When your day in Brevard County, Florida invites sunny skies and a cool ocean breeze, the last thing you want is an encounter with a stinging intruder.
But in places like Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, or Titusville, spotting wasps buzzing near your backyard deck is practically unavoidable during Florida’s warmer months.
Wasps in Florida can be aggressive, fascinating, and, unfortunately, quite difficult to ignore. While understanding these creatures might not make you like them more, it will definitely help reduce the likelihood of a sting.
The Most Common Wasps in Florida
Here are five common types of wasps you’re most likely to encounter in Brevard County and beyond… plus tips on coexisting with them safely.
Paper Wasps
One of the most common wasps in Florida, these social buzzers are responsible for those umbrella-shaped nests you’ll see under eaves, tree branches, or even on your porch. Paper wasp nests are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving them that signature papery appearance.
Paper wasps forage for caterpillars and small insects, which they turn into larvae food. While they might seem bothersome, they can help control pest populations.
A single paper wasp nest can house up to 250 wasps, so be careful when trimming shrubs or cleaning outdoor spaces. Though not overly aggressive, these wasps do sting when their nests are disturbed.
Yellowjackets
If there’s one wasp in Florida you want to avoid, it’s the yellowjacket. These black-and-yellow striped insects are notorious for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their nests.
Yellowjackets create large, papery nests either underground or attached to structures. The nests often consist of multiple combs layered together. While they feed on sugary foods like soda spills at your summer barbecue, they’re also avid hunters of small insects.
This is one type of wasp to pay close attention to, as they sting repeatedly without provocation and are particularly defensive near their nests.
Cicada Killers
At nearly two inches long, these wasps look terrifying, but they’re actually less aggressive than you might expect. Cicada killer wasps are solitary and prefer building burrows in sandy or loose soil, making them common nuisances in lawns.
Active primarily from late June to July, especially in areas with exposed soil (think Palm Bay and Merritt Island backyards). These wasps play an essential role in Florida’s ecosystem, so consider leaving them be unless their burrows disturb your property.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets have stark black and white markings and construct large, round nests on tree branches. They’re huge, and violent if provoked.
Hornet stings typically hurt a lot more than normal wasp stings, and they sting multiple times when provoked, so watch out!
European Hornets
European Hornets, a non-native species, build their nests above ground.
These wasps are notable for their size, growing over one inch in length, and have a similar appearance to yellow jackets. They’ve slowly been introduced to North America through international shipping and colonization.
Understanding Wasp Behavior and Aggression
Besides the species, there are two key factors that tend to make wasps more aggressive:
- Seasonal Aggression: The summer heat doesn’t just make your neighbors grumpy. Yellowjackets often exhibit increased aggression from late summer to early fall. This period coincides with their colony’s growth and the need for more resources.
- Nest Disruption: Hornets and wasps may become disoriented and search for new locations if their nests are removed. This behavior underscores the importance of professional removal to prevent follow-up attacks. You never know when you leave angry survivors behind after you take a wasp nest down!
How to Stay Safe Around Wasps in Florida
While you can’t always avoid wasps, especially if you’re out and about in the wilderness, there are a few key steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a nasty sting:
- Seal entry points around your home to deter wasp entry.
- Keep food covered and manage spills promptly to avoid attracting wasps.
- Employ natural repellents such as basil, mint, and eucalyptus oil around your home.
- Consider using citronella candles and fake nests, which mayserve as effective deterrents.
When you’re dealing with wasps in Florida, professional control and removal services offer the safest and most effective solution. Never try to remove a wasp nest on your own. Instead, trust the pros, like our team at Orange Pest Control.
We’ll deploy preventative measures to deter wasp nest building around your home, while also addressing nests that are located in hidden areas like walls or attics. We’ll use treatments that are safe for you, your family, and your pets to help get rid of wasps for good.
Prevent Wasps in Florida With Orange Pest Control
Don’t wait until a wasp issue interrupts your Florida sunshine! Whether you’re in Cocoa, Indialantic, or St. Cloud, Orange Pest Control is here to help.
Book your consultation today to schedule a safe and hassle-free wasp removal.
Your comfort (and sting-free skin) is our top priority.
Did You Know?
The paper wasp nest, shaped like an inverted umbrella, is a fascinating engineering feat. A single comb can host up to 250 wasps, with eggs laid in individual cells. Once they hatch, larvae are fed primarily with small insects like caterpillars.
FAQ
How can I prevent wasps from nesting around my home?
To deter wasps in Florida from building nests, regularly inspect and remove potential nesting spots like eaves, porch ceilings, and dense shrubs. Seal trash bins tightly and avoid leaving sugary drinks outdoors, as they attract certain species like yellowjackets.
Are wasps beneficial to the environment?
Absolutely! Wasps like paper wasps and mud daubers help control pest populations by feeding on insects. Cicada killer wasps also serve a crucial role in the food chain.
Which wasps are the most dangerous in Florida?
Yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets are the most aggressive, capable of stinging repeatedly when provoked. Exercise caution and stay away from their nests.