What you didn’t know about the wasp
Recently, wasps have been in the news a lot. The wasp infestation that was previously warned about started sooner than expected and is still in full swing. Everyone in the Netherlands suffers from it. People are stung in the park, at festivals, can no longer sit quietly in their own garden and children no longer play safely outside. But what do we actually know about the wasp and how should we deal with this pest? Pest control service Van der Velden has listed the 25 most common questions about the wasp for you.
What is the difference between a bee and a wasp?
Bees and wasps are often confused. However, there are differences between the two insects. First of all, unlike bees, wasps do not have hair. In addition, bees are less bright in color and they do not have the so-called wasp waist (bees are wider). Bees also live on nectar and pollen, which means that they will not be attracted to food.
Why is a hornet’s nest being built?
Wasp nests are rebuilt every spring by the queen because she is the strongest. This is where she lays her eggs. She makes the nest by chewing wood together with her saliva. In the nest there are several combs and cells which form a city for the wasp colony.
When do wasps become active?
How the wasp season will unfold each year is unpredictable. It depends on several factors. The new wasp cycle starts after winter, when the queen will build a new wasp nest. A higher temperature, more sun and less rain lead to more wasp nests. Usually the nests are finished in July where wasps start looking for food. At the beginning of August you will therefore see the first wasps and they can cause a nuisance. After that, wasps leave the nest because they go in search of plants that eat their larvae. Because there is less and less food, they become more aggressive and so they are more likely to sting. The end of the wasp season is uncertain. Wasps die when the weather gets worse (a lot of wind, lower temperatures, etc.).
Where is a hornet’s nest?
The nests are built in a place that offers protection from the weather. Think of places in and around the house such as small holes and crevices, tree trunks, shrubs, in the ground, under a gutter, in sheds or in cavity walls.
Are wasps dangerous?
A wasp can sting annoyingly, which can cause painful and swollen spots on your skin. Although this is not serious, a wasp sting can also swell the airways. In the worst case, this leads to suffocation, for example when you are allergic to wasp venom.
When does a wasp sting?
A wasp stings when it thinks it is being attacked. For example, if you chase one away from your glass of coke. They can also become aggressive if you touch the nest, then an entire swarm can sting.
How many times can a wasp sting?
They have a smooth stinger with which wasps can sting as many as 6 to 7 times, especially when they are very angry. They do this until their venom sac is empty.
Can wasps cause even more (permanent) damage?
Yes, in addition to being nasty stingers, they can also spread bacteria. Wasps, for example, are often found in waste bins. These bacteria then also end up on your food when you are barbecuing. If there is a wasp nest in the cavity wall, the insulation material has probably been eaten away to build the nest. Pieces of wood are used for the nest that may have come from your outdoor furniture. Although the damage is minimal, the furniture can look a bit rough.
What are wasps attracted to?
Especially on sweets, but they also love protein. In addition to fruit, desserts, and sweet drinks, they are also attracted to meat and fish. Fragrances that have nothing to do with food are also enticing, such as perfume, aftershave, sunscreens and deodorant.
How do I keep them at bay?
Wasps don’t like strong smells and smoke. Powerful frankincense, essential oils and cloves are therefore a good solution to combat wasps. Of course, you can also put a bowl of sweets (fresh fruit) a little further away to keep wasps away from your own dining table.
I see wasps in the house, do I have a nest now?
It depends on the period. If you come across a large wasp in the spring, it is probably a wasp queen that is busy with a nest. In that case, look for the flight path of the wasp nest and then have it professionally controlled. In the autumn, the queens hibernate, a wasp nest is not active. Remove the wasp from the house so that it does not hibernate and still build a nest in the spring.
How do I recognize a wasp infestation?
There are several clear signs. Of course when you see wasps, but it’s mainly about the number. Does the number of wasps expand in a short period of time? Then there is a hornet’s nest. A low humming sound from the corner of a shed or attic is also characteristic. Logically, a paper ball also indicates a hornet’s nest.
What are the consequences of a wasp infestation?
There are serious dangers associated with a wasp infestation, especially when they sting in large numbers. Sometimes they can also sting spontaneously without feeling threatened. In addition, they can cause damage to your home.
Is a hornet’s nest dangerous?
If you leave the nest alone, don’t. When you touch it, they can become aggressive and sting in large numbers. Sometimes several times. However, people who have an allergy to wasp venom should watch out for a wasp infestation. One sting is enough to trigger a severe allergic reaction and can lead to very serious respiratory problems.
How do I find a hornet’s nest?
By looking for the approach path. If you follow these, you should end up at the hornet’s nest.
What should I do if I find a hornet’s nest?
Above all, don’t panic and don’t touch the nest. This can cause the wasps to become aggressive and attack you. Always call a professional pest control professional such as Van der Velden to have the nest professionally removed.
Can I get rid of a hornet’s nest myself?
No, we strongly advise against this! There is a good chance that the problem will only get worse. There are many risks associated with fighting a hornet’s nest yourself. Improper removal of a nest can make the wasps very aggressive and lead to countless stings. It is better to leave the control to professional pest controllers such as Van der Velden.
Can’t I just seal the hornet’s nest?
You should never do this. When you close the nest, the wasps will panic and eat through the nest. Then they will start stinging aggressively. Is the nest in your house? Then they eat through the wall of the nest and come into your house. Especially when they get bored at the end of the summer.
How is a hornet’s nest controlled?
Before removal, it is first determined where the nest is located and whether an approach path is visible. It is then considered whether the control can take place standing up or by means of a ladder. Our inspector comes by in protective clothing to eradicate the hornet’s nest. The approach route will be injected with a pesticide. After that, the nest dies.
What are the costs of professional pest control?
This depends on the location and the nest itself. For an indication of the costs, it is best to contact the pest control service itself.
Can I buy the pesticide myself?
There are DIY remedies for sale, but there is little chance that you will destroy an entire hornet’s nest with them. You’re better off using a professional pest control professional who uses the right remedy.
Does my home have to be demolished before removal?
Additional costs may be charged afterwards. For example, because the nest is difficult to reach and part of the wall or floor has to be demolished. Fortunately, this is almost never the case.
Why isn’t the nest itself removed?
It is not necessarily necessary to remove the nest. Wasps never use their old nests a second time, so it does not pose a danger to the future.
Does a hornet’s nest always have to be controlled?
No, if the nest does not cause a nuisance, it does not need to be removed. It may sound crazy, but wasps are useful to nature. Wasps, for example, hunt ticks, flies and mosquitoes that can bother people a lot.
What preventive measures can I take?
To prevent wasp nests, it is best to start by sealing holes in your home. The right time for this is winter. Always keep checking for nests in the spring and summer. In addition, use mesh to seal off vents, place mosquito nets on the windows, and clean trash cans or containers regularly. Finally, be careful with sweet smells and keep an eye on your food.
Still a nuisance? Wasp nest control by Van der Velden!
Have you discovered a hornet’s nest and are you bothered by it? Not incomprehensible because of the wasp plague that is currently prevalent in the Netherlands. Avoid the disastrous consequences and don’t do it yourself! Have the wasp nest professionally controlled and removed by Pest Control Service Van der Velden! We will contact you within 24 hours after your request. Please contact us via call me back. You can also reach us via the contact form. Request a quote, get the costs and make an appointment right away. We control wasp nests in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Haarlem, IJmuiden, Hoofddorp, Uithoorn, Utrecht and ‘t Gooi, among others. With Bestrijdingsdienst Van der Velden you can quickly get rid of an annoying hornet’s nest.
