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Red paper wasps are common in Nashville. These brownish insects with their yellow or red markings range in size from ⅝ to ¾ inches, and can be found creating gray, paper nests on the undersides of rooflines and in other sheltered areas. If you're seeing these stinging insects or their nests on your Nashville property, here's everything you should know about them.
Are red paper wasps aggressive?
If you find a wasp in your landscaping, and it is away from its nest, you don't have too much to worry about. It has no interest in stinging you. The key to preventing a sting is to move away from the insect without swinging your arms.
How bad is a paper wasp sting?
It can hurt pretty bad. The venom of a paper wasp can cause an intense burning sensation that you're not likely to forget anytime soon. But the real threat any stinging insect poses is that it is possible to have an allergic reaction. While very rare, anaphylaxis can occur, and the symptoms can be serious. It is best to avoid being stung if you can help it.
Can red paper wasps sting multiple times?
Yes. All wasps can sting multiple times—and most bees are able to do this. The honeybee is a common bee that only stings once because it has a barbed stinger and the barb causes the stinger to root in the skin. Wasps don't have this barb. Under the right circumstances, it is possible to be stung several times by only a few paper wasps.When should you be concerned about red paper wasps?
The red paper wasp is a social wasp. If a female wasp establishes a nest in your yard and grows a family, these insects can present a threat to you and your family. If you approach a nest and a wasp detects you, it will release a pheromone that makes the other wasps gather together in a swarm to defend the nest. This is the real danger of having red paper wasps around.
Is it difficult to prevent nests?
If you find a tiny, grey blob forming under a roofline or in a sheltered area, you may be able to quickly and easily knock it down with a broom. We recommend doing this in the daytime when the female wasp is away collecting material to build her nest. Look for nests starting in the spring. While quick and easy, it can be difficult to catch nests early because you have to remember to go looking for them. It is also possible for paper wasps to create nests inside voids. If they establish a nest inside the wall of a structure, it can be more difficult to detect this type of nest.
What do you do when a nest is fully formed?
Once a nest is formed and the population has grown, it is best to have a licensed service professional take care of nest removal. There are many ways nest removal can go wrong if you don't wear protective gear and use the right strategy. If you live in Nashville, contact All-American Pest Control for nest removal. Our service team can make sure it is done correctly so that no one gets stung.
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Whether you need nest removal or ongoing nest detection as a part of a year-round pest control plan, the service team at All-American Pest Control can help. Reach out to us today to request a visit from one of our friendly service professionals. We look forward to guiding you in selecting the right pest control for your Nashville property.