Wasp Nest Identification

A wasp nest in your premises can be a cause of concern, as these insects can inflict horrible stings. While some people can easily identify wasp nests, some others fail to identify these insects and their nests and eventually land in trouble. So, you must have a basic know-how about wasp nest identification, so that these nests can be removed at the earliest and the danger of wasp stings can be prevented.

More about Wasp Nests

Wasps are usually viewed as insects that can cause horrible stings. But, they are actually beneficial insects that help in controlling various pests. However, in areas inhabited by humans, the presence of wasps and wasp nests can be risky. So, once a wasp nest is sighted, the very next thing to do is its removal and disposal. While some people identify the nests of these insects without much difficulty, some others do not have any idea about them.

Wasps are generally classified into two groups - social and solitary. While most of the solitary wasps do not make nests, social wasps build nests with a papery pulp material, made from wood fibers mixed with saliva. Some of the solitary wasps like mud daubers and pollen wasps make nests out of mud. Both paper nests and mud nests can be seen in trees, attics, walls, inside crevices and beneath sheltered spaces. some of these solitary wasp burrow into soil and make nests. These types of wasp nests are usually seen in urban areas, where these insects find it difficult to find nest building materials.

How to Identify a Wasp Nest

As compared to solitary wasp nests, social wasp nests can be considered to be more dangerous, as such nests house numerous wasps. If threatened, these wasps can attack a person in large numbers. As mentioned above, most of the social wasps make nests out of papery pulp. A basic understanding about the different types of wasp nests will prove beneficial in wasp nest identification and removal.

Wasp Nest Making
Nest making by wasps is usually started during the spring. During this season, the fertile queen bee builds a small nest, into which she lays eggs. These eggs develop in sterile worker bees, who constructs an elaborate nest around the small one and by summer, till autumn, the nest will be housing thousands of wasps and this is when it becomes more dangerous. Now, you know that normally, wasp nests will be smaller in size during spring. If you notice bigger wasp nests during spring, those nests can be old and deserted (if there is no activity around it). As compared to an old wasp nest, a new one will look more fresh and shiny. In some cases, the nests may be located inside crevices. In such cases, you may not see the nests, but, can identify the presence of a wasp nest with the help of activities of these insects that frequent through the small hole.

Paper Wasp Nest
As mentioned above, these nests are made of papery material that has a color of brownish gray. The nest can be seen attached to the surface with the help of a thin stalk. Most of the paper wasp nests have single layered cells that are covered with a thin outer covering. The upper part has a special covering that acts like a roof and this protects the nest from water. While some paper wasp nests like those made by yellow jackets have a single opening, some others are umbrella-shaped and possess large holes as openings.

Mud Wasp Nest
Unlike paper wasp nests, mud wasp nests are made of mud. Such nests are made by mud wasps that are found to be long and slender with a thread-like waist. They make nests in different shapes. While tube-like nests that resemble organ pipe, are made by organ pipe mud wasps, some others build cylindrical cells that are joined and covered with mud. You may opt for mud wasp nest removal methods to get rid of these insects and their nest.

It is better to remove wasp nest before the onset of summer, when there will be fewer members in the nest. It is somewhat risky to do this task during mid summer or after that, as there will be numerous wasps in a single nest. If you want to proceed with removing wasp nest, use enough protection to avoid their stings. Removing wasp nests must be done, when the insects are less active, i.e., before sunrise or after sunset. If you are not aware of the right methods for getting rid of wasp nests, then, hire a professional for that purpose.