There is nothing quite like enjoying a peaceful dip in the pool, but if you are anything like me, you will know that peace doesn’t last long when there is a wasp around the swimming pool.
Wasp nest on the beach – Photo credit: Pixabay
Wasps are a menace around the house as well so I was pretty keen to get rid of them around the swimming pool area. I didn’t want to harm any of the insects but I also didn’t want the swarm to take over the pool area and ruin my evening swim.
I had heard rumors of an insecticide that was completely safe around water sources and I decided to give it a try. I was right! Not only does it not hurt the honeybees that the farmers rely on for pollination, but it also doesn’t hurt fish, turtles or other pond organisms. So not only can you use it to rout the wasps but you can also be certain that it will not harm any living creature around the pool area.
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Get The Necessary Equipment
Before you start any kind of extermination effort, you will need to make sure that you have the necessary equipment. First off, you will need at least one tube or stick of strong insecticide. You should also have a nozzle attached to the tube so that you can point it at the hive when you are applying it. Don’t worry; this is a safe and eco-friendly method of getting rid of the pests and you will not hurt any insects in the process.
Consider Your Options
Not all wasps are created equal so it is essential that you consider your options before you spray. Some species of wasp are more aggressive and dangerous than others. While most people are more than capable of dealing with wasps that pose no threat to them, if you have been stung by a few then you may want to reevaluate your situation.
For instance, the Varroa mite has been known to transfer human pathogens to honeybees. This means that if you get any of these little critters on your skin or in your eyes then you may end up sickening or even killing yourself. In some cases, people have recovered from extreme allergic reactions to the Varroa mite but it is still considered a risky infestation. This is why it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Some people choose to leave their hives untouched and instead use other methods of controlling the wasp population. This may be a better option for those that have been struggling with large wasp infestations. If this is the case for you then consider how much weight you want to lose, because the answer is not all wasps are created equal either. Some wasps are just meaner than others and you don’t want to take any chances.
Be Careful What You Spray
Wasps are very attracted to open areas so if you want to keep the little buggers at a distance then you need to be careful what you spray. If you spray near trees or plants then these will more than likely attract even more insects, including the ones you are trying to get rid of. One solution is to make sure that everything you spray is protected from direct sunlight. This way it will stay fresh for much longer and you won’t have to keep topping it up. When applying insecticide to a wall or fence that is close to a window then make sure that the window is open and there is plenty of airflow through it so that the chemical doesn’t accumulate and cause harm.
Don’t Forget The Signs Of Trouble
Last but not least, we have the most important piece of advice: when you see yellow jackets, don’t go near them! While it may seem like common sense to avoid these insects, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security because they are so docile and meek. In reality, these are some of the most dangerous insects around. They are frequently mistaken for wasps because of their size but they can be even more aggressive than the latter. They will not hesitate to sting you if you get near their hives or nests.
There are many reasons why wasps become dangerous around water sources. Sometimes the water is too warm, causing the wasps to seek cooler temperatures. Sometimes there are not enough natural predators around to keep the population in check, leaving the ecosystem lacking in balance. Sometimes the water is polluted, causing the wasps to become aggressive and defensive.
Whatever the reason may be, if you see yellow jackets around the pool area then it is time to call in the professionals. Wasps can be dangerous for humans so make sure that you are careful around their nests. Don’t go near them and above all, make sure that you are not feeding them! If you are worried about a particular species of wasp then look it up on the internet to see if there are any harmful tendencies associated with that species. Sometimes getting rid of one type of insect can create a home for another more aggressive pest. The key is to be prepared and know what you are dealing with before you start any kind of pest control effort.