All You Need to Know About New Mexico Wasps: A Guide for Homeowners

Posted by Matthew Rathbone on May 17, 2023 · 4 mins read

If you live in New Mexico, chances are you’ve seen a wasp or two in your backyard. These stinging insects can be a nuisance, but they also play an important role in the ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of wasps found in New Mexico, how to identify them, and what you can do to prevent and control wasp infestations.

DIY Wasp removal recommendations

For non-aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For a nest up high in an eave, soffit, or tree, this Gotcha pole adapter clamps onto the can so you can spray from the end of an extension pole and treat the nest from 10+ feet away instead of standing right under it. And for anything aggressive I wear this ridiculous-looking upper torso beekeeping suit and keep my distance. It seems silly, but trust me, I learned the hard way.

Common Types of Wasps in New Mexico

There are several types of wasps that are commonly found in New Mexico, including:

  • Paper wasps: These wasps have long, slender bodies and are often brown or yellow in color. They build small nests out of paper-like material and are usually non-aggressive unless their nest is disturbed.
  • Yellow jackets: These aggressive wasps are black and yellow in color and build large, underground nests. They are attracted to sweet foods and can be a common sight at outdoor picnics and barbecues.
  • Mud daubers: These wasps are known for building mud nests in sheltered areas like under eaves or in garages. They are not generally aggressive and are beneficial because they prey on spiders.
  • Cicada killers: These large wasps are black and yellow in color and have a wingspan of up to two inches. They are not typically aggressive towards humans, but they do hunt cicadas which can cause damage to trees.

Identifying a Wasp Infestation

If you suspect that you have a wasp infestation in your backyard, there are some signs to look out for. These include:

  • Seeing a large number of wasps in one area
  • Hearing buzzing sounds coming from a specific area
  • Discovering a wasp nest

If you do find a wasp nest, it’s important to avoid disturbing it as this can cause the wasps to become aggressive and sting. Instead, call a professional pest control company to remove the nest safely.

Preventing Wasp Infestations

Preventing a wasp infestation is always easier than dealing with one that’s already established. Here are some tips for keeping wasps at bay:

  • Keep food and drinks covered when eating outside
  • Seal up any cracks or crevices around your home where wasps could enter
  • Remove any standing water from your yard as this can attract wasps
  • Keep garbage cans tightly sealed

Controlling Wasp Infestations

If you do find yourself dealing with a wasp infestation, there are some things you can do to control it:

  • Use wasp traps to capture and kill individual wasps
  • Spray the nest with a commercial wasp spray (taking appropriate safety measures)
  • Call a professional pest control company to safely remove the nest

Remember, if you choose to spray the nest yourself, make sure to wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the different types of wasps found in New Mexico, as well as how to prevent and control infestations, you can enjoy your backyard without worrying about getting stung. If you do encounter a wasp nest, always err on the side of caution and call a professional to handle the situation safely.

For a complete overview of wasp species found across North America, see our Wasp Identification: Complete Homeowner Guide.

More wasp guides:

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