If you have never encountered a wasp nest, consider yourself lucky. Many of the Texans that do encounter one attempt to knock it down, only to incur the wrath of the entire colony. Most times this doesn’t end well. Wasps can be aggressive when provoked, and attack when they perceive a threat to their nest. Provoked or not, the sting or stings are unpleasant.

Wasps Common To The Area

There are two types of wasps that frequent East Texas. Considering that there are 4,000 species in the United States, we should be grateful there isn’t more in our city.

• The mud dauber wasp – Named for its nest built from mud. You will see these nests under eaves, stuck to concrete walls, and in apartment complex breezeways. Any place where they can be out of the harsh elements, but still outdoors. These nests will last years if undisturbed. The mud dauber is usually only aggressive when threatened.
• The paper wasp – Named for their nests built from a paper-like substance they produce. These wasps build their nests on horizontal surfaces, preferring tree branches, garages, barns, and sheds. Extremely territorial and aggressive, they have a nasty sting that is incredibly painful. Known to cause an anaphylactic reaction to those that are allergic.

Proactive prevention is the best approach when dealing with wasps. Educating yourself on ways to make your property unwelcoming will help.

What Attracts Wasps To My Yard?

Many factors will attract wasps onto your property. The problem is, most of the things they are attracted to are enjoyed by humans as well, so eliminating those factors isn’t so easy.

• Flowers – Wasps like flowers. They are attracted to the sweet nectar as a food source, but also, they enjoy the smell. Maybe they are just taking time to smell the roses, but whatever the reason, humans that enjoy their flower gardens aren’t likely to give them up to reduce the wasp population.
• Meat – Wasps need protein, so the meat is a natural attraction for them. Have you ever been to a BBQ, and had wasps try to help themselves to your steak? They are a terrible nuisance at backyard outings.
• Fruit trees – Dropped rotting fruit is another attractor. You should keep the dropped fruit picked up. Use caution when disposing of fruit, many people are stung when they reach for the fruit. Try using an extension grabber, so you can maintain a safe distance.
• Insects – As we said earlier, wasps like protein. This includes insects. Mud dauber wasps will even eat black widow spiders.

Reducing Wasp Attractors

The best possible solution is to reduce harborage areas for wasps, but this is easier said than done. To eliminate all potential nesting sites would mean removing the eves and covered porches of your home. This, of course, cannot happen, but there are some things you can do.

• Remove any food sources, this includes garbage cans, empty soda cans, dropped fruit from trees, and other insects.
• Check for sources of stagnant water, removing these water sources will help with many insect issues.
• Grow plants that naturally repel the wasp such as mint, thyme, or lemongrass.

Do Not Attempt This Without Professional Assistance

We know you are brave and think you can do this on your own, but please don’t. Wasps are very aggressive when you attack their babies. Let the professionals at EcoArmor Pest Defense do the dangerous work, and you can get back to BBQing in your Anna backyard in peace. Call for a free estimate today, or to find out more about our wasp control and prevention services.