During the summer months, we love to enjoy our backyards. Our homes are our safe havens where we can enjoy the privacy and beauty of the ecosystem around us. A part of that ecosystem is wasps. These small stinging insects can become a nuisance if they get too close and build nests near your home. Their stings can be painful, so it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you’re having a problem with wasps or any other pest, calling a Tulsa Pest Control company can help.

Let’s look at wasps, how they operate, and what we can do to protect ourselves from them. Wasps tend to protect their nests, especially social wasps. If you see a paper wasp nest on your porch, in a play area, or in another area close to people, this is where these insects can become a nuisance. Social wasps may sting when defending a nest. Oklahoma State University Extension provides information about common wasps and bees, their nesting behavior, and management around homes.

A wasp sting differs from the sting of a honey bee. A worker honey bee typically leaves its barbed stinger behind in human skin and dies after stinging. Wasps generally do not leave their stinger behind and can sting more than once. Their stinger is also an important tool for many predatory wasps, which use it to subdue prey that can be provided as food for their developing young.

When a wasp defends a nest, you may not realize how close you are until you feel the sting. The sting can cause a sharp or burning pain along with redness and swelling around the area.

If you get stung, pay attention to your symptoms. If you have a history of a serious allergic reaction to bee or wasp stings, follow your emergency treatment plan. Signs such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, fainting, or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction require emergency medical care. MedlinePlus provides first-aid guidance for bee, wasp, hornet, and yellow-jacket stings.

If you do not have signs of a severe allergic reaction, basic first aid can help with a mild local reaction. Wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold pack to help reduce pain and swelling. Appropriate over-the-counter medications may also be used as directed. Keeping the area clean while it heals is important.

If you’re having a problem with wasps or another stinging insect, contact a good Tulsa Pest Control company to help determine the appropriate approach. TermMax Pest Control can help with wasps and other pest problems around your home. Call us today if you think you’re having a problem with pests.