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Health Hazard
Wasps rarely attack humans without provocation. To a wasp, provocation usually means swatting at them or disturbing their nest, both of which are the common catalysts for wasp stings.
Most people only experience mild to moderate discomfort from wasp stings that cause swelling, redness, localized pain, itching, numbness, burning or tingling. However, life-threatening symptoms can occur if a person is severely allergic to the venom that is inserted through the sting. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty in swallowing, turning blue, weakness or fainting. Wasp stings are also known to cause anaphylactic shock and heart attack.
The vast majority of wasps do not to carry human disease, however some have been known to pick up bacteria that may be harmful to some individuals with low / reduced immunity function.
Wood Damage
Wasp nests do not cause structural damage to houses and other buildings, but are generally just viewed as an eyesore or nuisance. However, horntails or wood wasps use wood from various structures, such as door overhangs and attics, as their food host for larvae development.
These species bore into the wood structures and place their eggs inside of the cavity they've drilled. As the larvae develop, they feed off of the surrounding wood pulp. Upon maturity, the wood wasp chews through material such as linoleum, carpet and hardwood floors to create an exit hole.
The wood damage rendered by horntails is primarily cosmetic and rarely structural. However, the superficial damage can be extensive and costly.
Crop Damage
In addition to insects, other invertebrate and wood wasps also use fruit as food hosts for their larvae. Throughout the world, millions of dollars of commercial fruit crops have been damaged by wasp infestations. Residential fruit trees are also commonly affected.
Prevention and Control
Avoid jerky and rapid movements around nests because this could be seen as forms of aggression, thus provoking a defensive attack by a swarm. Use caution when eating outdoors, because wasps are attracted to sweet beverages and certain foods. It is better to walk away from a wasp rather than swat at a wasp to avoid provocation. Wasps usually do not chase humans unless they have disturbed their nest.
Controlling wasp populations is primarily done by destroying their nests. It's best to use the services of a pest control professional to handle wasp infestations, but numerous products can be used as a do-it-yourself project. Nests can be destroyed by using chemical insecticides that are available at various garden and hardware stores, or by pouring diesel fuel into the nest. Whenever possible, use a beekeepers suit when handling wasp nests. The suit can be homemade or bought at a garden store.