Often, insects and bugs get a fearsome reputation purely for the fact that they’re annoying or creepy looking, such as the common house spider or fly- and often the reputation they earn is unfairly bad.
When it comes to wasps, however, it’s another story; if you graze a wasp (or even just look at it a bit funny) you’re likely to be in for a stinging, since wasps have an unlimited supply of stings with which to attack its victims, over and over again if the mood takes them. So, if you have a wasp or hornet nest in your garden, porch, or even in your home, you’re right to be concerned about it- especially if you have children or pets –and you should consider hiring the professionals to carry out wasp nest removal, depending on the species.
What is the difference between a hornet and a wasp?
There are a number of significant differences between the hornet and wasp, but the most obvious difference- which you can use to distinguish between the two -is that the hornet is significantly larger. While wasps in Kansas range in length from a few centimetres to an inch, the body of a hornet is usually between an inch and two inches long. Considering this, it might not come as a surprise that the hornet’s sting can be significantly more painful than a sting from a wasp.
While this might suggest that you should be warier of hornets’ nests, this definitely isn’t the case. Hornets tend to keep to themselves and only become dangerous if provoked; certain species of wasp, on the other hand (in-keeping with their bad reputation) are more aggressive in nature and are more likely to attack, provoked or not.
What types of wasp are you likely to find in Kansas and where do they nest?
The most common types of wasps and hornets in Kansas include: different variants of the Yellowjacket wasp, Paper wasp and Mud dauber wasp; the European hornet, the Baldfaced hornet and the Cicada killer wasp.
Yellowjacket wasps.
Yellowjacket wasps are probably the species you think of when someone says ‘wasp’ and are among the most common species of stinging insect. They are usually about half an inch long, and have a largely yellow body, with black markings. Since this type of wasp is a scavenger, they are attracted to areas which contain waste, particularly food waste and sugary drink cans. Yellowjackets typically build their nests underground, rather than suspended in the air like many other wasp and hornet species.
Paper wasps.
The different types of paper wasp in Kansas range from about 0.7 inches to 1-inch long, and are distinguished by their long legs and beige, maroon and black body. This type of wasp builds its nest from the eaves of buildings or in other semi-sheltered spaces, such as in barns or stables. Unlike the yellowjacket wasp, this species isn’t aggressive by nature, and unless the nest is a major inconvenience, it’s recommended that you leave them to it.
Mud dauber wasps.
Mud dauber wasps vary the most in length of the species listed here, ranging from 0.5 to 1.25-inches long. They can be recognised by their comparatively slim frame, and most of their body is black compared to the other species of wasp and hornets in Kansas listed here. While this type of wasp is not typically aggressive, it’s often necessary to employ pest control to remove their nests, since they build nests made out of mud (which often starts to smell) in protected, sheltered areas, meaning that these nests are often built near human residencies.
The European hornet.
The European hornet is roughly 1.2-inches in length, and typically has a thicker body than the other wasps in Kansas; it’s body is black and red, with yellow hindquarters. It nests in logs, hollow trees or in buildings, and they cover their nests with wood fibres. Though fearsome looking, this hornet isn’t typically aggressive, and it’s therefore recommended that they be left alone, unless their nesting activity is causing a problem.
The Baldfaced hornet.
Arguably the easiest wasp or hornet to identify in Kansas, the Baldfaced hornet is uniquely black and white. Its nest is also easily distinguishable, as it’s form is distinctly pear-shaped and hangs from the eaves of a building, or from the branch of a tree. Similarly, it’s best to leave these stinging insects alone unless they close enough to human activity to be a hazard, since they aren’t overly aggressive.
Cicada killer wasps.
The largest species of wasp in Kansas, Cicada killer wasps range from 1.5-inches to a whopping 2-inches long, and have a brown and black body. Despite their intimidating size, cicada killers (perhaps surprisingly) aren’t aggressive as a species, and are only likely to sting if they are grabbed, or squashed against your skin. They build their nests underground, and unfortunately create a muddy mess when doing so, which is why pest control is often called to deal with this species. However, they are actually quite a beneficial insect, since they help to control the cicada population, so wasp control and wasp nest removal isn’t recommended.
What should you do if you have a wasp problem or need wasp nest removal?
If you know of a wasp infestation near your house or garden, and you think the wasp might be an aggressive species, or maybe the wasps’ or hornets’ nest is in a really inconvenient or hazardous location, then calling out pest control to deal with the problem is the best port of call, especially considering the potential danger of carrying out wasp nest removal yourself.
At Mantis Pest Solutions, we carry out hornet and wasp control in Overland Park, Kansas, and we are proficient at dealing with all stinging insect-related issues. We carry out wasp nest removal, relocation, and we can also carry out spray treatments to ensure that your wasp and hornet problems are neutralised.
Hornets and wasps in Kansas are sure to be quaking with fear, thanks to Mantis Pest Solutions wasp nest removal services and neutralisation techniques. If you want to get rid of your own wasp and hornet problems, call us today and if you’ve already been stung by the little critters, check out our page on how to deal with wasp and bee stings.
Effective Wasp Control in Lees Summit
Nobody likes wasps. They pesky, aggressive and just downright scary. Mantis Pest Solutions knows how to get rid of wasps. When we arrive to the scene, we inspect your property and determine the most effective approach.Then we implement our wasp control plan, which will get rid of the wasp’s food source, exterminate them, and make sure they don’t come back around.
Nobody Should Have to Deal with Wasps and Other Pests
Do not keep them around. Mantis Pest Solutions is the wasp control expert in the Lees Summit and Overland Park area. For information on getting rid of wasps, ants and spiders and other pest control services call us at (816) 287-5030 or (913) 225-7060 or check our Lee’s Summit and Overland Park Pest Control Services. As a local exterminator we want to get rid of your pests and do it with the best customer service in Kansas.
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