Wasps & Hornets
Expert wasp extermination services in St. Louis
Wasps are jerks. They're angry, territorial, and run in packs. They can also pose serious risks to people's health and safety. Let's delve deeper into the dangers of wasps and why it's crucial to address infestations promptly.
The dangers of wasps to people
1. Stings and allergic reactions
Wasps are equipped with stingers that they use to defend themselves and their nests. When threatened or provoked, they can deliver painful stings, which may lead to localized swelling, redness, and discomfort. For some individuals, particularly those allergic to wasp venom, stings can trigger severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as it can be life-threatening without prompt intervention.
2. Multiple stings
Unlike bees, which usually sting once and then die, some wasp species, such as yellowjackets and hornets, can deliver multiple stings without sacrificing their lives. Encountering a swarm of aggressive wasps can result in multiple stings, increasing the risk of adverse reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
3. Nesting in high-traffic areas
Wasps often build their nests in areas frequented by people, such as around homes, schools, parks, and outdoor recreational areas. This proximity increases the likelihood of accidental encounters and potential stings, posing a significant risk, particularly to children and pets who may inadvertently disturb nests while playing.
4. Disturbance and aggression
Wasps are territorial insects, fiercely defending their nests when they perceive a threat. Activities such as mowing the lawn, gardening, or even walking near a nest can trigger defensive behavior, leading to aggressive responses from the colony. Without proper precautions, unsuspecting individuals may find themselves in harm's way.
5. Impact on quality of life
Beyond the physical risks, the presence of wasp infestations can significantly impact people's quality of life. Fear of being stung may restrict outdoor activities, limit enjoyment of outdoor spaces, and cause anxiety and stress, particularly for individuals with previous negative experiences with wasps.
Given these dangers, it's essential to address wasp infestations promptly and effectively to safeguard the well-being of yourself, your family, and your community. Our expert team at Pure Pest is here to combat these bullies of the air. We provide reliable and professional wasp extermination services tailored to your needs. Don't let wasps compromise your safety – contact us today for comprehensive wasp removal solutions around St. Louis.
Common St. Louis wasps and hornets
St. Louis has three primary types of wasp and hornet: wasps, bald-faced-hornets, and yellowjackets.
Wasps
Wasps are voracious apex predators. Adults eat mostly sugar from flowers, but they hunt other insects to feed them to their young. Because they’re territorial and attack in packs, you should call in the experts whenever you find wasps on your property.
Wasps are not a new problem: they first appear in the fossil record of the Jurassic era. Somehow, unlike their dinosaur pals, they avoided mass extinction and were around to “welcome” the first homosapiens.
At Pure Pest, we have a healthy respect for wasps. We appreciate just how dangerous they can be: stings are painful, and can lead to life-threatening consequences for people who suffer from allergies to insect stings. While bee stings are also painful and scary, a bee can only sting once— it loses its stinger the first time it attacks. A wasp does not, which means it can sting you multiple times in quick succession.
The first sting is usually the worst, as it contains the venom that makes the sting painful at best and dangerous at worst. Nevertheless, the ability of one wasp to sting multiple times means that the victim is in danger of having that first venomous sting further exacerbated with each subsequent one.
Bald-faced hornets
Identifiable by their white faces, these cousins of yellowjackets make nests anywhere they can find other insects to eat. These hornets will attack anyone who enters their space, and research says they can even remember people’s faces.
Bald-faced hornets are among the most common stinging insect pests we encounter in St. Louis. They go by other names as well, including blackjacket, white-tailed hornet, bull wasp, and spruce wasp. You can recognize these extra-scary stingers by their whiteheads, and the white stripes it has on the back end of its body.
We refer to bald-faced hornets as “extra scary” because they are very proactive about defending their nests, and may attack humans that come too close to their nest— even without further provocation. Vertebrates (which include humans) who intrude on their nests don’t even need to be stung to be wounded by these guys: they can spray venom into their target’s eyes, causing temporary blindness.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets mostly eat sugars but will bring their larvae meat. They are more calm as far as stinging insects go, but they will protect their nests with their ferocious stingers. Stings can cause severe allergic reactions and a lot of pain. If you have a nest, let us know.
Do you see creepy-looking wasps flying in a side-to-side flight pattern that looks different from the way that other insects fly? You’re probably looking at a Yellowjacket. They are predatory, social wasps and while they are, like many of their cousins, important predators of other insect pests, they are also known for the tiny barbs on their stingers, and for usually stinging repeatedly when they attack. While being stung by a Yellowjacket is always painful, it is usually not dangerous unless the victim is allergic or stung many times.
Since they are social wasps, they live in colonies that can grow to include between 4,000 to 5,000 “workers,” who, among other things, are tasked with colony defense. Why is this important? Because the high volume of worker Yellowjackets in one place means that the potential for repeated stings can’t be dismissed.
If you see signs of a nest— they are usually exposed, aerial nests around the size of a basketball ( though they can get bigger in areas with mild winters)— get yourself away from it and call Pure Pest ASAP! We will send out a technician with the right tools for the job, and you can relax knowing you’ve made the right choice to keep you and your family safe and sting-free.
Our wasp extermination process:
Assessment: We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify areas of wasp activity and assess the severity of the infestation.
Treatment: Using targeted methods, we apply wasp control products specifically formulated to eliminate local wasp species while minimizing environmental impact.
Follow-Up: We schedule follow-up visits as needed to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and address any remaining wasp populations.
Preventive Measures: We provide recommendations for wasp prevention, including sealing entry points and implementing proactive pest control measures.
FAQs About Wasp Removal in St. Louis:
Are wasps dangerous in St. Louis?
Yes, certain wasp species in St. Louis can sting and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
How do I know if I have a wasp infestation?
Look for signs such as seeing wasps flying around your property, discovering nests, or experiencing frequent stings.
Can I remove wasp nests on my own?
While it's possible to remove small nests, professional wasp removal is recommended for safety and effectiveness, especially with larger infestations.
How long does wasp extermination take?
The duration of wasp extermination depends on factors like the size of the infestation and the type of treatment used. Our team will provide an estimate during the initial assessment.
Protect your home or business from wasp infestations with expert wasp extermination services from Pure Pest. Contact us today for effective wasp removal around St. Louis!
