I am new to Texas and I am wondering why the wasps are taking over my front yard and if there are any tricks to getting rid of them. I don't see a next anywhere, but there is a swarm of them flying all around my front tree and around my window shutters. I feel unsafe every time I have to check the mail. It has been warmer lately, so I know that is one reason why they are out, but why are they just flocking around my tree and my shutters? What can I do about them? Can I drench the tree and shutters in wasp spray and hope the go away? I'm so scared of them. I think they are paper wasps, but I'm not sure what they heck they are. They are just driving me crazy. Any suggestions?!?!?!
Dear MT,
Welcome to Texas, bugs and all!
I am originally from Indiana/Colorado. My husband is from Texas. When we moved here - I couldn't believe all the bugs, bees and reptiles that I encountered. I simply had no idea that those things even existed in the size and quantity that I discovered here in Texas. We moved 9 years ago, and I am still discovering new and NOT SO PLEASNT discoveries here in Texas when it comes to bugs.
To answer your question - they have to have a nest somewhere, or are building one somewhere. Make sure you don't have any hummingbird feeders out there, or spilled apple juice. They ALL love that sweet stuff. If you are uncomfortable spraying the bee killer, call an exterminator and just ASK how much they would charge. It is cheaper than you may think. Believe me. Experience.
You just haven't experienced Texas to the fullest until you find your first gecko scurrying around inside your home. Under your pillow as you are getting ready to go to sleep...
Honest.
Good luck!
Erin
Wasps swarm in October in our area of Texas, at least they are swarming MORE in October. All summer long we suffer from the little beasts. You may also see Yellow Jackets (a type of wasp). They swarm too; the difference is more often than not their nests are in the ground and that may be why you're not seeing a nest. They seem to be meaner to me.
Anyway, if you find a wasp solution, let me and the world know. Nothing that I know of is a permanent fix except to burn them out if you can find the nest.