Taking the Sting out of Flying Pests in the Fall
Fall in Fayetteville means the summer’s heat is starting to mellow, and a bright blaze of autumn colors will soon appear. It can also mean the return of wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets, who are also enjoying the moderate temperatures. Getting rid of these unwanted visitors can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to keep your outdoor spaces clear of buzzing and stinging pests.
Determine the location of the nest
One of the best ways to keep wasps, hornets and yellowjackets at bay is to not allow them to feel welcome. Inspect your home regularly for the start of nests. Some of the most common locations are under roof awnings, behind shutters, in fence posts or swing sets, in a tree trunk or wood pile, and even underground.
Treating nests
Once you have found the location of your unwelcome guests, your next step should be to remove their home. While this can be a job for a do-it-yourselfer, if the nest is large, it might be best to call in a pest control specialist. Here are some tips if you do decide to take it on yourself.
- Timing – The best time of day to treat the nests is at dawn or in the evening. This is when the insects are more likely to be dormant.
- Protective clothing – Take some extra precautions to protect yourself in the event they become riled. Gloves, long sleeves, and pants are a good idea.
- Insecticide – Your local garden center or hardware store will stock a full line of insecticides. Choose one that is appropriate to kill wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. Read the instructions on the can before you begin the process.
- Spray – Stand an appropriate distance from the nest to ensure your safety. Most products can spray up to 25 feet away. Be sure you are not standing downwind from the nest or you will end up spraying yourself as well.
- Phone a friend – It is best to treat a wasp, hornet or yellowjacket nest with a friend nearby. If you are unknowingly allergic to stings, your friend can seek out the appropriate help.
When in doubt, contact the experts at Antex Exterminating. They have been providing reliable pest control, including termites, rodents, ants, roaches, and flying pests to Southeastern North Carolina since 1955.