There are many different pests that can be a problem for people. Stinging insects are some of the worst, and wasps are at the top of that list. These insects usually won’t pick a fight with you unless you find yourself near their nest. Then they may defend themselves and their nest. Because of that, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from these insects. A good Tulsa pest control company can help eliminate a troublesome nest. Let’s take a look at wasps and how they operate.

Wasps come in two different types: solitary wasps and social wasps. Solitary wasps generally work alone to build and provision nests, while social wasps live in colonies. A solitary wasp may make one or several brood cells, usually placing one egg in each cell. Social wasps can build nests with many cells and multiple developing young.

In many solitary wasp species, a female creates a cell and goes out to hunt small spiders or insects. She may use her stinger to paralyze her prey, carry it back to the cell, and lay an egg with the food she has stored there. Then she seals the cell. When the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the stored prey and grows. Eventually, it develops into an adult wasp and emerges from the cell. Social wasps are different: adults bring food back to feed the larvae in their colony.

Some wasps also overwinter. In many social species, newly mated queens survive the cold while males and other colony members die. A queen may hide in a crack in tree bark or a gap around a building, looking for shelter from winter weather. When spring temperatures rise, she becomes active again and begins searching for food and a place to establish a nest.

Adult wasps may feed on nectar and other sugary foods, which provide energy for flying and nest-building. Some species also hunt insects to feed their young. This is one reason wasps can be beneficial to the ecosystem, even though a nest close to your home can create a safety concern.

If you think you’re having a problem with wasps, contact a good Tulsa pest control company. These insects can be especially dangerous to someone with a wasp or bee sting allergy. If a sting causes trouble breathing, throat swelling, or faintness, seek emergency medical care immediately. TermMax Pest Control can help eliminate wasp nests around your home. Give us a call if you’re dealing with these insects, and we’ll help you get the problem taken care of.