Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Utah's unusually warm winter doesn't come without consequences. Aside from a lower snowpack and drier vegetation, there's another downside that could affect those outdoor barbecues and playdates: More wasps.
According to the beekeeping blog Honey Bee Suite, long stretches of freezing weather is "the best wasp control." Normally, wasp colonies start fresh every year. Most of them die when the temperature drops, but a fertilized queen shelters under bark, inside wall voids or beneath eaves to protect herself in a process called overwintering.
If the overwintering queen survives, she'll emerge in the spring to find a nesting site and begin building a new colony. The more queens that survived winter, the more active nests you'll see across Utah in the summertime.
Unfortunately, the lack of consistent freezing temperatures means that you're going to see more wasps this summer.
The good news is that these nests are still small — and there's time to do something about them before they become a real problem later on.
The dangers of waiting too long
If you're already spying wasps outside, it's time to take action. By late summer, wasp colonies can number in the thousands. But population growth is only one reason why you'll want to act sooner rather than later to prevent wasps in your yard or near your home.
"As natural food sources decline heading into fall, wasps become noticeably more aggressive — more likely to sting with little warning and to pursue perceived threats away from their nest," Nature's Balance Pest Control explains.
For some, this is just a pain and a nuisance. But for others, it could be a very serious health concern. Unlike honey bees, wasps don't lose their stinger when they sting you — which means they can sting you multiple times. For those with allergies, this could quickly turn into a medical emergency.
Stinging insects to watch out for in Utah
Since not all stinging insects behave the same way, it helps to know which species you're dealing with so you can understand the risks — and the right response.
Paper wasps. This is the most common type of wasp in Utah. They're black with yellow, orange or red stripes, and they build nests under eaves and overhangs. They're less aggressive than others, but they'll sting if they feel threatened.
Yellow jackets. These carry the highest nuisance risk. Compact, yellow and black, yellow jackets build nests underground or in hollow structures like playground equipment. They're drawn to food and garbage.
Baldfaced hornets. These wasps are dark with white markings and they're the most defensive of the bunch. They build large enclosed nests in trees or under eaves and are highly aggressive when disturbed.
Nature's Balance Pest Control recommends reducing your risk of a wasp infestation by identifying gaps around windows, doors or vents and sealing them off with caulk. Also keep food and garbage sealed to avoid attracting them.
As with any pest, however, it's easier to remove them when the infestation is still small.
When to call a professional
As Kat Brancato explains in an article for Angi, you shouldn't exterminate wasps for no reason because they play a critical role in the ecosystem. But if they're swarming in areas where you spend a lot of time — the porch, deck or backyard, for example — that's when you might want to call a professional.
"You should also hire a local wasp exterminator if you spot a wasp nest in your yard that's bigger than your fist, which indicates a full infestation and could be dangerous," Brancato writes.
Even if you think a job looks simple, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution to avoid a painful — and potentially dangerous — situation.
Why you should choose Nature's Balance Pest Control
Because wasps prey on other insects and contribute to pollination, responsible pest control targets nuisance nests without disrupting the broader environment.
While some pest control companies use a broad-spray approach, Nature's Balance Pest Control is committed to protecting bees and other beneficial insects in Utah's gardens and overall ecosystem.
Nature's Balance Pest Control has been a locally owned and operated company that's been protecting Utah homes and businesses since 2007. The technicians are trained to identify species, locate nests and apply treatments using a hybrid approach that's both effective and healthier for your family, your pets and the surrounding environment.
Schedule your free inspection
Nature's Balance starts every job with an assessment of your property and a customized plan for care. Whether it's one nest or many, they have the experience to handle it, at any point in the season.
If you've spotted wasp activity on your property this spring, don't wait until the problem gets bigger. Click here to schedule your service today with Nature's Balance Pest Control or call 435-709-1708.
To learn more about their services, visit naturesbalancepestcontrol.net.
