As the snow from several harsh winter storms in the Tri-State area finally thaws and temperatures rise, pests also start to come out in your yard and inside your home. For stinging insects like wasps and hornets, the spring season is when fertilized queens come out of a hibernation-like period called diapause, ready to rebuild their colonies.
For homeowners, it’s time to prepare to keep those stinging insects away from your family and pets.
Where Do Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets Go In The Winter?
Most wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets (like the aggressive bald-facet hornet pictured) in a colony die off in the winter. Workers and drones succumb to the cold weather and lack of food. The only survivors are fertilized queens, who go into a period of dormancy called diapause and find shelter like rotting logs, under tree bark, or even inside quiet corners of your house like walls or attics.
When temperatures rise, these queens emerge and seek out the right location for a new colony, starting the life cycle once again. That means it’s time for spring pest control.
Preparing Your Home for Stinging Insects
There are several ways to prepare your home to keep wasps, hornets, yellowjackets and other stinging insects at bay:
- Seal The Perimeter – Insects are experts at finding tiny gaps in your home’s exterior. Inspect your siding, soffits, and window frames for cracks or holes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entries and ensure your window screens are free of tears. This keeps the party outside where it belongs.
- Limit Food Sources – Stinging insects are attracted to protein in the early spring and sugar as the season progresses.
- Keep trash cans tightly sealed.
- Clean up outdoor spills immediately, especially soda or juice.
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees or gardens before it ferments.
- Clear Your Yard – Overgrown bushes and low-hanging branches provide the perfect structural support for nests. Keep your shrubs trimmed and away from the house. Additionally, consider planting “repellent” greenery near your seating areas, such as mint, eucalyptus, or marigolds, which these insects tend to avoid.
- Remove Standing Water – Like all creatures, stinging insects need water. Check for areas where water collects, such as clogged gutters or empty flower pots. Keeping your gutters clear not only prevents water damage but also removes a convenient hydration station for a growing colony.
Find and Eliminate Nests Early – In early spring, queens are working solo to establish new nests. Walk around your property once a week to check under the edges of your roof, porch ceilings, and deck undersides. If you spot a tiny, golf-ball-sized nest early on, it is much easier (and safer) to remove than a fully populated colony in July.
When Do I Call The Experts at Masters Pest Control?
When your problem is too big to DIY, there’s no shame in calling in the STAT (Special Tools & Tactics) Team at Masters Pest Control to make sure your home is pest-free and sting-free this spring: 877-546-9575 or get a free estimate online.
