Wasp Many insects pose varying levels of danger to humans, both indoors and out, but none seem quite as menacing as wasps. Stinging insects such as wasps send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year, and while they're not the most dangerous pest out there, they certainly do try their best. With their loud buzzing and erratic flight patterns, wasps are truly a formidable foe to encounter, and certainly not one that you want infesting your Hudson Valley property.

Common Wasps In The Hudson Valley Area

There are a few species of wasps that are commonly found within Hudson Valley, and some are much less aggressive than others. Surprisingly, hornets fall under the classification of the wasp as well:

Bald-faced hornets – black and pale yellow, 5/8 of an inch, more aggressive
Paper wasps – brown-red with yellow markings, ¾ of an inch, mildly aggressive
Mud daubers – black or brown with a sleek body, 1 inch, less aggressive
Cicada killers – black and yellow, 2 inches, less aggressive
Yellow jackets – black and yellow, 5/8 of an inch, mildly aggressive

When it comes to physical appearances, most species of wasps are difficult to discern between others, but it's a bit easier once you notice their preferred nesting areas. Wasps such as paper wasps and bald-faced hornets create hanging nests out of wooden debris, whereas cicada killers and yellow jackets prefer tunneling underground for habitation. Mud daubers, staying true to their names, harvest dirt, and mud to form tube-like nests on the underside of picnic tables, lawn chairs, house siding, and anything the mud will readily stick to.

Stinging insects such as wasps are incredibly beneficial to the environment, as they not only regularly pollinate during their feasting upon nectar, but they also devour common garden pests. Without them, our gardens would be horribly decimated by plant-munching menaces. This doesn't make them any less of a danger, though. Even without an allergy, too many wasp stings will require medical attention.

How To Deter Wasps From Nesting On Your Hudson Valley Property

While it is difficult to keep outdoor pests from nesting anywhere, having wasps take up residence on your property can cause a lot of unwanted problems. Thankfully, there are ways to make wasps feel less welcome around your home:

Intuitive gardening; plants such as cucumber, basil, lemongrass, wormwood, and marigold all keep wasps away
Trim bushes and shrubs regularly to make them less enticing for habitation
Fill in holes in the landscape; certain wasps make ground nests and are more likely to inhabit an abandoned rodent nest
Implement fake nests into your porch décor; wasps are territorial, and won't nest within a few hundred feet of another wasp nest
Repair any holes, cracks, and gaps within your foundation, outer walls, and roof; certain wasps can and will infest the inside of your home

What To Do If Wasps Invade Your Hudson Valley Property

Dealing with stinging insects is a dangerous business, and it is always recommended to seek professional help in the event of a wasp infestation. If you've begun to notice wasps around your Hudson Valley property, then it's time to call Pestmaster® Services. Our highly-trained professionals have over two decades of experience in handling these kinds of infestations. With our patented Integrated Pest Management techniques, science-based products, and eco-friendly pesticides, we're more than confident in our ability to assist you in all of your pest control needs. Don't let wasps ruin your family gardening time. Get in contact with us today, and let us help you take the sting out of summer.