Boise Idaho is one of the best place to live because of its affordable cost of living, great education opportunities and low population density. But one of the cons of living here is the challenging weather. In the summer and spring months, it can get hot quickly, which leads to an increase of wasp activity. As the weather starts to warm up, you may start to see more and more wasps flying around. While most people are intimidated by these stinging insects, wasps can be quite beneficial in the garden. However, if they start to build their nests too close to your home, they can become a nuisance. There are a few different types of wasp nests, each with its own characteristics. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid getting stung and how to deal with wasp nests. In this article, we will discuss the different types of wasp nests so that you can be on the lookout for them.
What is a Wasp Nest?
A wasp nest is a structure that wasps build to house their colony. Wasps will build their nests out of chewed-up wood and saliva, which forms a paperlike material. Nests can be found in various locations, including trees, bushes, eaves, and even inside homes.
While most people think of wasps as pests, they can be beneficial to have around. Wasps eat many different insects, including flies, caterpillars, and beetles. This makes them great natural pest control for your garden. However, wasps can become a problem when they build their nests too close to your home. When wasps feel threatened, they will sting. If you are allergic to wasp stings, a single sting can be deadly. For this reason, it is important to know how to identify a wasp nest so that you can take steps to avoid them.
Types of Wasp Nests in Boise, Idaho
Wasps are incredible architects that help rid our yard of harmful pests and pollinate plants. Some species of wasps will live solitary lives, while others will build large nests to house their entire colony. Depending on the type of wasp, their nests can be found in various locations. The most common types of wasp nests are:
Paper wasp nests look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open and can get quite large, with a single stalk consisting of paperlike material supporting them. You will usually find paper wasp nests hanging from eaves, trees, and bushes. They can also be found on porch ceilings, window and door frames, roof overhangs, attic rafters, and under decks.
While paper wasps are not as aggressive as other types of wasps, they will sting if they feel threatened. Therefore, if you have a paper wasp nest on your property, it is best to leave it alone and call a professional to remove it.
Mud daubers are a type of wasp that build their nests out of the mud. The female mud daubers build long, cylindrical cells made of dried mud, each containing a single egg. These are small and tubular in size, often found near cracks or crevices and mostly on vertical surfaces like the sides of homes or sheds. Mud daubers are not aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked.
The yellowjacket’s nest is a papery material with one opening. The interior of these nests can contain up to 100 cells. They like to nest underground, but you may find them in tree hollows or under the hood of an abandoned vehicle.
Yellowjackets use their mandibles (mouth parts) to chew up plant fibers and create a grayish-brown papery substance. They then apply this in layers beginning in early spring, continuing through the year until winter, when they abandon it.
The nests are often found at least three feet off the ground and can grow as large as a football or basketball. They’re made up of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, They are grey-colored and paperlike, but they have a distinctive look compared to yellowjackets. Bald-faced hornets are aggressive wasps that will repeatedly sting without harming themselves. These stings can be painful and, in some cases, even deadly. If you come across a bald-faced hornet nest, it is best to call a professional for removal.
How to Get Rid of a Wasp’s Nest?
If you find a wasp’s nest on your Boise, Idaho property, the best course of action is to call a professional for removal. Removing a wasp’s nest on your own can be dangerous and is not recommended.
There are various ways to get rid of wasps, depending on the type of nest and the level of infestation. A professional can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Some common methods for getting rid of wasps include:
- Chemical Sprays: There are a variety of chemical sprays that can be used to kill wasps. These should only be used as a last resort and by someone who is trained in their use.
- Trapping: Wasps can be trapped using various methods, including sticky and electric traps.
- Physical Removal: In some cases, the nest can be physically removed from the property. This should only be done by a professional with the proper equipment.
Preventive measures to keep wasps away is the best way to avoid dealing with them in the first place. Some things you can do to keep wasps away include:
- Keep food and garbage sealed and stored properly.
- Repair any cracks or holes in your home that could provide access for wasps.
- Trim back any bushes or trees that provide potential nesting sites.