Wasps and yellow jackets are just a few of the common stinging insects that you’ll find swarming around your home in Tampa, FL. However, it’s not always easy to identify the species. Was it a wasp, or could it have been a yellow jacket? McCall Service has the scoop on how to spot these buzzing insects in your yard and what to do if you want to avoid their stings.
3 Differences Between Wasps and Yellow Jackets
Appearance
Wasps vary in color and size, ranging from large bald-faced hornets to colorful yellow jackets. Yes, you read that correctly: Yellow jackets are wasps. However, not every wasp is a yellow jacket. A yellow jacket grows to about an inch in length and has a brightly colored yellow body with black banding. These wasps are easy to spot and can be found buzzing around your food and drinks outdoors.
Behavior
Yellow jackets are extremely aggressive and will chase you for hundreds of yards. Other wasps are also aggressive depending on the species. For example, mud daubers are usually docile around humans, but hornets will attack you if they feel threatened. It’s important to contact a pest control professional in Tampa, FL if you’re allergic to bee and wasp stings and find a nest anywhere on your property.
Nesting
Many wasp species build paper nests in trees and other structures. You may have seen paperlike nests hanging from your porches. Paper wasps are very common and pose a threat to people and pets. Sometimes they’ll nest inside abandoned cars or sheds. Solitary wasps like the mud dauber pose little threat to people, but social wasps like the yellow jacket can be quite dangerous if they’re disturbed.
Professional Pest Control for Stinging Insects
It’s always best to avoid wasps and yellow jackets if they’re flying nearby. Depending on the species, they can become very aggressive if you disturb them. If you’ve spotted a nest around your home, contact McCall Service to find out more about our pest control services. We’ll identify the species and take the appropriate action to treat the infestation before it turns into a real problem down the road.
