To get a bit technical, wasps are insects in the hymenoptera order and the apocrita sub-order. Wasps are often mistaken for bees and confused with other stinging insects. It’s not uncommon to get bees, wasps, and hornets confused. They’re all capable of stinging and frequently come with black and yellow markings. Wasps have narrow waists, smooth skin, and four wings. Hornets are a subset of wasp with slightly larger waists but similar skin and wings. Bees tend to be fuzzy, round, and are smaller in general.
Wasp Exterminators Omaha & Lincoln, NE
No matter which one you find on your home or business property, it’s a problem. They’re capable of building incredibly troublesome nests or hives, most frequently during the summertime. If they are found on your property, the best thing to do is to contact wasp exterminators in the area.
Types of wasps in Nebraska
Four of the most common types of solitary wasps are the cicada killer wasp, spider hawk wasp, steel blue cricket hunter and sand wasps.
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Cicada killer wasps
These are the largest wasp species in Nebraska and a regular visitor in all parts of the state. They are about 1 ½ to 2 inches in length and boldly marked with yellow stripes on a black body. Females are larger than males.
Cicada killer wasps create underground burrows. These burrows can be found near walks, driveways, and retaining walls and can usually be identified by the presence of fresh soil around the 1/2-inch entrance hole. These wasps can create clusters of nests within a preferred area.
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Spider hawk wasp
This is a large beautiful dark, shiny blue wasp, slightly smaller than a cicada killer. A characteristic is the curled or spiraled position of the female’s antennae. Spider hawks are similar in behavior but as the name suggests, prefer spiders as entrees for their young. Some species will build mud nests in buildings.
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Steel blue cricket hunter
This is also a large wasp, about 1 to 1 1/4 inch long. Sometimes called thread-waist wasps, this group of insects have a thin structure connecting their thorax and abdomen. Look closely at the steel blue cricket hunter and you’ll see their body is a dark steel blue metallic color with dark smoky wings. As their name implies, their larvae are fed primarily with crickets.
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Sand wasp
The sand wasp is around an inch long. They have large eyes, with black and white striped abdomens. Although they are considered a solitary wasp, several females may join together to create individual nests in the soil and discourage invaders. Backyard sandboxes are a prime nesting location for sand wasps. Their larvae are fed primarily with flies.
Signs of wasp infestation
Wasps create their nests from chewed wood or mud (depending on the species). The first sign that you have a wasp problem is seeing increased wasp activity around your property. Areas where wasps might set up nests include:
- Attics and rafters
- Eaves or any kind of overhang
- Garages, sheds and outlying buildings
- Playground equipment and swing sets
- Barbecue grills
- Decks, pools and around patio
Although a wasps nest should not be disturbed, as you can see from that list, they often build their nests in places where they are likely to run into humans.
We are wasp exterminators
If you find a wasp’s nest do not take any chances. Trying to remove the nest or using other methods can backfire and you end up under attack. Do-it-yourself treatments are available but are usually not as effective in removing stinging insects. And, it can be very dangerous. Multiple stings are the quick result of many home remedies. Plus, these products may contain pesticides that can be harmful to people and pets if they are misused or mixed improperly.
That’s why your best option is always to contact professional wasp control services to get rid of wasps. At ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE, we know how to find nests and use the right safety equipment and treatments. We also seal up any entry points that have allowed wasps into your property and help you prevent their return.
ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Local Wasp Removal Services in Omaha & Lincoln
Find a reputable local pest control professional that you TRUST and have them take care of your pest problems. Check them out on the:
- BBB
- read their reviews on Google to see what kinds of experiences other people have had with them
You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones.