What Are the Most Common Wasps in Burnaby?

Burnaby is known for its beautiful green spaces, parks, and pleasant weather. All these things make it a great place to live. However, this greenery and moderate weather are favourable for wasps. These insects can be aggressive, especially when they feel threatened.

Their stings can cause allergic reactions. Once they develop nests inside your home, getting rid of them can be challenging. Opting for professionals for wasp control in Burnaby is the smartest way to eliminate these creepy creatures from your home.

Before you hire experts or adopt other control methods, you must understand different types of wasps. This will help you identify which type has infested your home, and you can take the next steps accordingly. In this article, we will tell you about the most common types of wasps in Burnaby and how to get rid of them.

3 Most Common Wasps in Burnaby

1. Yellowjackets

They are probably the most easily recognised type due to their bright yellow and black striped bodies. They have a smooth, shiny appearance and are about half an inch long. These wasps often build nests under eaves and decking. They usually reproduce during late summer and early autumn, which significantly increases their numbers.

Food is the primary reason that invites yellowjackets to your home. They are especially attracted to sugary items, meat, and anything with a strong smell. If you often leave food uncovered or keep your bins open, you’re inviting them. Outdoor activities, such as barbecues and picnics, can unknowingly invite them in large numbers.

The danger with yellowjackets is that they are very aggressive. Unlike bees, they can sting repeatedly and don’t hesitate to do so if they feel their nest is at risk. Their stings can be very painful and cause swelling. Sometimes, only one sting can lead to an allergic reaction. Moreover, their presence can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

2. Paper Wasps

They are slender with long legs and slightly elongated bodies. They usually have a brown colour with yellow or reddish markings. Their wings are dark and folded lengthwise when they rest. You’ll often find their nests hanging from porch ceilings or under railings. These nests look like upside-down umbrellas made of grey or brown papery material.

They usually invade homes that offer safe and shaded spaces for nest building. If your home has lots of open vents or spaces under decking, the risk of paper wasp infestation can be higher. They are also attracted to flowers and gardens because they feed on nectar and hunt insects to feed their young wasps.

Though paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellowjackets, they can still cause a lot of problems. They will never hesitate to attack you, especially when you pass too close to their nests. Their sting is painful and can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Moreover, their nests can also cause structural damage.

3. Bald-Faced Hornets

They look a bit different from the other wasps. They are larger and have a black body with white markings on their face and tail. Their nests are round or football-shaped and made of grey papery material. They often build their nests in attics or wall cavities. They are very aggressive and fiercely defend their nests.

Sweet liquids invite bald-faced wasps to your home. They are attracted to ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and food waste. If you leave uncovered drinks or fruit peels in your bin, you may be inviting them. They also prey on other insects. If you have a lot of flies, caterpillars, or spiders around your garden, these wasps may show up more often.

The main issue with bald-faced hornets is their aggressive nature. They will chase you for several minutes and can sting multiple times. Their sting is very painful and can cause swelling, redness, and serious allergic reactions. If they nest near your home, they can make everyday activities risky. They may chew through drywall or insulation, which can cause structural damage.

How to Control Them?

Keep Food and Bins Covered: Wasps are strongly attracted to open food, drinks, and rubbish. Therefore, you should always cover your food during outdoor meals and keep bins tightly sealed. This simple habit helps reduce the chances of wasps coming near your home or garden.

Seal Entry Points: You should check your home for small openings in walls, roofs, and vents. Wasps often enter through cracks or gaps to build nests inside. You can use sealant or mesh to block these spaces. Paying attention to these small areas can stop wasps from nesting indoors.

Maintain Your Garden: Wasps are attracted to overgrown areas, fallen fruits, and insects in your garden. You should trim grass regularly, pick up fallen fruit quickly, and cut bushes.

Hire Professionals: It’s the best approach for wasp control in Burnaby. Professionals have the appropriate tools to remove them from your home. Moreover, they have all the safety gear to eliminate them safely. All you have to do is hire reliable professionals to handle this job.

If you notice any of the aforementioned wasps in your home, take immediate steps to get rid of them. Don’t try to mess with them on your own. Instead, hire professionals to remove them from your home.