It isn’t uncommon to find many clients at the bee and wasp removal company react shockingly when they hear the fact that some wasps live underground. It is a presumption that a lot of people have that since wasps have wings they would prefer to have their habitat in higher attitudes.
However, many species of wasps burrow in the ground. The bee and wasp exterminators say that there are at least 1,400 known ones. That is a lot, but fortunately, they can be categorized into three genera and it isn’t rocket science to tell them apart from each other. Apart from these three groups, there are also two families of bees that are usually mistaken for ground-burrowing wasps.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are small, burly, and aggressive wasps that come from the genus Vespula family. They nest in holes, but they aren’t burrowers. The queen wasps are responsible for finding holes that already there, then conceive workers to build paper nests within the holes.
Nevertheless, the bee and wasp removal experts inform us that you won’t recognize them by checking out their building habits. The only way you can identity yellow jackets from other types of ground-nesting wasps by their numbers and how they react towards you. Yellow jacket nests have dozens, if not, thousands of individual wasps, that are ready and eager to sting you to defend the nest.
Cicada-killer wasps
The cicada-killer wasps are in the genius Sphecius. The bee and wasp removal experts explain that there are more than 20 species of these big and bulky guys and they are found all over the world, including North America. They are 2 inches in length, so trust us when we say they are massive for wasp standards, and their size is only intimidating to cicadas. Normally, Sphecid wasps are loners and the female-only use their stinger to paralyze prey, which they hoard under their nests to feed their young. It is very rare for females to sting in self-defense and males don’t sting at all.
Digger Wasps
Digger wasps are classified in the Genus Shex genera and there are about 130 species of digger wasps, cicada-killers’ very near relative. They can be almost as long as their robust cousins, but normally much slimmer. Their young feasts on a large variety of garden pests in their underground nests, particularly grasshoppers, crickets, and beetle grubs. Some digger wasps even track grasshopper delicacies over long distances, which has made them earn the name “tracking wasps.” Also, Digger wasps are solitary, with males that don’t sting and nonaggressive females. These insects are considered beneficial to agriculture and are known to be harmless to humans.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers get their name because they are a species of wasp that prefers to build its nest out of the mud. Many species of wasps are classified as mud daubers, for instance, organ-pipe mud daubers, black and yellow mud daubers, and blue mud daubers. Mud daubers are usually found throughout the United States.
A mud dauber’s appearance can vary since many adult mud daubers are around ½ to 1 inch long (12-25 mm). Normally, mud daubers are black, but sometimes you can come across ones with pale markings or a blue metallic luster. Mud daubers have a “thread-waisted” body, which means they have a long slim segment between the thorax and abdomen. Also, mud daubers have clear or dark wings.
Should I Exterminate Wasps?
No, you should not. The reason being is that wasps too are pollinators and are needed for our ecosystem. Killing them is only done when they put people in danger. When you can, let wasps be and let them destroy pests that cause havoc in your garden and eliminate anything that can destroy your property. If you stay away from their nest, they will not bother you. Obviously, if a wasp nest is on a tree close to your property, they are less of a threat than being on your house. In that case, the wasp nest would have to be removed by a bee and wasp removal company.
Can I Remove A Wasp Nest Myself?
Some wasp nests are easier to remove. For example, a paper wasps nest can be easily removed using a jar and a piece of wood, whereas mud daubers aren’t a threat to anyone. On the other hand, if you have a massive nest of yellow jackets you should call the professionals. Never try to do the job yourself when the nest is too big.
How To Identify A Ground Wasp Nest?
Underground wasp and hornet nests have a unique look that helps you tell them apart from ant colonies. Ground wasp nests have a small, cone-shaped pile of dirt with a large hole in the center where the wasps get in. It’s not unusual to find many similar-looking dirt piles in a small area. Ground hornets and wasps like to nest individually, but next to each other.
Another aspect that should be pointed out is that just because they are referred to as “grounding wasps” does not necessarily mean these are wasps that nest in the ground. It can also mean they nest in shrubs, bushes, rotted wood, or piles of compost or mulch. For most of them, the large entry point hole looks the same in every nesting spot.
How To Locate Ground Wasps?
If you suspect that there is a wasp nest on your property, here are a few things you can do to locate their nest.
- Look for conical-shaped dirt piles with large holes in the middle
- Look in the garden, bushes, shrubs, and woodpiles
- Set out “bait” such as sugary food near the wasps, then observe where they take the food
- Don’t disturb the nest or hive — call a pest control professional
The Bee Man is available 7 days a week and day or night for emergency bee or wasp removal. Give us a call today at 425-318-7912 to book an inspection with one of our bee and wasp removal specialists.