual. Wasps become more territorial and aggressive around late summer and early fall as food becomes scarce. So if you're seeing more wasps than before around your home, it might be time to take some precautions!
Below, we will explore the reasons behind fall-time wasp aggression and provide some tips on how to avoid being stung.
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Wasp Aggression Increases as Competition for Increasingly Scarce Food Increases
As the weather starts to cool down in late summer, wasps begin to prepare for winter. By this time, the nests of social wasps (like yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets) are at their biggest; therefore, the colony members need more food than before to support their large population.
At the same time, wasp food sources like nectar, fruit, and other insects become increasingly scarce due to the cooler weather. This puts wasps in a tough position: they have to compete with each other for sustenance while food sources continue to shrink. This can make wasps behave more aggressively than earlier in the year.
Tips for Avoiding Wasp Stings
Now that we know why wasps are more aggressive in fall, let's talk about how to avoid being stung.
- First and foremost, try to avoid wasp nests if possible. If you see a nest on your property, call a professional exterminator to have it removed. Attempting "DIY" nest removal can be dangerous to you and those around you!
- If you are outdoors and see a wasp, try to stay calm. If you try to swat at a wasp that has simply flown over to investigate you, it's likely to become agitated and sting you. Instead, stay still or slowly walk away from the wasp until it loses interest in you. Avoid abrupt movements.
- You can avoid attracting wasps to you by not wearing brightly colored clothing or perfume/cologne when you know wasps will be present (i.e., picnics, barbecues, etc.).
- If you are eating or drinking outdoors, be sure to keep food and drinks covered as wasps are attracted to sweet smells.
- Do a quick scan around your property for wasp nests before using equipment like a lawn mower or leaf blower. The vibrations sent out by this loud equipment can anger wasps and make them attack.
- If you are stung by a wasp,treat the sting immediately to reduce inflammation and avoid infection.
Charlotte Wasp Control
At Sage Pest Control, our pest professionals provide expert wasp removal services in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Garner, Concord, and the surrounding area. Schedule your service with us today by giving us a call at (704) 413-3398 or contacting us online.