Spring Solutions: Managing Wasp Populations for a Pest-Free Home

This year, as nature awakens and blooms, we are reminded of the unwelcome guests that often accompany the beauty of the season – wasps.
We know the concern and worry these buzzing creatures can bring, especially when they intrude upon the sanctity of your home. California is home to various species of wasps, including the Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica) and the paper wasp (Polistes spp.).

These wasps play important roles in the ecosystem as predators, controlling populations of insects such as caterpillars and spiders. While they are beneficial in nature, they can become pests when they build nests near human dwellings, leading to potential stings and disturbances.

To manage wasp populations around homes and public spaces, ATCO Pest Control provides weekly wasp trapping to our customers. This is done without the use of chemicals and has been shown to be an effective method in controlling the wasp population. Wasp traps, baited with sweet substances like fruit juice or soda (in the springtime to attract queens), attract wasps and trap them inside, preventing them from bothering people or nesting nearby. Regularly emptying and refilling traps ensures continuous control of wasp numbers, reducing the likelihood of stings and mitigating the nuisance they can cause. In the Summer months, a protein-based attractant is used to attract the worker wasps in the area into these traps, additionally, locating traps away from high-traffic areas can further minimize human-wasp interactions. 

As a family-owned pest control company, we take pride in our work, knowing that every home we protect is a part of our extended family. This year, we want to assure you that we are here for you, ready to go above and beyond to ensure that your home remains a haven, free from the intrusion of wasps and other pests. 

With our expertise and dedication, let us work together to safeguard your home, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful moments with your loved ones. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we will stop at nothing to ensure that you feel safe and secure in your home.

Here are some steps individuals can take on their property to help prevent wasp activity:

• Identify Nests: Be aware of potential nesting sites for wasps, especially yellowjackets and paper wasps. Check areas like under eaves, in attics, under tree branches, or in rodent burrows.
• Avoid Disturbing Nests: If you know the location of a wasp nest, try to avoid disturbing it. Wasps can become very defensive when their nest is disturbed, especially yellowjackets which vigorously defend their nests when threatened.
• Eliminate Food Sources: Scavenging wasps are attracted to food sources like picnics, barbecues, pet food, and ripe fruit. Keep outdoor eating areas clean, cover food and drinks, and tightly seal garbage cans to eliminate food sources that attract wasps.
• Discourage Nesting: Early in the season, knocking down newly started paper wasp nests can discourage nesting in certain areas. However, nest removal for subterranean or cavity-dwelling yellowjackets may not be practical.