Wasps
Wasps are dangerous to man because of their ability to inflict painful stings. Some people are extremely sensitive to the protein material injected by these insects, and such people may become extremely ill or may even die as a result of being stung only once.
The most common species found in BC are Paper Wasps, Polistes Wasps, Bald-faced Hornets, Yellow Jackets, and Mud Daubers.
Paper Wasps
Size: 10 - 25mm.
Color: Black or dark-brown bodies with yellow markings.
Unique Characteristics: Some of the most dangerous wasps are “paper-making” wasps. They may be identified by their habit of folding their wings when at rest - making them seem only half as wide as they are actually. These wasps build nests of a paper-like material.
Control: The use of liquid pesticides along with pesticide dust to poison the nest and deter another one from being formed in the same area.
Bald-faced Hornets
Size: 13 - 20mm.
Color: Black with a white or yellow face.
Unique Characteristics: One of the universally recognized wasp nests is a brownish-gray structure resembling a large football. These insects are moderately large.
Control: The use of liquid pesticides along with pesticide dust to poison the nest and deter another one from being formed in the same area.
Polistes Wasps
Size: 24 - 27mm.
Color: Yellow & black
Unique Characteristics: Probably the most common form of paper wasp, building rather simple nests and commonly seen hanging from the eaves of houses and beneath.
Control: The use of liquid pesticides along with pesticide dust to poison the nest and deter another one from being formed in the same area.
Mud Daubers
Size: roughly 26mm.
Color: usually black, but may have pale markings or a blue metallic luster.
Unique Characteristics: Their nests are found commonly in attics where they are plastered against the underside of the roof and other structural timbers. The nests should be approached with caution.
Control: The use of liquid pesticides along with pesticide dust to poison the nest and deter another one from being formed in the same area.
Yellow Jackets
Size: about 13mm.
Color: Black & yellow.
Unique Characteristics: The nest is typically underground and as many as 10, 000 workers may be produced in a colony in a season. Situations are known in which yellow jackets have built extensively within wall voids in concrete block foundations. The workers are unpredictable in their response to humans who approach the nest. The intruder may be ignored or he may be subject to massive assault and may be stung severely.
Control: The use of liquid pesticides along with pesticide dust to poison the nest and deter another one from being formed in the same area.
