There are 6 most commonly found wasps in North Texas. These wasps are categorized by social wasps and solidary wasps, all of which are pollinators of flowers and crops.

Social wasps build their nests and live together while the solidary wasps build and live alone. Each one has their own distinctive characterizations. Let’s look at the differences, starting with social wasps.

Yellow jackets are an aggressive wasp if provoked or if they feel threatened. They build their nests inside the ground or hollowed out wood. They are black and yellow with a thin waist.

Bald face hornets with their pale-yellow marking on their face and black body, are the most aggressive wasp. Their pear-shaped paper nests have one opening on the bottom and can be found hanging from trees or under awning areas. Their nests can reach 3 feet in size if left untreated.

Paper wasps are the most common of the social wasps. These flying insects allow their 6 legs to dangle while yellow jackets fold their legs up to fly. Similar to the yellow jacket, the paper wasp is brown-black with orange or yellow markings. The paper wasp builds a honeycomb-looking nest often found attacked to eaves, branches or under playground equipment.

 

Solidary wasps on the other hand are loners.

Cricket wasps are not as common in North Texas but can show up in your home. Entering in through foundation cracks, these entirely black wasps hunt crickets to paralyze and kill so they can lay one egg on the cricket for their larvae to eat when they hatch.

 

Cicada (Killers) wasps are the largest wasps found in North Texas. Rarely stinging unless provoked, these wasps have a dark red head with a black and yellow striped abdomen. Like the cricket wasp, the cicada wasp will sting to paralyze the cicada so their larvae can feed on the carcass of the dead insect. These dig the holes you see in flower beds and lawns. The holes are about the side of your thumb.

Mud dauber wasps are one of the more popular and commonly known wasps. Making their tube looking nests that hang under overhangs and eaves, these wasps have a distinct look to them. Their waist is thin between the thorax and abdomen and are black with yellow stripes. Like all wasps, they will sting but won’t attack unless provoked.

Some helpful tips:

  • Keep trash tightly sealed
  • Fill in holes in yard and roof
  • Trim bushes and trees away from any structure
  • Put caps on chimneys
  • Fix any leaks
  • Limit flowers and plants
  • Check for damaged screens
  • Check door weatherstripping

 

Wasp stings may cause allergic reactions and in some cases be severe. It’s best to contact a professional pest control service to help identify and treat for wasps. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 214-321-2847