Wasps are a common sight in North Carolina, especially during the summer months. While most wasps are not aggressive and do not sting unless provoked, some species can be more dangerous than others.
In this article, we will rank the types of wasps in North Carolina by the pain of their sting. We will also provide information on other stinging insects found in the state and what to do if you get stung. This information will help you identify and avoid the most dangerous wasps in North Carolina.
You are reading: 5 Types Of Wasps In North Carolina Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
5 Types Of Wasps In North Carolina Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
Eastern Cicada Killer
The Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus) is a large, solitary digger wasp species in the family Crabronidae. It is often referred to as the cicada killer or the cicada hawk and is present throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and in Mexico.
The Eastern Cicada Killer is the most painful wasp in North Carolina. However, it is not aggressive towards humans and is virtually harmless unless handled roughly.
The female cicada killer hunts annual cicadas (Neotibicen spp.) to provide food for her young. The female cicada killer can live for a month and produce tunnels four or more feet long in a single nest.
Yellow Jacket
Yellow Jackets are a type of wasp that can be found in North Carolina. The Eastern Yellow Jacket (Vespula maculifrons) is the most abundant yellow jacket species in the state.
Yellow Jackets are house fly-sized wasps with distinct yellow and black markings. They construct paper nests, which can contain thousands of workers. Yellow Jackets are known for their aggressive behavior and can swarm out aggressively to sting whatever caused the disruption.
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Yellow Jacket colonies can be eliminated at night when the wasps are inside and are relatively calm. A simple trap using a small piece of raw meat or fish as bait suspended over a pan of soapy water can be quite effective in lowering populations of yellow jackets in local areas.
Yellow Jackets are one of the most common types of wasps in North Carolina and can be intimidating.
Bald-Faced Hornet
The Bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is a type of wasp that is mostly black with white or ivory markings on the face, thorax, and toward the tip of the abdomen. It is the largest of the yellowjacket species and is often mistaken for a hornet.
Bald-Faced Hornets are found throughout the United States and southern Canada, but are most common in the Southeastern United States. They build aerial nests in trees and shrubs out of wood pulp, which can be large, rounded, papery, and gray.
Bald-Faced Hornets are omnivorous and feed on flies, caterpillars, spiders, and other insects. They are considered beneficial due to their predation of unwanted insects, but their aggressive defensive nature makes them a threat to humans who wander too close to a nest or when a nest is constructed too close to human habitation.
Bald-Faced Hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. They have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again, whereas other stinging insects may only sting when they feel extremely threatened.
Bald-Faced Hornets are one of the most dangerous types of wasps in North Carolina.
Red Paper Wasp
The Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina) is one of two species of red paper wasp found in the eastern United States. It is a social wasp in the family Vespidae and subfamily Polistinae.
The species is native to the United States from Texas to Florida, north to New York, and west to Nebraska. The wasp’s common name is due to the reddish-brown color of its head and body.
Red Paper Wasps prefer to build their nests in protected spaces, such as under eaves, in attics, or in other sheltered areas. They are not typically aggressive and only attack humans and animals if they or their nests are being threatened.
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Red Paper Wasps are beneficial insects that prey on other insects, such as caterpillars and flies. They are not considered dangerous to humans, but their sting can be painful and cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Mud Dauber
Mud Dauber is a common name for a group of wasps that belong to either the family Sphecidae or Crabronidae. They are called mud daubers because they build their nests out of mud.
Mud Daubers are not aggressive and are usually docile unless provoked. They are solitary insects, meaning each nest only has one wasp that is responsible for all the necessary tasks.
Mud Daubers are beneficial insects that prey on spiders and other insects. They are found throughout the United States and can vary in appearance, but most adult mud daubers are about 1/2 to 1 inch long and usually black with clear wings.
Mud Daubers are not considered dangerous to humans, but their sting can be painful and cause an allergic reaction in some people.
FAQS
1. What are the most painful wasps in North Carolina?
The Eastern Cicada Killer is the most painful wasp in North Carolina, followed by the Yellow Jacket, Bald-Faced Hornet, Red Paper Wasp, and Mud Dauber.
2. Are wasps dangerous to humans?
Most wasps are not aggressive and do not sting unless provoked. However, some species, such as Yellow Jackets and Bald-Faced Hornets, can be dangerous if their nests are disturbed.
3. What should I do if I get stung by a wasp?
Reactions to wasp stings are usually mild and don’t require medical attention unless an allergic reaction occurs. If you get stung, remove the stinger if it’s still in your skin, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
4. How can I avoid getting stung by a wasp?
To avoid getting stung by a wasp, avoid wearing bright colors or floral prints, avoid wearing perfume or scented lotions, and avoid walking barefoot in areas where wasps may be present. If you see a wasp, remain calm and still until it flies away.
5. Are Mud Daubers dangerous to humans?
Mud Daubers are not considered dangerous to humans, but their sting can be painful and cause an allergic reaction in some people.
6. What should I do if I find a wasp nest on my property?
If you find a wasp nest on your property, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a professional pest control company to safely remove the nest.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Animals
