Wildlife Wednesdays: Wasp Season is Here
As we move into late summer and early fall, you may notice more wasps buzzing around your home. This time of year marks the peak of wasp activity as these pests begin preparing for the colder months. Wasps are not just a nuisance—they can be a danger, especially when they’re more aggressive during their fall frenzy. Let’s explore why wasps are so active now, what they're preparing for, and how you can protect your home.
Why Do Wasps Become More Active in Late Summer?
In late summer and early fall, wasp colonies are at their largest. During this time, wasps are busy gathering food to support their growing nests and ensure the queen has enough resources to lay eggs for future generations. While in the early summer they feed on insects and help control pest populations, by late summer, their food sources shift to sweeter options like ripe fruits, sugary drinks, and food scraps.
Wasps Prepare for Winter
As the temperature starts to cool, wasps are also preparing for the next generation of queens to survive through winter. The current queen will soon die, but before that happens, she ensures the colony’s survival by producing new queens. These queens will hibernate through the winter, hidden away in sheltered areas like attics, trees, or even cracks in your home’s exterior, ready to emerge in spring and start new colonies.
This process makes wasps more aggressive as they become protective of their nests and food sources. In their search for sugars, they’re more likely to be seen around homes, patios, and gardens.
Common Signs of Wasp Activity
Here are some signs to look out for as wasps become more prevalent this season:
Increased sightings: If you’re noticing more wasps flying around your home or garden, especially near food or drinks, it’s a sign of increased activity.
Nests: Wasps build their nests in sheltered areas such as under eaves, in attics, or in dense shrubbery. The nests often look like paper or honeycomb structures.
Aggressive behavior: Wasps tend to be more defensive and aggressive as they protect their nests and food sources during this season.
Buzzing noises: If you hear constant buzzing near your home, it could indicate a wasp nest hidden nearby.
How to Protect Your Home from Wasps
To prevent wasps from invading your space this season, here are a few steps you can take:
Keep food covered: Wasps are drawn to sweet foods and drinks. Be sure to cover your food and beverages, especially during outdoor gatherings.
Seal entry points: Check for any cracks, holes, or gaps in your home’s exterior and seal them to prevent wasps from nesting inside your walls or attic.
Remove fruit debris: If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit, as wasps are attracted to overripe fruit on the ground.
Monitor for nests: Regularly check under eaves, decks, and trees for nests. If you spot one, it’s important to have it removed by professionals to avoid aggressive stings.
What to Do If You Find a Wasp Nest
If you discover a wasp nest near your home, it’s best not to handle it yourself. Wasps can become aggressive and sting multiple times, especially when defending their nest. Paragon Pest Control offers expert wasp removal services to keep you and your family safe. We’ll inspect your property, locate the nest, and safely remove it so you can enjoy the rest of the season without worry.
Conclusion
As wasps prepare for winter during late summer and early fall, their activity increases significantly. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, their presence near your home can pose risks. Be proactive by keeping food covered, sealing entry points, and monitoring for nests. And if you’re dealing with a wasp problem, Paragon Pest Control is here to help.
Don’t let wasps ruin your fall season—contact us at (972) 435-9797 or visit paragonpestdfw.com to schedule a wasp inspection and removal today.
Byline:
Paragon Pest Control – Protecting DFW Homes from Wasps and Pests All Year Long
Categories:
Pest Control, Wildlife Wednesdays, Wasp Removal
Tags:
Wasp Control, Wasp Season, Fall Pest Control, Paragon Pest Control, Wildlife Wednesdays, DFW Pest Control