What would you consider to be the most dangerous insects in Colorado Springs? When we ponder this question, many creatures come to mind. One that stands out is wasps. These pests come in various shapes, sizes, and color patterns and regularly build their nests on area properties. To help you better understand and control wasps here in Colorado Springs, we have some things you should hear, including a simple secret that is guaranteed to eliminate these pests.
What Wasps Live In Colorado Springs?
There are more than a couple of species of wasps that live here in Colorado Springs. The three most common in our area are European paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Here is how to identify each of these stinging insects.
European paper wasps are ⅝ to ¾” long, brown, and have yellow markings. This pest uses chewed-up wood and paper to build intricate nests on the sides of buildings, trees, and other structures. These wasps have the most painful stings of all the wasps in our area.
Hornets are ¾ to 1 ½” long, brown, have yellow abdominal stripes, and pale faces. Known for being the largest wasps in our area, these pests regularly build large nests that hang from tree branches and underneath the eaves of buildings.
Yellowjackets are ⅜ to ⅝” long, black, and have a yellow pattern on their body and face. Considered the most aggressive species of wasps in our area, this pest builds nests up high and underground inside burrows dug by ground pests like gophers and voles.
The Dangers Of Wasps
All wasps have stingers which they use to fend off predators and hunt prey. Individuals stung by these pests experience mild to severe pain and sometimes more severe symptoms depending on their reaction to insect venom. If you have never been tested to see if you are allergic to insect venom, we highly recommend talking to your doctor and getting any needed tests done to assess your risk.
Prevention Tips That Deter Wasps
Wasps build their nests on properties for a variety of reasons. To fight back against these pests on your property and make your yard as unattractive as possible, here are some helpful prevention tips to use.
- After eating outdoors or hosting a gathering, pick up leftover food and clean up drinks.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors or cleaning out their bowls after every meal.
- Pick up fruits and berries that fall into your yard.
- Fill in holes and burrows throughout your yard.
- Install a fence around your yard that extends underground to keep out ground pests like gophers and voles.
- If you can live without them, remove flowers and other budding plants from your property.
- Use a caulking gun to seal gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your window/door screens are in good working condition.
- Knockdown newly formed wasp nests that are smaller than a golf ball. Make sure no wasps are home when you do this.
What To Do About Wasp Nests On Your Property
The larger a wasp nest grows, the more dangerous it becomes to remove it. If your yard is buzzing with these pests, do not try to remove them on your own. To avoid bodily harm and eliminate the dangerous wasps on your property, let the experts at Beeline Pest Control lend you a helping hand. Our team of licensed technicians has the equipment and training needed to effectively and safely handle wasps. Contact us today to schedule your Colorado Springs property for an emergency service visit.