Wasps and Bees in Caldwell, Idaho

Summer is in full swing, so the bees and wasps are out! While many people are afraid of these stinging insects, they are important for our ecosystem. This blog post will provide information about wasps and bees in Caldwell, Idaho, and how to avoid getting stung.

Wasps

There are many different types of wasps in Caldwell, Idaho. The most common type of wasp is the Yellowjackets and paper wasps.

Yellowjackets  (Vespula spp.) are often mistaken for honeybees, but they lack the hair on their bodies and have distinctive coloration. They range 3/8" - 5/8" long. They nest underground using existing hollows and can be found in dark, enclosed areas of a building, such as crawl spaces or wall voids.

Yellowjackets are aggressive and will sting if they feel threatened. If you see a yellow jacket, it is best to leave it alone. If you must remove them from your property, call a professional pest control company.

Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.) is one of the most common wasp types you'll find around your home.

They are slender with long legs that dangle beneath their bodies when flying. They build their nests from chewed-up wood fibers and can be black, brown, or red in color! Their nest construction often takes place under eaves or inside other shelter places like decks off windowsills.

 

Bees

Bees are one of the most important pollinators in nature. They visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar which they carry back to their cells for food production. All bees have branched hairs that allows them to carry pollens. While gathering pollen, some pollen falls off and fertilizes the flower, allowing fruits and vegetables to grow.

 

There are many different types of bees in Caldwell, Idaho. The most common type of bee is the honeybees and bumblebees.

 

Honeybees have flat wings that unfold atop their abdomen when they're not in use. They are usually 1/2" long and have golden brown with black stripes on the abdomen. Their nests are usually in trees, bushes, or man-made structures like bee boxes.

 

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are very fuzzy insects ranging from less than 1/2 to 1 inch. They are roundish in shape with black and yellow coloration. Bumble bees are often found in abandoned rodent nests, compost piles and underneath objects on the ground.

 

Preventing Stings

While bees and wasps are important for our ecosystem, their stings can be painful. To avoid getting stung, follow these tips:

- Do not swat at bees or wasps. This will only make them angry and more likely to sting.

- Do not wear brightly colored clothing or perfumes when outdoors. Bees and wasps are attracted to these smells.

- If you see a bee or wasp, walk away slowly. Do not run as this will trigger their chase response.

- If you are stung, avoid scratching the area as this can cause an infection. Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.

 

Call a professional pest control company if you have an infestation of bees or wasps. Do not try to remove them yourself, as this can be dangerous.