Looking to get rid of sand wasps? Here is a practical extermination guide.
For the most part, sand wasps aren’t known to be much of a problem to humans.
However, these are wasp varieties mostly found in sandy areas or places with less vegetation covering the ground. Gardeners are more likely to encounter these insects than anyone else.
If you find sand wasps around your garden and don’t feel comfortable with their presence, there are simple actions to take to remedy the problem. This article dwells on effective ways to get rid of these pests.
Luckily, doing such isn’t a difficult process at all.
So, how does one proceed to remedy the problem?
Sand Wasps and Food
To have a fair idea of what sand wasps are about, you’ll need to look at their behavior concerning nutrition.
This provides you with tips on how to go about keeping wasps at bay. Speaking of food, this largely depends on the level of development they are.
In other words, sand wasp larvae mostly feed on insects which is why adult sand wasps hunt down such insects to feed their larvae. Adult sand wasps on the other hand feed on nectar.
From the information provided, it’s safe to say that multiple approaches can be adopted in getting rid of these pests.
About Sand Wasps
If you’re unsure about what you’re dealing with, you could use some help in identifying sand wasps. Sand wasps aren’t social creatures and can be found in solitary locations.
These pests have white, black, and yellow markings on their bodies.
Female sand wasps have to feed their larvae by going out to hunt for other bugs. Among the most common sand wasp prey are grasshoppers, flies, cicadas, beetles, caterpillars, and crickets.
There are hardly any cases of sand wasps stinging humans. When they do, they do so to protect themselves.
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Sand Wasps may Remain Unnoticed
Due to the discrete nature of their activities, sand wasps may remain on your property without your knowledge.
Even when you know of their presence, there may be no need to have them removed as long as they keep their distance.
However, the need for removal arises when they get too close for comfort. A homeowner may decide to establish control over his property or surroundings by getting rid of these insects.
This article serves as a guide to get things started. With this said, how does one proceed? Let’s show you how.
Tips On Getting Rid of Sand Wasps
Multiple strategies could come in handy in getting rid of sand wasps.
These include the use of mulch, application of topsoil, spraying soapy mixture, powdered insecticides, using traps, and killer insecticides.
Some home remedies could also prove effective. These include lemon spray treatments and essential oil sprays. Natural approaches could be put to good use too.
Having stated these options, let’s have a brief look at what they’re about.
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Mulch
Due to their preference for loose and exposed soil, mulch can be introduced to limit sand wasp presence. Sand wasps can be contained through mulch application.
Covering the ground with mulch makes it quite difficult for sand wasps to thrive.
While this is true, a little patience is needed. In other words, the results might not be immediate.
These pests may still struggle to get through the mulch layer to the soil before finally giving up when conditions become unfavorable.
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Application of Topsoil
This is similar to mulch application in the sense that it involves covering the loose sandy soil with more compact topsoil. Here, the new layer of topsoil isn’t mixed with the loose soil beneath it.
This helps ensure sand wasps can’t penetrate through the new soil covering.
For this strategy to be effective, you’ll need a topsoil layer of about 6 inches thick. This should be sufficient enough to keep sand wasps at bay for a long time to come.
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Spraying Soapy Mixture
Soapy mixtures will always affect insects.
Using this understanding, all you have to do is make your mixture using your preferred soap. Soap or detergents can be mixed in a bucket of water or spray bottle.
Once sprayed over the area, adult sand wasps and larvae are killed on contact.
This treatment helps suffocate these insects who breathe through their skins. The good part is, there won’t be many sand wasps to deal with due to their solitary nature.
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Use of Powdered Insecticides
A variety of powdered insecticides are available for a wide range of pest treatments including sand wasps. Your best bet of getting the desired result is by sticking to the use instructions accompanying the product.
Such powder only needs to be sprinkled onto the ground surface inhabited by sand wasps. Contact with powdered insecticides results in the death of these pests.
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Traps
Homemade traps have proven to be effective in killing a variety of pests. The same can be used on sand wasps.
You’ll need to cut a bottle and invert the other half into the base like a funnel. Sugary mixtures are poured in to serve as bait. As sand wasps get in, they’re stuck and find it hard to escape.
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Killer Insecticides
Asides from powdered insecticides; there are spray insecticides of various kinds found in the market. These can be purchased from stores nearest to you and applied according to the instructions provided.
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Home Remedies
An assortment of home remedy treatments exists to help homeowners treat their sand wasp problems. Examples include the use of plants among other similar strategies.
Sand wasp repellent plants ground within your surroundings will have an effect in keeping these pests in check.
The good part is, home remedies can be used in conjunction with the other treatments stated above. With careful application, you should be able to surmount your sand wasp challenge.
If you do not want to deal with or apply the above treatments yourself, pest control services are always on hand to handle your pest needs.
The advantage of using professional pest control services is that they adopt a comprehensive approach to fixing the problem.
Getting rid of sand wasps isn’t a complicated process as long as the basics are adhered to. You’ll need to do what needs to be done by focusing on all affected areas of your yard.