Date Posted: September 18, 2017
Category: Bees & Wasp
All summer long, the wasps of South Portland fly around us in search of insects they can feed their growing young back in their nests. They're so busy, they barely pay any attention to us, our food and even our sweet beverages – seeming only to get aggravated and sting us if we should bother them. But then comes the fall and it seems the entire personality of wasps change and they become much more aggressive and ready to attack.
The Wasp Lifestyle
All summer long, adult wasps are out and about gathering insects to bring home to the colony's young. They chew the insects up and spit it out for the larvae to consume, and in return, the young create a sugary substance for the adult wasps to eat. As the daylight gets shorter, the larvae stop creating that sugary nectar for the adult wasps to eat, and they head out to find other sources of carbohydrates and protein to live on until the first frost – when they will die. They are hungry and become far more aggressive in their search for food in their remaining days, which is why you may find it difficult to enjoy a sweet beverage or snack outdoors during the autumn months.
Wasps Are More Than A Nuisance In The Fall
It's not fun to deal with aggressive wasps when you're just trying to enjoy some time outdoors, but even more concerning is the potential to be stung by these insects. If you have allergies, wasp stings can send you to the hospital and can even be lethal. If you have a problem with wasps near your home, don't attempt to take care of it yourself – especially during the fall.
Discourage wasps from going into your homes by:
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Sealing all holes and cracks in screens and keeping windows without screens closed
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Emptying and disposing of trash and recycling promptly
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Moving trash and recycling away from windows and doors
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Avoiding sweet smelling perfumes, candles and air fresheners that attract the wasps
Professional Wasp Control
Are wasps entering and exiting from a spot on your home, shed or in trees and shrubs on your property? Chances are there is a nest nearby. This is not the time of year you want to try do-it-yourself methods of wasp removal! Contact Big Blue Bug Solutions for professional wasp control services to remove wasp nests and prevent future infestations.
