Are you curious about the wasps buzzing around your Laredo backyard? Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of wasps you might encounter.
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.
These wasps are named for their papery nests, which they build by chewing up wood and mixing it with saliva. They have long, slender bodies and can be black or brown with yellow or red markings. Paper wasps are generally not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed.
Yellow jackets are often mistaken for bees because of their similar size and black-and-yellow stripes. However, yellow jackets have a more slender waist and a smoother body. They live in large nests underground or in trees and can be very aggressive if provoked.
Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build small nests out of mud. They have long, skinny bodies and are usually black or metallic blue. These wasps are not aggressive and rarely sting humans.
If you want to deter wasps from your yard, avoid leaving food and drinks outside, especially sweet ones like soda or fruit. Keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and make sure any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior are sealed as well. If you do come across a wasp nest, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to safely remove it.
Now that you know a little bit more about the wasps in Laredo, Texas, you can better appreciate these fascinating insects and take steps to coexist with them safely.
For a complete overview of wasp species found across North America, see our Wasp Identification: Complete Homeowner Guide.
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