There are many stinging insects that can be a danger to us. Wasps are at the top of that list. Their stings can cause pain and swelling and, in some cases, serious allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. Keeping problem nests away from your family and loved ones can be an important part of maintaining your home. Your Tulsa Exterminator can help you with this.

So let’s take a good look at wasps and how we can protect ourselves from these insects.

First, let’s look at the sting. Wasps use their stingers both to subdue prey and to defend themselves and their nests. Unlike a honey bee worker, many wasps have smoother stingers and can sting more than once. A sting commonly causes immediate pain, redness, and swelling. Oklahoma State University Extension provides information about wasps, their nesting behavior, and stinging risks around homes.

For a typical local reaction, basic first aid can include washing the area with soap and water and using a cold pack to reduce swelling. If someone develops signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, or widespread hives, emergency medical care is needed right away.

Wasps can strongly defend their nesting areas. That’s why it’s important to be cautious around nests near your home. Paper wasps commonly build open-comb nests under eaves, porch ceilings, and other protected locations. These can become a concern when they’re located close to play areas, doors, walkways, or other places where family members regularly pass. Children can be especially vulnerable because they may not recognize the danger of approaching or disturbing a nest.

While it’s important to protect ourselves from these insects, it’s also important to understand that wasps have beneficial roles in the environment. Many wasps prey on other arthropods, and adults that visit flowers for nectar can contribute to pollination. University of Minnesota Extension explains the beneficial roles of wasps and when nests around homes may need control.

There really isn’t a practical way to stop every random wasp from flying through your yard. Wasps may be attracted to flowering trees, plants, and shrubs for nectar. Wasps that are simply passing through the yard can usually be left alone to perform their role in the ecosystem.

Protecting your loved ones is the priority when a wasp nest creates a safety concern. If you need help with wasps, bees, or any other pest, it’s important to contact a good Tulsa Exterminator that can help you deal with them. TermMax Pest Control is the best around when it comes to dealing with these kinds of insects. Call us today if you think you’re having an issue.