Ground wasps are burrowers. They do not live in the usual hanging hives, but in the ground. Insects dig tunnels for themselves in the soil and arrange quite complex labyrinths there, similar to underground anthills. They differ from ordinary ones in their smaller size. Otherwise, they lead a similar lifestyle, live in swarms, and cause the same problems to humans as ordinary wasps. At their dachas, they can become a real threat, so summer residents and country residents need to know how to get rid of earthen wasps. It is not always necessary to do this, since these insects are not absolute pests. They destroy aphids, caterpillars, and other harmful small insects. In one day, a swarm of wasps will destroy up to hundreds of small pests, which means this is a tangible help to gardeners. But when there are too many of them, they are dangerous.
Features of lifestyle and home
The nest is in the ground. Initially, this is a tunnel going deep; numerous passages with cameras at the end branch off from it. These chambers house the eggs that the queen lays. She is responsible for the reproduction of wasps, and worker wasps provide her life support. During her life, the queen lays up to two thousand eggs, but in some cases it can be more.
Ground wasps feed on pollen and small insects. They are very aggressive, especially when defending their home. Their bites cause severe allergic reactions, which can even lead to death if there are large numbers of them.
If the wasp nest is located outside the site, and the number of wasps does not exceed a reasonable number, you don’t have to fight them. During the summer they will kill pests, and with the onset of cold weather they will simply die out.
But if the nest of earthen wasps is located in beds or flower beds, as well as next to residential and outbuildings, then it must be removed. Otherwise, when carrying out any land work or even just while children or pets are relaxing or playing, the wasps will consider this a threat to them and will attack.
Wasps choose their habitat for several reasons. It should be quite secluded, but at the same time located near a food source. That is, a garden and vegetable garden with a large number of fruit bushes, trees, and cultivated plants are ideal for this. Wasps can also settle in an old nest abandoned by another swarm. Wasps, by the way, not only live in the ground in swarms, they can also be solitary. In this case, they simply dig a hole for themselves or use an existing one. Single females dig up the larvae of cockchafers and other insects in the ground, paralyze them and lay an egg in their body. Then he buries this hole and no longer takes part in raising the offspring. The wasp larva hatches and at first lives in the body of the victim, feeding on its tissues. Then it leaves the hole with the remains of the victim and never returns there.
Also, ordinary types of wasps can live in the ground, which usually build their nests in a tree, under a roof or on the walls of buildings. Wasps decide to settle in the ground because their hive is destroyed and there is no time or energy to build a new one.
Why choose us?
Readiness to immediately come to you on any day and at any time of the day.
Conclusion of a formal contract. Guarantee for all work performed. We are responsible for the safety and quality of processing.
Strict compliance with SanPin. Disinfection center specialists use BAYER and BASF products that are safe for you and your pets.
The complexity of the object for us is not a matter of increasing the cost. Our prices are the ideal combination of price and quality for the service provided.
The symbiosis of our own developments and insecticides with a cold or hot fog generator guarantees 100% effect.
Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. You can be sure that no one will know about the treatments carried out by the disinsection station
Varieties
Ground wasps are found in all climate zones. There are several varieties. For example, sand burrowing wasps. These are loners who feed mainly on insects. Road wasps hardly fly, but move on the ground. These are predators that kill arachnids and drag them into a hole to lay eggs in the body of the victim. Germans live in families and choose forest areas to live. Floral - the most common species, usually live on trees and walls of buildings where they build nests, but for various reasons they can also live in the ground. These insects are not predators; they feed on pollen. Scolia are the largest wasps, their length reaches 65 mm, their body is dark. Their larvae eat insect corpses, and adults feed on nectar. They belong to an endangered species of wasp that leads a solitary lifestyle.
Tick bites
Ticks are carriers of many infectious diseases, including typhoid. As soon as a tick lands on our skin, it is able to move around the body, looking for more convenient places to live. Closed, wrinkle-free clothing in light shades and insect repellents help prevent tick bites in high-risk areas (in the forest, among wild nature).
Tick bites may not be detected immediately. Sometimes there is no inflammation, allergic or toxic reaction on the skin. Infectious disease experts explain this by saying that by piercing the skin, the tick injects an anesthetic that acts as a pain reliever. For this reason, the person bitten does not feel pain.
Why are wasps dangerous?
These insects bite humans very hard. The bites are painful, after which the bite site turns red, terribly swells and swells. At this point, the body temperature rises noticeably and itching appears. The bites are especially itchy if the wasp has bitten the ear, lip or fingers. Swelling after a wasp sting lasts up to a week, and a bruise may also remain, which will subside in up to 10 days. Swelling is relieved with compresses and lotions. It is imperative to monitor the bite, as the venom often causes allergic reactions. If the bite site swells more and more and swells more and more, it is necessary to take antihistamines.
Also, after a ground wasp bite, a person may feel chills, weakness, and headache. In some cases, nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain are noted. If a person experiences attacks of suffocation, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. Sometimes a bite leads to anaphylactic shock, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Without professional medical help, in rare cases this can lead to dire consequences.
Wasps living in swarms are highly organized insects. They communicate with each other and warn of danger. If you kill one individual, you are likely to become a victim of an attack by its comrades.
Wasps are especially active in late summer and early autumn. They become aggressive. Any sudden movement of a person is perceived as a threat against them.
Lyme disease
Ixodid ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, are considered the most dangerous. Its symptoms include the appearance of red circles on the skin, headache, skin rash, fatigue, and fever. In the absence of treatment, the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems is disrupted, and joints suffer. In most cases, the disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. The sooner you see a doctor, the less risk there is to your health.
Medical network experts advise developing a useful habit: after relaxing in nature, go to the bathroom and carefully examine all attractive places for ticks (scalp, face, area behind the ears, armpits, area under the knees, chest, upper and lower extremities).
After each walk, take a shower and wash your clothes thoroughly. If an insect is found, contact a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. Removing the insect yourself may increase the risk of infection. For example, due to:
- insufficient disinfection;
- incomplete removal of the tick;
- low immunity;
- the presence of other infectious diseases or inflammatory processes in the body.
How to prepare for wasp destruction
It is advisable to do an allergy test for ground wasp venom. It is inexpensive, but will show a tendency to severe allergies and anaphylactic shock from the bite. If there is such a possibility, then under no circumstances should you fight earth wasps on your own.
If there is no increased reaction, it is still better to find out where to go for first aid after a bite. It is also worth preparing antihistamines to take immediately after the bite.
You can kill insects while wearing a protective suit. A beekeeper's hat with a protective net for the face and neck is required. Even if you think you are protected, wasps can get under your clothes and bite.
It is better to fight ground wasps in the country in the spring or early summer, since every day their number will increase, they will become more active and aggressive.
Wasps are diurnal and sleep at night, so it is better to go out to fight them early in the morning or late in the evening, while they are inactive. But it is better not to act in the dark, since you need to see what you are doing. You can use a light source, but it should be diffused and dim.
It is necessary to destroy a wasp nest in the absence of unprotected people on the site. Windows and doors in houses and outbuildings must be closed.
Black Widow Bites
Spider venom can cause pain, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms, as well as a feeling of fear. Redness forms at the site of the bite. Doctors recommend immediately calling an ambulance and reporting a suspected karakurt bite in order to prevent the possible development of hypertension, bronchorrhea or seizures. Toxic substances quickly spread throughout the body and can cause irreparable harm to health.
Destroying a nest in the ground
First you need to find the nest of earthen wasps. To do this, insects are observed during the day to determine exactly where they return from hunting. Nest entrances are usually visible without additional devices. These are simple holes in the ground. There may be several of them, located at a short distance from each other.
You need to prepare several buckets of earth to cover all the entrances to the underground hive. It is likely that you will not see absolutely all the exits, so several of them may be some distance from the main ones. Keep this in mind and stay alert.
Before starting active measures to combat wasps, make sure that there are no people on the site without protective clothing, especially children.
The ground with exits from the hive must be covered with a fine mesh, through the cells of which insects cannot escape. Then, through this mesh, you need to spray an aerosol insecticide into the entrances, and there should be a sufficient amount of it, because the underground hive can be very deep. After spraying, it is necessary to cover the area with earth or plug all entrances with stones. For additional protection, you can place buckets turned upside down wherever the entrances to the burrows were. This place does not need to be touched for a day or more. Usually, the death of earth wasps occurs in the first few hours, but to be on the safe side, it is better to play it safe.
To get rid of ground wasps, you can use insecticides in the form of aerosols or liquids. For example, you can take Medilis-Ziper concentrate, from which a working solution is prepared according to the instructions. It is based on 25% cypermethrin, effective against many types of insects. Any chemicals used to kill insects must be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Under no circumstances should the concentration be exceeded when preparing working solutions. This can be dangerous for plants and for humans who inhale the chemical vapors. A higher concentration of the active substance will not help get rid of pests faster and more reliably. It is necessary to carry out the treatment in protective clothing, it is also advisable to use a respirator, protect the respiratory system and eyes. Gloves are required on hands. Do not allow the product to get into your eyes, nose or mouth. After use, any remaining product must be disposed of; sprayers and other containers that have been in contact with the preparations must be washed or thrown away.
Spider Black Widow
These spiders are also called karakurts - they are the heroes of many films. The females of these predatory arthropods are considered the most dangerous. Poisonous spiders can bite and pose a threat to human health and life. They are not aggressive by nature and bite only in self-defense (for example, after being accidentally pinned down). The widow spider is able to move quickly and attack at the most unexpected moment. Karakurts live mostly in the south of Ukraine (Azov region, Black Sea region, Kherson region).
What other ways are there to destroy a wasp nest in the ground?
If for some reason you do not want or cannot use chemical insecticides, you can use other control methods. A wasp nest in the soil is filled with boiling water. It can also be destroyed by fire. With this method, flammable liquids are poured into the passages and set on fire. But the first method is not very effective, it may have to be repeated several times. But arson is too dangerous; it cannot be carried out near buildings. After flooding and setting fire, the place where the hive was located needs to be dug up in order to finally get rid of the earthen wasps, and also to prevent a new swarm from settling in this nest.
You can try to smoke out earth wasps from an underground hive, for which you build a fire next to it, set fire to a smoke bomb or a piece of rubber. When the hive is filled with acrid smoke, the wasps will fly out of it. At this time, you need to dig up the nest so that the insects have nowhere to return. They will have to look for a new place to live.
Somewhat unusual ways to get rid of wasps in the ground are to suck them out with a vacuum cleaner or pour foam into the discovered entrance to the nest. Such methods may work if the swarm is small and the nest does not go very deep into the ground.
Another way is to drive a stake into the center of the nest, preferably an aspen one. But you need to get exactly into the central passage, from which all the other horizontal ones go. The disadvantage of this method is that you need to determine exactly where to drive in. And also the drawback is that the wasps can simply build a new nest nearby.
There is another way to get rid of wasps, but it cannot be recommended for use in summer cottages. Some people think of blowing up the place where the wasp hive is located. The explosives, of course, will destroy the earth wasps, but also all living things nearby. Only professionals can calculate the correct dosage of explosives. The extermination of stinging insects is not such a serious matter that such dangerous methods should be used. It is quite possible to get by with more peaceful ways and means.
For example, you can not destroy the hive, but move it away from the site. This can only be done if the hive is small. They carefully dig it around the perimeter, take out the entire earthen lump, put it in a bag, tie it up and take it away from the houses, there they put it in the ground. This method is suitable for those who are categorically against killing insects.
Mosquitoes
You should always protect yourself from mosquitoes, because they are carriers of malaria and other diseases. Mosquito repellents, protective clothing, window screens on gazebos and scented sticks are all suitable options. When using sprays or creams on the skin, be sure to do an allergy test. If it is present, it is better to select a remedy with your doctor.
As observations show, some people who are in the same place where mosquitoes accumulate are bitten with different strength and frequency. This may be explained by the fact that each insect perceives the smell of a person differently: for it it is more or less attractive. This is equivalent to susceptibility to bites: some have a strong reaction, others have a weaker reaction. And this depends on the toxicity of the saliva of the mosquito that struck.
Poison baits
You can try to destroy not the wasp's nest, but the insects themselves. This method is less dangerous. It does not require such skills, accuracy and dexterity as destroying an entire hive. But you will have to spend more time fighting earth wasps.
Ground wasps love sweets, as well as foods with specific odors, such as rotting meat or fish. They are also attracted to the smell of beer. You can prepare sweet syrup and jam, especially if they begin to ferment. Sugar or jam can be used on its own or added to beer. Boric acid or an insecticide is added to this bait. It is laid out on flat plates or lids in areas open to wasps. It is important that children or pets cannot reach it. Keep in mind that not only wasps, but also bees will fly to the bait.
The bait needs to be updated regularly until the number of insects decreases. It is unlikely that it will be possible to destroy all pests in this way, but it is possible to reduce their number. Boric acid poisons wasps. But it is important not to mix it into the bait too much. The fact is that as long as the queen remains alive in the hive, she will lay eggs again, and new wasps will hatch from them. To destroy the entire swarm, you need to kill the queen. She does not leave her nest, she is provided and protected by worker wasps. They bring her food. If they bring her poisoned pieces of food, the concentration of poison will gradually become lethal to her. If there is too much poison in the bait, the worker wasps will not have time to carry it to the queen and will simply die along the way.
flies
Flies live everywhere and carry dangerous diseases such as pneumonia and intestinal infections. During epidemics, they are able to transport pathogens over long distances, increasing the focus of infection.
Fly bites are painful and cause redness. The bitten area should be immediately treated with an antiseptic solution, and you should also not consume the food and drinks on which representatives of the Diptera family landed. Flies, like midges, love to settle near garbage cans and the corpses of dead animals.
Traps
The number of insects in the area can be reduced by setting traps. The easiest option is to cut off the top of the plastic bottle and insert it, neck down, into the bottom. Jam, syrup, beer with added sugar are poured inside the bottom. Ground wasps, attracted by the sweet aroma, climb inside, but cannot get back out.
Traps are placed directly on the ground, fixed on flowering or fruit-bearing trees and bushes - where insects most often fly. The bait in them needs to be updated periodically. You can leave such traps on the site throughout the warm season.
Bed bugs
Bedbugs can be found in the bedding of hotels and inns. They can even live in your luggage or on your pet's belongings. They become most active at night.
On average, the lifespan of these bloodsucking creatures is about a year. They are easily confused with other small insects and can often be identified by small red blood stains on your bedding in the morning. After quenching their thirst, they become clumsy, move slowly, and therefore during sleep they are easy to crush with the weight of their body.
Call exterminators
If a large swarm of wasps has settled on the site, if the underground nest seems too branched and deep, and also if there are people with allergies in the house, it is better to call professionals to combat dangerous insects. They will kill earth wasps in one visit and will do everything to prevent the angry pests from biting anyone. They destroy insects by selecting the appropriate chemical and calculating the dose. This is the most effective way to fight, but there are two disadvantages. Firstly, not every dacha will be able to come to exterminators, and besides, their schedule is usually very busy, since the service is in demand. That is, your turn may only come in the fall. And secondly, pest control services can be expensive.
Lice
The favorite place of lice is hair. You can catch them using a comb, a hat, or a scarf of an infected person. If itching appears on your head, do not ignore it. Have a family member check the back of your head, neck, and behind the ears. If you find parasites, try not to scratch your scalp. Wounds contribute to the rapid penetration of infection into the blood.
Prevention
Country and house areas are very attractive to earthen wasps. These insects always live next to humans. There is a lot of food for them here, and there are also secluded places where they can build homes.
It is impossible to guarantee that wasps will settle nearby. But you can reduce this likelihood. For example, there is no need to leave sweet foods, fruits, fish or meat accessible to insects. Garbage cans into which food waste is disposed of must be tightly closed with lids. It is better to place them at a distance from the house. If you organize feasts outside during the warm season, you can repel wasps with bouquets of mint or lemon balm on the table, as well as a saucer with burnt coffee.
There should be no debris on the site. It is necessary to promptly remove fruits that have fallen from trees, and not leave them on the ground, where they will rot and emit a sugary sweet aroma that is attractive to wasps.
You also need to clear overgrown and cluttered areas, remove weeds, mown grass, dried branches and stumps. It is there that earth wasps may have a nest.
Wasps can occupy empty nests. Therefore, when such abandoned hives are discovered, they must be dug up, and to be sure, you can fill them with water. Using insecticides will also help with this. If the nest is located in close proximity to a vegetable garden or even in a garden bed, the chemicals may remain in the ground and leach into root vegetables and other plants.
Flea bites
You need to start getting rid of parasitic organisms by purchasing protective equipment for animals. Disinfectants will help reduce discomfort after a bite in a person. Dermatologists advise treating bite sites with disinfectant solutions or ointments purchased at a pharmacy or specialized medical institutions.
To prevent re-infection, take care of the sterility of your pet’s habitat and monitor its social circle during walks. First of all, prohibit contact with stray animals.
Ants
This is the case when an insect bit, and who exactly remains to be seen. Ants do not attack people, but they can crawl into things and onto the body while in nature. It is not difficult to crush a tiny insect, followed by a painful bite and an injection of acid.
Traces from insect bites - ants, differ from others by the presence of a white formation in the center. There is a red spot around. The size in diameter does not exceed 1 cm. Severe swelling after an insect bite appears only in case of individual intolerance to ant poison. The formation on the skin occurs gradually over 1 week; to accelerate the effect, pharmaceutical preparations and folk remedies are used.
Insect bites
Treatment
In the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision ICD-10, a hornet sting is designated by code W57 - stinging by non-venomous insects and arthropods.
There is no specific antidote for a hornet sting. Therefore, treatment includes the use of the following drugs:
- analgesic;
- antihistamine;
- antipyretic;
- decongestant.
If life-threatening complications develop, intensive therapy is carried out in the intensive care unit.
If a hornet bites you on the head, namely, in the area of the face or neck, swelling may develop that affects the airways. This condition threatens the life of the victim and requires treatment in a hospital. Airway obstruction is an indication for hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Intensive therapy includes the administration of glucocorticosteroids (hormones of the adrenal cortex), diuretics, and, if necessary, connection to a ventilator.
Hornet - general information
The hornet looks more like a wasp than a bee. The size will help you not to confuse it with the first one. The insect is quite large and can reach a length of 55 mm. But most often in Russia, Ukraine and European countries, the common hornet is found, the size of which on average is 2 - 2.5 cm . Uteri are usually larger and can reach 3.8 cm in length and weigh 200 mg.
Common hornet (photo)
Insects build nests. Most often they are located on the edges of forests in well-lit places. However, you can also find a nest in the countryside, under the roof of a house or barn, on the branches of a garden tree, or in firewood.
The hornet, which can be seen in the photo, is a hunter, unlike a bee. The latter obtains food for itself by collecting nectar from flowers. Insects become the giant's victims. Its sting is a weapon, not a means of defense, like a bee's. This is why a bee dies after a sting, leaving its sting to the victim along with a sac of poison, and a hornet can inflict many stings .
Hornets, like wasps, can feed on overripe fruits. Therefore, you should be very careful when picking up fallen apples and pears in orchards.
Some tips
Naturally, avoiding encounters with stinging insects, especially in summer, is not an easy task. They are everywhere: in the garden, in the vegetable garden, at the dacha, near the river, near the pond, in the forest, etc. Although rare, hornets do bite, especially children who like to explore green spaces in various places.
To protect yourself from attacks by such insects, it is enough to use a number of recommendations:
- When choosing a place to relax near a river or near green spaces, it is important to examine this place to identify a wasp nest or a hornet nest.
- Do not make sudden movements or wave your arms near places where stinging insects are active. Calm behavior will never become a reason for an attack by wasps, bees or hornets.
- You should not try to destroy a hornet nest by waving a stick or other object. The result is several hornet bites and at least a week in a hospital bed with severe symptoms, and possibly death.
On a note! As a result of hornet stings, serious consequences are possible and everyone should know about this. Untimely and unqualified assistance aggravates the consequences, especially for people prone to allergies.
To protect yourself from such consequences, it is better to be attentive and careful. Rash actions can lead to serious negative consequences. Moreover, innocent people may suffer.
