As Medicine Hat residents notice boom in wasp population, expert says avoid the nests

“Some other species prefer more natural areas, and it’s really only two species that cause most of the trouble. Those are species that will scavenge,” Buck said.

“Most yellow jackets are actually predators. That means they prey on live insects and other arthropods. But there are a few species that will take meat, for example. But that’s only a couple of species. But those are the ones that usually cause the trouble,” he added.

“Because those also tend to be the ones that have the largest nests and the longest nest cycle. Some of the other species that are strictly predacious complete their nest cycle a little bit earlier. So they don’t tend to get as populous as some of those scavenging species.”

Residents told CHAT News they have had issues during encounters with wasps this year.

“I have been bit right here on my arm, and I was bit on my toe, and twice on my leg. It’s awful,” a Medicine Hat woman said.

“I was bit on my hand, right there and my hand swelled up about half way to my elbow. Yeah it was pretty painful and the swelling was itchy for just about a week. And I know a number of other people who have been stung as well,” a Medicine Hat man said.

“My whole family has been stung. And our neighbour has a massive wasp nest that just sits there too. So they are everywhere in the grass, in the air,” another Hatter said.

Two residents hope wasp numbers decrease.

“We need to do something about them. I don’t know how you do that, but they don’t even have the wasp traps in the store anymore. People have bought them all out,” a Medicine Hat woman said.

“I’ve got wasp traps out, and they are just filling up with wasps. I don’t know where they are coming from, but there are a lot of wasps out there,” a Medicine Hat man said.

Buck says the waps scavage and feed on sugary foods, also bring protein type food to their larvae.

Avoid having these outside, especially an uncovered can of pop at this time of year.

“You should always put something on top of the can so you don’t get a wasp trapped in there,” Buck said.

“Because stings to the mouth are more serious from a medical standpoint. Because they can lead to stronger reactions like trouble of breathing.”

Wasp traps can help minimize the population to a point, but Buck said other repellents aren’t useful for wasps.

The best measure is to avoid their nests when possible, and move away if you see them, as they will sting if bothered.

“So anytime we come too close to their nest, they can perceive that as a threat, and then they will sting. If you have a nest in a place where people frequently walk nearby, it should be removed.”

Buck adds that if a nest isn’t near, it should be left as wasps play an important part in our ecosystem.

“They’re predators of other insects and therefore can also help minimize populations of pest insects, and they’re also pollinators,” Buck said.

Buck adds that we will see the wasps until a cold snap comes to eliminate them.

They will however have a queen hibernating to start the cycle again next year.

by Jesse Gill

As Medicine Hat residents notice boom in wasp population, expert says avoid the nests

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