Wasps in Florida: 5 Common Types of Stinging Menaces

Florida is a lovely place, filled with sunshine, great food, and interesting people. But as you’re already probably aware, the warm weather also means it’s filled to the brim with bugs like wasps! There are five major types of wasps in Florida, and this article will go into detail on how to identify and deal with them. 

If you’re experiencing a regular wasp invasion, don’t risk getting stung! Contact Orange Pest Control to start living worry free. 

The Most Common Wasps in Florida

In Florida, residents often encounter a variety of wasps, each with its unique characteristics and habitats. Understanding these can help in identifying and managing them effectively:

Paper Wasps: Recognizable by their flat or umbrella-shaped nests, these wasps prefer sheltered areas like under eaves. They are medium-sized, with reddish-brown and black bodies, adorned with red or yellow markings. Their diet primarily consists of caterpillars, flies, and other insects. While their sting is venomous and more severe than yellow jackets, they play a vital role in controlling pest populations.

Ground-Dwelling Wasps (Yellowjackets and Cicada Killers):

• Yellowjackets are smaller than the other wasps listed, but they can pack a punch. They have bright yellow bodies with black stripes and spots, and they’re known for digging their nests in the ground. They don’t die from just one sting like bees, so be careful when dealing with them. 
• Cicada Killer Wasps are typically the largest non-hornet wasp you’ll find on this list. These nasty bugs feed on cicadas and similar bugs, and can sting repeatedly if threatened.. 

Aerial Nesters (Bald-Faced Hornets and European Hornets):

• Bald-Faced Hornets have stark black and white markings and construct large, round nests on tree branches. They’re huge, and violent if provoked. Hornet stings typically hurt a lot more than normal wasp stings, so watch out!
• European Hornets, a non-native species, build their nests above ground. They are notable for their size, growing over one inch in length, and have a similar appearance to yellow jackets. They’ve slowly been introduced to North America through international shipping and colonization. 

Each type of wasp has a specific role in the ecosystem, as pests and as pollinators. However, their presence around homes can put your health and safety at risk, especially for individuals with allergies to stinging bugs. 

Understanding Wasp Behavior and Aggression

Wasps and hornets, like any animal, show patterns in their behavior. Understanding what makes these stinging guys tick can help you stay ahead of them when dealing with an infestation. Here are some key insights:

• Seasonal Aggression: The summer heat doesn’t just get to your grumpy neighbors. Yellowjackets often exhibit increased aggression from late summer to early fall. This period coincides with their colony's growth and the need for more resources. Ambitious little guys.
• Nest Disruption: Hornets and wasps may become disoriented and search for new locations if their nests are removed. This behavior underscores the importance of professional removal to prevent follow-up attacks. You never know when you leave angry survivors behind after you take a wasp nest down!

How to Avoid Confrontations with Wasps:

• Avoidance: The best strategy to prevent wasp stings is to steer clear of their nests and refrain from antagonizing them. If you can, of course. If you see them in the wilderness, just leave them be.
• Post-removal Behavior: Post nest destruction, it's common for surviving wasps to cluster on nearby structures temporarily. They typically disperse within a few days to seek new habitats.

Safe Practices Around Wasps and Nests

When navigating the presence of wasps in Florida, safety and prevention are key. Here are practical steps to manage wasps and their nests effectively:

Protective Measures for Removal

• Long sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, hats, and eyewear are helpful to armor yourself against stings when removing nests. Just be sure to check your clothes before putting them away!
• Keep an escape route in mind in case you have to run away from an angry swarm. Don’t corner yourself.
• Use a wasp spray from a distance to cover the nest. This can dramatically weaken the enemy before you make your close-quarters approach.
• For hard-to-reach areas, a shop vacuum with a long hose can assist in wasp removal.

Preventive Strategies

• Seal entry points around your home to deter wasp entry.
• Keep food covered and manage spills promptly to avoid attracting wasps.
• Employ natural repellents such as basil, mint, and eucalyptus oil around your home.
• Citronella candles and fake nests can also serve as effective deterrents.

What to Avoid

• Never attempt to burn a wasp nest to remove it. Fire can damage your home (or yourself). However, controlled smoke can be a way to deter them if you have a safe outdoor method to smoke them out with.
• Avoid physical destruction of nests with objects like baseball bats or brooms. You aren’t fast enough to hit all of them, and you’ll definitely make the survivors really mad at you. 
• If a nest is disturbed, calmly and quickly leave the area without swatting at the wasps to avoid agitating them further. Once wasps are swarmed, you don’t have much recourse aside from retreat. 

Professional Wasp Control and Removal

When dealing with wasps in Florida, professional control and removal services offer the safest and most effective solution. Here's a breakdown of what top pest control companies in the region provide:

Regular Pest Control Treatments:

• Preventive measures to deter wasp nest building around homes.
• Specialized in addressing nests in concealed areas like walls or attics.

Safety Precautions:

• Experts advise against approaching nests due to potential risks of multiple stings.
• Certified and trained specialists are recommended for safe and effective nest removal.

Choosing a professional service ensures the safety of your family and the effective removal of wasp threats, allowing you to enjoy your Florida home without worry.

If you’re dealing with wasps in or around your home, Orange Pest Control can help. Reach out today to get a free quote, and start living sting free today!