What do they look like?
There are numerous species of wasp in the Pacific Northwest, with hornets also forming a part of this insect family. Wasps have an exoskeleton surrounding a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), three pairs of legs, two compound eyes, antennae, a mouth with a pair of mandibles, a sting and two sets of wings. They generally grow up to one inch in length and are usually recognized by their bright yellow and black markings, though they come in a larger variety of colours. Wasps differ from bees physically by their slender and hairless body, and elongated legs. Bees are furry and their legs are shorter and more robust relative to their bodies. Wasps can be solitary insects or social, depending on the species. Social wasps live as part of a hive colony with a queen. Common wasps include the yellow jacket wasp and bald-faced hornet.
Where do they come from?
Typically, wasps are not found indoors, but do form a threat to people when they form nests in urban areas such as parks, or near commercial and residential structures. Wasps usually travel in search of food for themselves or for their young and as a result, may come within close proximity to people.
Will they cause any damage to my home or business?
Without wasp nest removal and hornet control, these pests can cause significant damage to wood structures including walls, doors, paneling, fencing and furniture. They chew up wood to create a paste of wood pulp from which to construct their hives.
Will they cause me or my family to become sick?
Wasp are mostly non-aggressive, but have the ability to sting repeatedly when disturbed, threatened or to defend their colony. Wasp sting contain venom that may cause a lot of pain, itchiness, swelling and redness around the affected area. Some people will react more severely to the venom and go into anaphylactic shock causing symptoms such as, but not limited to, significant swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and nausea.
Where will I generally find them in my home or business?
Wasp colonies are typically found above ground extending from rooftops or tree branches. Nests may also be found in attics and occasionally built into the root structures of larger plants. These nests are formed in the warmer seasons after queen wasps emerge from winter hibernation.
Why do I have to get rid of them?
By feeding on wooden material, wasps cause cosmetic and structural damage to property in the area where they built their nest. These damages may be costly to fix or replace for property owners. A large presence of wasps in a high traffic urban area poses danger to people located in close proximity. This is especially hazardous when people are caught unaware of nearby nests or are severely allergic to wasp venom.
How can 1st Pest Control help?
At 1st Pest Control we specialize in pest and wildlife remediation, such as hornet control and wasp nest removal. These pests are prevalent throughout single family homes, multi-family buildings and commercial properties in the Lower Mainland. With industry-leading techniques and pest control methods, you can feel secure that your home or business is being treated to the highest industry and safety standards by our Certified Pest Control Technicians. By combining both environmentally-friendly pest control services and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, we will create a specialized treatment program tailored to your specific location and infestation. Our mission is to eradicate pests in your home or business to give you peace of mind and to ensure the safety of you and those you care about.
When can we get started?
Today! Call 1st Pest Control and our Certified Pest Control Technicians and friendly office staff will begin creating a customized treatment program to get your pest problem under control. 1-844-PEST-CANADA (737-8226).
At 1st Pest Control, we aim to help you reclaim your space from pests and wildlife.