The Risks of Ignoring a Wasp Infestation in Your Backyard

Wasps can be seen most of the time in the warmer season with activities mainly in gardens and yards. Even though they might be not so dangerous at first sight, the wasp infestation can become a big problem quite soon. If you leave it alone, it presents a myriad of health and safety dangers for you and your loved ones, as well as the gradual structural deterioration of your home. You are going to learn how dangerous it is to leave a wasp nest in your backyard uncared for, and why you must call professional wasp removal services as soon as you notice the problem.

Understanding Wasps

To fully appreciate the dangers that wasps pose, it is helpful first to know what wasps are and what causes them to act this way.

What Are Wasps?

Wasps are members of the Hymenoptera order as well as bees and ants. Unlike bees, wasps are predators and often can be more aggressive than their colleagues. They are slipper-shaped insects and have sharp apparatuses in the shape of pointed needles which are used to inject poison in their prey. There are two main types of wasps commonly found in backyards:

• Social Wasps: These nest in large groups with species such as yellowjackets and hornets. They prefer to make their nest in a sheltered area either in the corner of the house under eaves, bush or even digging a hole in the ground.



• Solitary Wasps: They construct their burrow or nest. Mud Dauber is the famous solitary wasp. It can be painful if stinged by solitary wasps though not as aggressive as the social wasps.

How Wasps Build Their Nests?

Wasps use a material they make from wood pulp that they have chewed together with their saliva in constructing nests. The nest structure also looks like a honeycomb, hexagonal shapes are used to accommodate larvae and eggs. Accordingly, wasp nests may develop quite significantly observing dimensions of several feet in diameter based on the species.

Wasps commonly choose well-secluded, quiet areas, where they can nest in trees and shrubs; in attics, sheds, and eaves of some homes. These nests are normally small at the start, though they can become larger rather quickly.

The Risks of Ignoring a Wasp Infestation

Although solitary wasps may cause inconvenience and mild discomfort, a colony around your house is something that should be avoided. Ignoring the issue can result in the following risks:

Stings and Allergic Reactions

The possible effect of wasp invasion is the straightforward likelihood of being stung. The wasps being sting-less are territorial and will attack or sting in defence of their colonies. In a single sting, one might feel a burning sensation or redness while in the case of multiple stings, one would suffer from severe pain and huge swellings.

Sometimes people can get a serious reaction to a wasp sting which is also called anaphylaxis. This deadly condition results in signs that include trouble breathing and swallowing, throat constriction, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Anaphylaxis, if not treated early, requires medical attention and in severe cases causes death.

Not everybody is allergic to wasp venom but if he or she has had a reaction to stings in the past then the danger that is posed is high. In such instances, the best thing to do is to deal with a wasp problem without wasting much time.

Increased Aggression as Nests Grow

Wasps are relatively more aggressive towards human beings during the last quarter of summer and the whole of autumn because their colonies are their largest. There is however a noticeable increase in the chances of a sting once the nests become many, and the colony is larger. Outlined, wasps are more likely to act defensively around their nests, and in case, they will use force to chase away an intruder. This could range from things such as humans coming too close to the nest or pets frolicking around the vicinity.

If the infestation is ignored, you may find other nests in your backyard, and this raises the likelihood of interacting with furious wasps. It could be brought out by a seemingly innocuous activity like mowing the lawn or simply sitting outside.

Structural Damage to Property:

That’s also true for wasps for they can nib on the constructions nearby. It’s important to note that they build their nests from wood fibers which they then have to chaw and add saliva to form. Although it doesn’t bring heavy problems in a short period, it can bring the structure of wooden surfaces if the nest becomes very large.

Further, the same issue of construction as well as the growth of nests over time puts pressure on other related materials within the building and could lead to more long-term effects. For example, a wasp nest constructed under the roof eaves may cause the actual breakdown of the construction material at some point in time if it is left unattended.

Danger to Pets and Children:

Kids and pets, especially dogs are playful and are not in a position to discern the risk that comes with wasps. Hitches can be established when a child decides to play close to a nest and will most likely cause the stinging. In the same way, pet animals that dig gardens or play near a nest are likely to trigger an attack.

Because wasps use a sting to defend their nests, and the pain from the sting could be severe, an infestation presence is a threat not only to grown-ups but also to children who may not comprehend the severity of the danger.

Attracting Other Pests:

The existence of wasp nests also invites other pests to come to your backyard. Some wasps feed on flies, caterpillars and spiders, hence the probability of other types of insects being found around your home increases when there is the presence of wasps. While searching for food, wasps will also interfere with, or provoke other insects that may be a threat to your plants or house.

Also, wasps like to sting rotten fruits or anything sweet such as soft drinks and sweet foods. If you have many such items in the backyard, you may inadvertently get more wasps or other pests, for example, ants or rodents in the house.

Stress and Anxiety

Wasps are not only physically dangerous, a wasp infestation also affects psychologically you and your family members. Children are forced to be scared of playing outside while adults will stop going for outings or having fun in the compound.

An aggressive-sized nest can also bring a feeling of discomfort to a home or an outdoor space thus negatively affecting one’s ability to relax and or host company on the compound.

Potential for Fire Hazard:

Although not very common, more often wasp nests can cause a fire threat. Some of the pests include; Paper wasps, this species prefers to nest in the attics or inside walls. In some way, if a nest is located close to electrical wiring there is a small possibility of a fire from electrical failure or electrical fire. Despite this, this is not very often observed and you have to consider this if the nest is vast and it is situated in a risky area.

Why You Should Act Fast?

Based on the facts mentioned above, it is advisable to take action immediately if you see a wasp nest in your backyard. Here are several reasons why prompt action is critical:

• Preventing Nest Expansion
  
  The wasp is an insect that reproduces actively; a queen can lay hundreds of eggs every year. The longer one waits the greater the size of a nest will become and the greater the threat it poses. This way a nest will not grow to a level where it becomes a major threat to your house, loved ones, or pets.



• Minimizing the Risk of Stings
  
  This is especially because most stinging takes place when wasps are provoked or they sting in defence of their territory. However if one approaches the nest there is a high likelihood that the wasp will sting you, a small nest may contain a larger number of wasps than a large one and may not attack vigorously.



• Reducing Property Damage:
  
  When it grows, it can cause more severe destruction to your property or house in this case as a nest. Industrial accidents can therefore prove to be expensive to manage and fix. In this case, it would be wise to attend to the problem before you end up with costly repairs to your eaves, siding, and other areas infested with the nest.



• Preventing a Larger Insect Problem:
  
  This is bad since a wasp nest that has not been properly tended to will attract other insects, making your backyard the local insect hub. This may apply to your garden just as it may apply to your house, its interior included. It is far better to get rid of the nest at the beginning to prevent further aggravation of the situation.

What You Should Do?

If you discover a wasp infestation in your backyard, here are steps to take:

• Identify the Nest Location:
  Recognise the location of the nest first before doing anything about it. This will in turn assist you in planning how to safely deal with the issue at hand. It is equally wrong to try to get rid of wasp nests without the necessary precautions and a good plan.



• Stay Safe:
  Family members who are allergic to wasp stings should not come near the nest and should seek the services of wasp eradication experts. It is however good to avoid being stung, even if you are not a holder of an allergic reaction to bee stings put on long sleeves, gloves and goggles.



• Seek Professional Help:
  The best and recommended manner of dealing with wasp nuisance is to consult a professional pest controller. These experts have the necessary information and equipment to remove this nest and stop the animals from coming into your home.

Conclusion

It’s a big mistake not to pay attention to wasps nesting in your backyard. Wasp stings, allergies, nuisance and an increase in territorial behaviour to defend the nest pose major threats. If a wasp infestation occurs in your home, you won’t have to lose your home or the safety and security of your family as well as your sanity by hesitating to do the right thing. If you have any doubts or you feel uncomfortable dealing with the problem on your own then you should call a pest control service. It means that you shouldn’t hesitate to take some measures so that such incidents won’t happen in your backyard again and your territory will be safe for children and adults as well.