Are you curious about the wasps buzzing around your backyard in St. Petersburg, Florida? These insects are fascinating creatures, but they can also be a nuisance or even dangerous if you disturb their nests. In this article, we’ll introduce you to three common types of wasps in St. Petersburg and provide information on how to identify them and safely deal with their nests.
For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.
Paper wasps are slender, elongated wasps that can be identified by their thin waist and long legs. They have black and yellow stripes on their bodies and can grow up to an inch long. Paper wasps build their nests from paper-like materials, which give them their name. You’ll often find these nests hanging from branches, eaves, or other protected areas.
Paper wasps are generally not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. If you see a paper wasp nest in your yard, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing it. If you need to remove a paper wasp nest, do so at night when the wasps are less active. Wear protective clothing and use insecticide spray according to the product instructions.
Yellow jackets are perhaps the most well-known type of wasp. They’re named for their bright yellow and black stripes and are often mistaken for bees. However, yellow jackets have a slimmer waist and longer wings than bees. Their nests are made from a papery material like those of paper wasps, but they are usually found underground or in cavities such as tree hollows.
Yellow jackets are aggressive and will sting repeatedly if they feel threatened. If you see a yellow jacket nest in your yard, stay away from it and contact a professional pest control service to remove it. Attempting to remove a yellow jacket nest yourself can be dangerous.
Bald-faced hornets are impressive-looking wasps that can grow up to an inch long. They’re mostly black with white markings on their face and abdomen. Bald-faced hornets build large, grayish-white nests made from a paper-like substance. Their nests are usually found high up in trees or on buildings.
Like yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets are very defensive of their nests and will attack if they feel threatened. If you find a bald-faced hornet nest in your yard, stay away from it and contact a professional pest control service.
Identifying a wasp nest can help you determine what type of wasp is living inside. Wasp nests can range in size from a small golf ball to a basketball-sized structure. They can be found in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, attics, and walls.
If you suspect that there’s a wasp nest in your yard, observe the area from a safe distance to see if you can spot any wasps entering or exiting. Use caution when approaching a wasp nest, and never attempt to touch or knock it down.
Now that you know more about the common types of wasps in St. Petersburg, Florida, you can better understand how to coexist with them safely. Remember to always keep a safe distance from wasp nests and call a professional if you need help removing one. With this knowledge, you can enjoy watching these fascinating insects without putting yourself or your family at risk.