Summer in central Florida is one of the greatest times of the year. Everyone looks to spend more time outdoors, whether that’s near the beach, at your local park, or at a backyard barbecue. Unfortunately, with warming temperatures comes an abundance of pest problems! Wasps are one of the most troublesome pests during the summertime and have a tendency to ruin outdoor events. There are three summertime wasps in particular to lookout for: paper wasps, yellow jackets, and mud daubers. Keep reading for more info on these wasps provided by the experts at Heron Home & Outdoor.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps aren’t as hostile as other wasps, but are commonly seen buzzing around this time of year. Here’s what to know about these wasps:

• They are similar in body shape to yellow jackets, but are mostly brown in color with yellow markings.
• These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas.
• Their nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. They
• typically contain up to 30 wasps.
• Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. Their sting is known to be especially potent.

Yellow Jackets

These wasps are very common and are notoriously aggressive, especially in the late summer. Some things to know about yellow jackets include:

• Yellow jackets can be best identified by the yellow and black horizontal stripes that run across their bodies.
• Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers.
• Their nests look globe-shaped and are built above ground, often near garages, sheds, and more.
• Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly. 

Mud Daubers

Just as their name suggests, mud daubers are known for constructing their nests out of mud. Here’s what to know about mud daubers:

• They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. Mud daubers are best identified by their thin, thread-like waist.
• Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics.
• These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary.
• Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive as other wasps and will only sting when directly handled or threatened.

How to Prevent Summertime Wasps

There are several ways you can avoid a wasp problem in your yard. Keep food and drinks indoors, seal your trash cans, and know where to look for nests near your property. As soon as you see the signs of wasps or a wasp nest near your home, be cautious and contact the experts at Heron. Our wasp removal team can provide nest removal in a way that is safe for all involved.