Our Okanagan Pest Control Experts Answer Commonly Asked Questions About Wasps and Hornets

Summer in the sun-kissed valleys of Okanagan and the bustling streets of Kelowna is a harbinger of serenity…until the local wasps and hornets decide to reign hell on your yard.

While these winged warriors are a natural part of the ecosystem, close encounters are…well, less than pleasant, to say the least. If they’ve made a home in your outdoor spaces, we need to act quickly.

Our pest control experts are buzzing with answers to all your burning questions about managing wasps and hornets so your outdoor activities remain pleasant and sting-free.

Q1. What’s the difference between wasps and hornets?

Wasps and hornets are often lumped together, but they have differences that can affect how you handle them. Wasps, generally, are less bulky than hornets and can appear in different colours. Hornets are a subset of wasps; they tend to be larger and are usually black and white or black and yellow.

Wasps can be either social or solitary, and their nests are often open and made of a papery substance. Hornets, on the other hand, build large, enclosed nests that resemble paper mâché balloons and are typically found high up in trees or under eaves.

Hornets are also more aggressive (yay us!) than most wasps and can be more dangerous due to their ability to sting multiple times in defence of their nest. Needless to say, you shouldn’t get on their bad side.

Q2. Why do I have wasps in my Okanagan yard?

Wasps are attracted to areas that provide ample food sources. Think lawns with lots of insects or spaces where you may consume food and drinks more frequently. Garbage and compost bins that aren't tightly sealed can also attract wasps looking for a meal.

Their favourite nesting spots are structures around your home, such as eaves, overhangs, or abandoned burrows.

Q3. What risks do wasps and hornets pose?

The primary danger from wasps and hornets comes from their stings, which can be painful and cause significant reactions. If you have allergies, a sting can trigger anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. This is quite rare, though.

Even for those without allergies, multiple stings or a sting near sensitive areas like the face or neck can be particularly dangerous.

Q4. What attracts wasps and hornets to my property?

A bunch of things, actually:

• Food Sources: Wasps and hornets are attracted to protein-rich foods, which are plentiful during barbecues or outdoor events. Sweet substances like sodas and fruit juices also lure them in.
• Gardens: Flowering plants and gardens attract them due to the abundance of insects they can prey on or the nectar they provide.
• Garbage and Compost: Open or poorly managed garbage and compost bins can provide a feast for wasps.
• Structural Gaps: Wasps look for sheltered places to build their nests, such as in wall voids, under eaves, or within attics, especially if these areas are undisturbed.
• Water Sources: Like many pests, wasps need water to survive, so birdbaths, pet water bowls, or poorly drained areas in your yard can attract them.

Q5. How can I distinguish between wasps and bees?

Wasps and hornets have slender bodies with narrow waists, less hair, and are usually shinier compared to bees. Bees are generally more hairy and appear more 'fuzzy' which helps in pollen collection.

You can also distinguish them through their behaviour. Wasps can be more aggressive, especially when threatened, and unlike bees, can sting multiple times. Bees are generally more docile (that’s why we love them!) unless provoked and die after stinging as their stinger is barbed and detaches from their body.

Lastly, their nests are a dead giveaway. Wasps and hornets create nests from paper-like material and prefer aerial or sheltered locations. Bees construct wax-based hives.

Q6. How do I safely remove a wasp nest?

Removing a wasp nest can be risky without the right knowledge, tools and safety gear, which is why it’s always best to call in pest professionals. However, if you decide to have a go at it, here’s how to approach it safely:

• Assess the Nest: Determine the size and accessibility of the nest. Small, newly started nests could be handled if done with care, but larger or inaccessible nests require professional help.
• Timing is Important: Approach the nest during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening, when wasps are less active.
• Always Use Protection: Wear protective clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves, a mask, and goggles. Make sure there are no holes in it.
• Effective Products: Use eco-friendly wasp sprays that allow you to maintain a safe distance. Sprays that freeze the wasps on contact can reduce the risk of stings.
• Know When to Call for Help: If the nest is large, in a difficult location, or if you're allergic to stings, it’s safest to call us in. We have the expertise and equipment to remove nests safely and effectively.

Here are some tips on what NOT to do when removing a wasp nest.

Q7. Can I prevent wasps from coming back?

You can, for sure, make your outdoor area less inviting for nesting to keep the wasps away. But the truth is, wasps are pretty resilient. Hacks are a hit or miss. They don’t always work. Here are some tips:

• Make sure the garbage is regularly disposed of and compost bins are covered to avoid attracting wasps with food scents.
• Keep pet food indoors and promptly clean up any food residues outside.
• Manage water by eliminating sources where wasps may drink or breed, such as bird baths or clogged gutters.
• Plant wasp-repelling plants like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella to deter wasps while beautifying your garden.

Other proven and more permanent solutions to keep wasps out of your space are:

• Wasp and hornet traps. This is our WaspShield service. This creates a defensive barrier through prevention. We use a trap system to limit wasps on your property. When our technicians visit, they complete a comprehensive catalogue of your yard, looking for wasp hot spots and place traps in the most ideal positions throughout the property.

Q8: What are the signs of a serious wasp infestation?

Identifying early signs of a serious wasp infestation can prevent the situation from escalating.

• Large Numbers of Wasps: Seeing many wasps around your home or yard, especially in late summer or early fall, indicates a potential infestation. Check around food areas or trash bins and more frequent, particularly aggressive interactions near their nesting sites.
• Visible Nests: Finding a wasp nest on or near your property, such as in eaves, trees, or under the ground, suggests an infestation. The nests may be different sizes and are made of a papery substance.
• Aggressive Behavior: If wasps become unusually aggressive or territorial, especially when you approach their nest, it could signal a larger infestation.
• Stings: Multiple stings in a short period can indicate a nearby nest. Wasps often sting when they feel threatened or are protecting their nest.
• Damage: Also, check for visible damage to woodwork or siding where wasps may be nesting.

In case you see any of these signs, consult a pest control professional to safely assess and manage this waspy situation. We also offer emergency wasp nest removal that you can book here.

Q9. What should I do if a wasp stings me?

If you get stung by a wasp, take immediate action to minimize the reaction:

• If visible, gently scrape out the stinger using a credit card or your fingernail. Avoid squeezing it, which can release more venom.
• Wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Apply ice or a cold pack to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort.
• Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, or a rash. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Q10. When should I call you guys in?

When wasp issues escalate beyond home remedies, it’s time to call us in. We’ve done this countless times and know the drill. Our wasp and hornet control team is trained to deal with infestations safely and quickly, minimizing disruption to your home and daily life. For us, it’s not just about addressing the immediate problem but also implementing preventative measures that keep wasps away.

Get a free estimate today or book one of our packages that provide year-round protection against all sorts of pests from wasps and hornets to ants, spiders, rodents and more.

We are proud to provide our services all over Western Canada including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, in addition to Okanagan and Kelowna.