Getting to Know Wasps is Part of Missoula Wasp Control

Are Wasps Dangerous?

Wasps can look fairly scary but truthfully, they are rarely dangerous. Yellow jackets are the most aggressive type of wasp a person is likely to come across in Missoula. If you come across a yellow jacket nest, you should proceed with extreme caution, as there is a good chance of being stung. Paper wasps, on the other hand, are not aggressive and will not seek you out just to sting you. Like any wasp though, paper wasps will sting when they feel threatened so it is always advised that you give them a wide berth when possible.

One wasp sting is painful and may involve some swelling. For most people though, being stung just once is not that harmful. However, unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly. When that is the case, particularly when wasps swarm and sting someone over and over again, that can be cause for alarm. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people to be allergic to a wasp’s venom, which can cause very serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Where Do Wasps Nest?

Like any infestation, many people are surprised to learn that they have a wasp problem. Wasps are attracted to a number of different things depending on the type of wasp you are dealing with. Warm and sheltered areas make for a great place for wasps to create a nest, and the presence of other insects will provide a food source for wasps. Yellow jackets, particularly, are attracted to sweet and sugary foods. Cleaning up outdoor eating areas is important to ensure wasps are not attracted to the property, as is making sure all garbage can lids are tightly closed.

One of the best places for wasps to nest are covered porches. These areas are typically warm, particularly if the area is regularly lit. These enclosed spaces are also protected from wind, rain, and other inclement weather, making them the perfect spot for wasps to call home. Even when a covered porch is not available, wasps will find other protected areas to create a nest, such as your eavestroughs and gutters.

The winter weather in Montana can become cold and so, worker wasps typically die each year. Their bodies simply are not designed to handle the cold weather. As the colony starts to die off, the nest is left behind and many people think that wasps will return to this nest year after year. That is not true. If you find that you have a wasp nest on your property every year, it is likely due to the fact that the conditions are perfect for wasps to nest, and not because wasps are returning each year.