To get a bit technical, wasps are insects in the hymenoptera order and the apocrita sub-order. Wasps are often mistaken for bees and confused with other stinging insects. It’s not uncommon to get bees, wasps, and hornets confused. They’re all capable of stinging and frequently come with black and yellow markings. Wasps have narrow waists, smooth skin, and four wings. Hornets are a subset of wasp with slightly larger waists but similar skin and wings. Bees tend to be fuzzy, round, and are smaller in general.

Wasp Exterminators Omaha & Lincoln, NE

No matter which one you find on your home or business property, it’s a problem. Wasp nests are most active from June through September in Nebraska, and colonies grow larger and more defensive as summer goes on. If you’ve spotted a nest on your property right now, it’s already at or near peak size for the season. The best thing to do is contact wasp exterminators in the area before it gets bigger.

Types of wasps in Nebraska

Four of the most common types of solitary wasps are the cicada killer wasp, spider hawk wasp, steel blue cricket hunter and sand wasps.

  • Cicada killer wasps

These are the largest wasp species in Nebraska and a regular visitor in all parts of the state. They are about 1 ½ to 2 inches in length and boldly marked with yellow stripes on a black body. Females are larger than males.

Cicada killer wasps create underground burrows. These burrows can be found near walks, driveways, and retaining walls and can usually be identified by the presence of fresh soil around the 1/2-inch entrance hole. These wasps can create clusters of nests within a preferred area.

  • Spider hawk wasp

This is a large beautiful dark, shiny blue wasp, slightly smaller than a cicada killer. A characteristic is the curled or spiraled position of the female’s antennae. Spider hawks are similar in behavior but as the name suggests, prefer spiders as entrees for their young. Some species will build mud nests in buildings.

  • Steel blue cricket hunter

This is also a large wasp, about 1 to 1 1/4 inch long. Sometimes called thread-waist wasps, this group of insects have a thin structure connecting their thorax and abdomen. Look closely at the steel blue cricket hunter and you’ll see their body is a dark steel blue metallic color with dark smoky wings. As their name implies, their larvae are fed primarily with crickets.

  • Sand wasp

The sand wasp is around an inch long. They have large eyes, with black and white striped abdomens. Although they are considered a solitary wasp, several females may join together to create individual nests in the soil and discourage invaders. Backyard sandboxes are a prime nesting location for sand wasps. Their larvae are fed primarily with flies.

Signs of wasp infestation

Wasps create their nests from chewed wood or mud (depending on the species). The first sign that you have a wasp problem is seeing increased wasp activity around your property. Areas where wasps might set up nests include:

  • Attics and rafters
  • Eaves or any kind of overhang
  • Garages, sheds and outlying buildings
  • Playground equipment and swing sets
  • Barbecue grills
  • Decks, pools and around patio

Although a wasps nest should not be disturbed, as you can see from that list, they often build their nests in places where they are likely to run into humans.

We are wasp exterminators

If you find a wasp’s nest do not take any chances. Trying to remove the nest or using other methods can backfire and you end up under attack. Do-it-yourself treatments are available but are usually not as effective in removing stinging insects. And, it can be very dangerous. Multiple stings are the quick result of many home remedies. Plus, these products may contain pesticides that can be harmful to people and pets if they are misused or mixed improperly.

That’s why your best option is always to contact professional wasp control services to get rid of wasps. At ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE, we know how to find nests and use the right safety equipment and treatments. We also seal up any entry points that have allowed wasps into your property and help you prevent their return.

ABC Termite & Pest Control – Local Pest Control Exterminators in Omaha & Lincoln

Find a reputable wasp control professional in Omaha or Lincoln that you trust. DIY wasp removal often means multiple stings and products that can be harmful to people and pets if mixed or applied incorrectly. Wasp nests get more aggressive the longer they’re left alone. If you’ve spotted a nest on your property, schedule same-week wasp removal with ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha or Lincoln.

Wasp nest treatment is covered under our exterior pest control service, which also addresses other outdoor-nesting insects. Wasps aren’t the only pest that peaks in a Nebraska summer. If mosquitoes and ticks are also a problem in your yard, ask about combining treatments.