East Texas homeowners noticing increase in wasps, hornets

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – As you’re prepping your house for fall and decorating your porch, you might want to keep an eye on certain bugs around your home. Wasps and hornets are most active from mid-summer to early fall.

“In the past three weeks we have gotten more calls about wasps, hornets, yellow jackets than we’ve had in a long time,” Jim Berry, the operations manager for Broken Arrow Pest Control said.

Berry said the timing is right for them, but the amount has been more than what they are used to. He explained that the weather has played a part in making this an unusual year for them.

“The spring’s been unusual; we’ve had a lot of rain. The weather plays in an important part in all nature,” Berry said.

Berry said the weather has caused some bugs to leave their hideaways earlier than normal. However, now they are preparing their hideaway spots for the winter. That includes building their nest and collecting food.

“They have a flight zone, and you’ll notice it, they go in and come out. They’re flying a straight pattern, they collect their food and come back in,” Berry said.

He said it is best to avoid the path they are flying in.

“Once we get into their territory that’s when they get aggressive,” Berry said.

Other advice he gives is to not use gasoline, it’s very dangerous and could make the situation worse. He also said while you may be able to spot a nest on a home, yellowjackets like to hide in places like tree stumps.

“If you’re out and about, always be proactive. It’s very important that we are cognizant and aware of our surroundings,” Berry said.

He mentions one reason it is important to watch out for wasps and hornets is the health risk. After being stung, some people experience an allergic reaction that can lead to a trip to the hospital.

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