Wasps are known for being a pest. Leaving a nest on your porch could lead to an infestation or damage to your house, but wasps play an important role within the environment. Without wasps as a natural predator, we would see an increase in other pests including greenflies and caterpillars. Read on to find out the effects of leaving a wasp nest on your porch and how to protect yourself against attacks or damage to your property.
If you leave a wasp nest on your porch it will eventually disappear as wasps live through the summer, raise new queens, and then disperse to hibernate. If you leave the nest undisturbed, the wasps are unlikely to attack you, but they could cause damage to your property, or spark an infestation.
If you choose to leave a wasp nest it will typically last for around three to four months, before the wasps vacate for the winter.
Being educated about the potential threats a wasp nest can create will help you to protect yourself. Read on to discover how to protect your family from wasp attacks, ensure your home is not damaged, and safely remove the nest once the wasps leave.
How Long Does A Wasp Nest Last?
Wasp nests typically last for around three to four months. As insects that hibernate through the winter, wasps emerge around the springtime, building their nests and raising new queens through the warmest months of the year. As the cold weather draws in, the wasps disperse leaving the nest empty.
Do Wasps Come Back To Nest In The Same Place?
Wasps do not nest in the same place for a second time, though the odd one may return.
If a wasp does return to the old site it will see that the nest has been vacated and fly away to seek a new residence.
What should I Do With The Nest Once The Wasps Have Left?
Once the wasps have vacated the nest, you may want to remove it. Though it has been vacated by the wasps it is important to remember that spiders and other insects may now be occupying it, meaning you need to protect yourself against any possible threats.
Spraying it with insecticide will help to ensure that no lingering creatures are waiting to bite or attack you. Alternatively, if you’re wanting to avoid pumping a pollutant into the atmosphere, wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself.
Take a bin bag and approach the nest slowly so as not to disturb anything that may be inside. Wrap the bag around the nest, pull it off and tie the bag tightly. Place this bag into a bin with a lid.
Though it may be preferable to remove the nest, you can leave it where it is. An old nest can create a deterrent to any future wasps who are planning on building a home there.
How Can I Ensure That The Wasps Will Not Damage My Property?
Wasp nests are rarely the source of any significant amount of damage to a house. They are not burrowing insects and will only enter a home through a hole that already exists.
To prevent wasps from causing any damage to the interior of your home do a thorough check of all openings and surrounding areas. Check under eaves and window sills, between bricks and around beams to ensure there are no openings that will allow the wasps access to the internal structure of your home.
Additionally, if you choose to leave a wasp nest, it can over time grow larger and absorb moisture, causing damage to the wood beneath. Once the nest has been vacated, it is a good idea to remove it and check for any damage to the surface beneath.
What Would Provoke A Wasp To Attack?
A wasp will only sting you out of fear. When threatened a wasp uses its sting to deter any potential attacks by stunting its aggressor with pain. Two main factors encourage a wasp to sting you: firstly, protection. If a wasp feels that you are trying to attack its nest, it will sting you to protect it. Secondly, wasps will sting from agitation: if a wasp is flying around and you are swinging your arms trying to flap it away, the wasp may become agitated and sting you.
There are a multitude of ways in which you can reduce the chance of being stung. Firstly, stay calm. If a wasp is flying around you don’t panic, don’t scream, don’t flail your arms – these actions will only agitate the wasp. Instead, stay calm and keep your distance as much as possible. The wasp won’t attack if it doesn’t feel threatened.
Avoid things that are known to attract wasps. Wearing brightly colored clothing, strong perfume, or carrying open food or drinks that are sweet, are all ways that you could attract wasps.
Keep a distance from the nest. If you approach a wasp nest, they will see you as a threat and launch into action to protect their dwelling.
Will Wasps Chase You?
Wasps are very unlikely to chase you unless they feel that they have to protect their home. If you are near a wasp nest, don’t make too many sudden movements.
In the unlikely event that a wasp does chase you and you have to run away, do so in a straight line, and avoid flailing your arms around, instead, keep them down and as still as you can.
What Should I Do If I Am Stung By A Wasp?
Most wasp stings, though initially painful, do not create any enduring symptoms and can be treated at home. Firstly apply warm soapy water to remove any dirt, bacteria, or leftover venom that may infect the site of the sting. An ice pack can help to alleviate the swelling along with anti-inflammatory medications which will also reduce any sensation of pain.
However, if you experience any unusual symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, nausea, lightheadedness, or hives, you should contact a doctor or seek medical care to treat a possible allergic reaction.