Wasps in Idaho: The Species You Need to Know

Wasps and other stinging insects can be a very frustrating part of Summer. They not only ruin the fun of outdoor gatherings, but they can also cause a major safety concern. Idaho has a wide variety of wasp species that can be divided into three main categories: yellowjackets, hornets, and paper wasps. While each species has different characteristics, they may all require pest control help.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjacket is the common name given for wasps in the vespula or Dolichovespula genera. The western yellowjacket is the most prevalent in Idaho, but the German yellowjacket is the most aggressive. Yellowjackets typically build their nests underground in abandoned animal burrows or in hollow areas under logs or sidewalks. These nests are papery in appearance. During the spring, wasps tend to feed mostly on insects and can be a great benefit because they get rid of many garden pests. When late summer comes, however, their diets change and yellowjackets become major picnic pests, preferring things like meats and sweet drinks. German yellowjackets are especially problematic in Idaho because they can overwinter in attic and wall voids.

German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) Richard Bartz, Munich aka Makro Freak, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons



Hornets

The term hornet can be misleading because Idaho doesn’t have any true biological hornets. Instead, the bald-faced hornet is actually a social wasp that is widespread in Idaho. Bald-faced hornets have thicker bodies than yellowjackets and are mostly black with light yellow or white marks on their heads and abdomen. This species also makes papery nests, but they are often in trees or on houses. Bald-faced hornet nests can get quite large and may be the size of a soccer ball by fall. Bald-faced hornets do not tend to be aggressive, though they can still be dangerous if disturbed.

Paper wasp nest by Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Boise Wasp Control

Dealing with wasps can be tricky because they can give painful stings that can be dangerous for children, pets, and people who have allergies to the venom. Smashing a wasp can also release a pheromone that signals others in the nest to attack. The best approach for dealing with wasps is to let the experts handle them. Averse Pest Control technicians are trained to be able to quickly and safely get rid of dangerous wasps around your house. If you are dealing with pesky stinging insects and need wasp nest removal and control in Boise, contact Averse Pest Control today!