It’s easy to become confused when it comes to bees and wasps. They both sting, pollinate and can be quite terrifying when they start to swarm all over you and your property. However, certain distinctions should help you confirm what you’re dealing with. Positive Pest Solutions can help you identify these two types of insects and offer effective treatment for bees and wasps problems, including nests removal in Melbourne.
WASPS
Wasps are small insects that belong to the order Hymenoptera. They are essentially the bee’s more territorial, aggressive, and intimidating cousins. Commonly known for their painful sting, wasps can sting multiple times and feed on honey, sweet plants, and other insects. With more than 10,000 native species in Australia, wasps have a place in nature, acting as pollinators as well as natural pest control.
Compared to bees, wasps have slimmer bodies, longer legs and also tend to be faster and lighter due to their more aerodynamic bodies. Wasps also differ in their types, ranging from solitary to social wasps.
THE DANGERS OF WASPS
Wasps can be overly aggressive and territorial and will use their stingers to attack perceived threats. However, they will not harm you if you don’t aggravate them. However, unlike bees, riled up wasps can sting several times and continue to attack to keep intruders away. Wasps may also go on the offensive if they are disturbed whilst scavenging or pollinating and can attack in packs.
Wasp stings hurt tremendously. Apart from the painful experience of being stung by a wasp, the sting could also be a threat to one’s life, especially to those who are allergic to stings. And usually, it is not just a single wasp – their venom releases a pheromone that marks you as a danger, urging other nearby wasps to attack you. A wasp sting is known to induce redness, swelling, and a burning, painful sensation, whilst allergic reactions can come in the form of dizziness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face and throat, which may lead to death if not treated immediately.
TELLTALE SIGNS OF A WASP INFESTATION
You might have a wasp infestation if you keep seeing them buzzing around. Although they may build nests outdoors, some wasps like the European wasp situate their nests in areas hidden by small holes and cavities, making them difficult to access. Most native Australian wasp species are solitary, meaning that they don’t build large nests.
If you do see a large congregation of wasps at a nest, you’ve come across a social type of wasp. These types of wasp lack natural predators and are even more aggressive than their native counterparts.
REMOVING WASPS AND THEIR NESTS
Wasps removal and wasp nest removal are some precautions you can take to reduce the risks of wasp stings. However, removing a wasp nest and its stinging inhabitants is not an easy thing to do and can be extremely dangerous. This is because the wasps in the nests always feel threatened; hence they become abnormally aggressive. As a method of defending themselves, they react by stinging you and any person who could be around. To do away with wasps, instead of removing the nest, you ought to treat it together with the nesting wasp.
Generally, exterminators employ two methods – nest drenching and nest dusting. Nest drenching is the most dangerous method as it involves going to the nest and dousing it in insecticide, which will cause the wasps to fly out and attempt to escape or attack. Once the nest is drenched, or if all wasps are gone, the exterminator can knock down the nest to prevent it from becoming a home for future infestations.
Nest dusting is less risky as it only involves sprinkling pest powder over the entrance and exit holes of the nest. This is repeated several times to ensure the area around the nests is thoroughly covered. Typically, the wasps will be dead within a couple of weeks.
Professionals at Positive Pest Solutions will effectively eliminate the wasps and ensure you are safe from stings. As one of the leading pests and wasp exterminators in Melbourne, we can help you clear out wasp nests safely.
PREVENTING WASPS
To prevent wasp infestation, you need to treat the nests early before they mature. You can also make some adjustments in your behaviour and how you handle drinks and food outdoors to deter wasps. Here are the same preventive measures to control wasps:
- Regular checking for nests: the nests are golf size or walnut size when they begin to form. At this early stage, the wasps are few and easier to treat.
- Bins safety: bins, which are kept outside, should be tightly fitted with lids. Keeping bins a distance from windows and doors would also reduce the presence of wasps.
- Keeping doors and windows shut will prevent wasps from entering your house.
For safe and effective wasp control in Melbourne, we can help you develop a proper strategy to deal with wasps. Contact us for an appointment today.
BEES
Bees, on the other hand, are essential pollinators to the ecosystem. They are hairier, chubbier, and larger than their wasp cousins. When they fly, they usually look heavier and slower as well. Most bee species in Australia are typically solitary and generally don’t infest areas.
However, recently introduced species such as the European Honey Bee are responsible for most infestations. These bees can reproduce quickly and often win out against local species when it comes to resources, disturbing the natural order of things. At Positive Pest Solutions, we have extensive knowledge about bee species and can help you with effective bee control within the Melbourne area.
HEALTH RISKS OF BEES
Bees store their venom in a sac behind their stinger and can only sting once. It’s important to note that bees only attack if handled roughly or if they perceive a threat. Every time a bee stings, it usually guarantees its death. A bee sting can get red and swell up, whereas those with allergies may experience dizziness, difficulty breathing, and fainting spells.
WAYS TO REMOVE BEES
Bee sprays, powder dust, vinegar, ultrasonic pest repellant, or even homemade bee traps are a few effective ways to remove an infestation. However, it may also be helpful to contact a beekeeper. Beekeepers usually have their apiary or bee farm and do not wish to harm said bees. The idea is that these beekeepers will remove the bees and transfer them away from your property or area.
It’s not recommended for people without training to deal with bees, as the stings can be hazardous. As a professional pest and bee exterminator in Melbourne, we can help you with proper bee control. Call us for an appointment if you suspect you might have a bee infestation.
While you may understand the risks and are aware of the procedures involved to remove wasp or bee infestations, it is always much safer to contact a professional. Our expert team of exterminators at Positive Pest Solutions provides quality bee and wasp control to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Call us for information. We are happy to help you with any concerns regarding pests in your household.
