How to Identify a Wasp Infestation in Florida

Wasp is one such pesky insect Floridians often encounter.

As the weather warms up in Florida, several different insects and bugs begin to reappear and linger around the property. Wasp is one such pesky insect Floridians often encounter. A wasp infestation, indoors or outdoors, is dreaded due to these pests' violent and aggressive behavior and ability to gnaw through the property's wooden parts.

Cicada Killers, Paper Wasps, Mud Dauber, and Yellow Jackets are the common types of wasps found in Florida. A wasp nest on the property or an infestation can cause significant inconvenience. Therefore, property owners should learn to identify the signs of wasp infestation to get rid of them as soon as possible. Please keep reading to learn how to determine if wasps have taken up residence on a property:

Spotting wasps around the property

An obvious sign of a wasp infestation is seeing wasps flying around the property. Wasps have slender bodies, long wings, and yellow and black striped bands or patterned brown and yellow markings. Usually, a single or few wasp sightings in or near the home is not a cause of concern. But when the sightings become more frequent or noticing significant swarms indicates a wasp infestation somewhere in the property's periphery. To locate the nest, follow the flight path of the wasps.

Check for chewed wood

Some wasp species build their nests by chewing the wood and breaking it down. In addition, wasp larvae use wood as their food source. If the wasp has invaded the property, one will notice small burrowed holes in the exterior wooden surfaces like fences, porches, trees, and firewood. However, it is best to call a pest control service to determine if it is a wasp infestation causing the wood damage, as termites and carpenter ants also chew wood.

Unexplained buzzing noises

Wasps produce loud, consistent, unusual buzzing or tapping noises while building nests. Even if one can't see a wasp nest, hearing the sign of their activity can indicate their presence somewhere in or near the house. More wasps mean louder noises.

Spotting a wasp nest

A wasp nest on the property is another telltale sign of an active wasp infestation. Wasps build their nest in hidden, sheltered areas for protection from the elements. Some common home areas where wasps are likely to build a nest include garages, attics, chimneys, awnings, bird boxes, sheds, fence corners, bushes, tree trunks, and beneath the roof. Wasps have distinctive nests, often light in color with a grayish tone, and look paper-like. Wasp nests can be built from mud particles or chewed wood, depending on the species. However, only attempt to remove or destroy the wasp nest with professional assistance.

Safeguard the property from wasps

Wasps can invade properties looking for a food source, nesting site, or a safe place to hibernate. A wasp infestation is dangerous and troublesome. If there is a possible wasp infestation on a property, always call a local pest control company to handle the problem. Professional exterminators can identify the issue quickly and safely, and efficiently remove the wasp nest to eliminate the problem from its root.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!