From April to late autumn, wasps are active across Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is home to some of the species' notorious stingers that can cause serious pain. Pest control specialists say the insects prefer to build their nests on the sides of homes and buildings, which makes coming into contact with them during nicer, outdoor weather more likely. Here’s what you need to know about wasps and how you can keep them from invading your property.

What Are Some of the Common Breeds?

If there are wasp nests around your home, it probably belongs to paper wasps. These small insects get their name from the wood fragments they chew on and coat with saliva to build their nests. Depending on the species, their body colors can be orange, red, black, or yellow. Pest control technicians will typically find nest infestations on tree limbs and roof eaves. 

Another common wasp central to Kentucky is the yellowjacket. Black and yellow, the insect can grow to be three-fourth of an inch long with a stout body frame. These wasps are avid defenders of their nests and will produce dangerous stings if humans or pets disturb their domiciles. Yellowjackets are also known to build large nests in shrubs, lumber piles and vacant rodent holes to accommodate the queen and hundreds of worker wasps. 

The bald-faced hornet has eye-catching black and white colors and will typically grow to an inch long. During the summer season, pest control businesses have discovered single nests with as many as 400 wasps. Like yellowjackets, the hornets will attack anything that approaches or disturbs their nests, which are found in trees, around doorways, and shrubs. Kentucky is also home to a similar species known as the giant or European hornet. 

Why Is Pest Control Important?

Wasps have stingers that cause painful welts on the skin. For those with allergies, a sting can require immediate medical care. What makes wasps even more threatening is a group of them will attack multiple times.

During the spring, summer, and early autumn seasons when more people are outdoors, wasps are drawn to food, drinks, brightly-colored clothes and scented perfumes and lotions. A professional pest control company can safely remove wasp nests to avoid these dangerous encounters. 

Since 1972, All-Rite Pest Control Versailles has provided expert service to home and business owners. Based in Versailles, KY, the professional exterminator has extensive knowledge about the state’s wasp habitats. The team of professionals will conduct a thorough property inspection to locate nests and use specialty equipment and environment-friendly products to eliminate the threat completely. To learn more about protecting you and your loved ones from wasp stings, and receive a free quote, call (859) 873-1400, or visit the website for the complete lineup of pest control services.