Buzz Off: How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

a wasp on a car window trying to get inside a georgia car

a wasp on a car window trying to get inside a georgia carSummertime in Georgia brings sunny days, open roads, and unfortunately, some unwelcome visitors—wasps. These buzzing insects have a knack for finding their way into the smallest of spaces, including your beloved car. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure wasps don’t invade your space. Read on to learn top wasp prevention tips from the experts at Active Pest Control!

Why Do Wasps Build Nests in Cars?

It may seem strange that wasps choose cars for their nesting site, but there are actually a few reasons why vehicles are a top choice for many stinging insects. Wasps often build nests in cars because: 

  • Cars have plenty of shelter: Just like us, wasps appreciate a cozy shelter. Your car’s various nooks and crannies provide ideal spots for their nests. From the gaps under the hood to the crevices in the door panels, they’ll happily take advantage of any available space.
  • Ventilation makes for easy access: Wasps are resourceful little creatures. They’re drawn to cars because of the air vents, which provide excellent ventilation for their nests. The steady flow of air allows their offspring to breathe comfortably, and who can blame them for wanting a breeze during hot Georgia summers?
  • Old crumbs provide plenty of food: Wasps have a notorious sweet tooth. They’re attracted to sugary substances, such as spilled beverages or food remnants, that might be lurking inside your car. These tantalizing snacks serve as extra motivation for them to explore and establish their nests.
  • Sedentary cars are secluded: Wasps are crafty creatures that prefer to build their nests in hidden locations, away from prying eyes and curious predators. The protected environment of your car provides them with the perfect camouflage, shielding their nests from unwanted attention.

How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

Now that we understand why wasps find cars so appealing, it’s time to unleash our arsenal of preventive measures:

  • Remove any trash and vacuum regularly
  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Avoid letting your car sit unused 
  • Seal any cracks with mesh or tape
  • Park in sheltered areas if possible
  • Inspect beneath the hood and in the trunk

What to Do if You Have Wasps in Your Car

Despite your best efforts, it’s possible that wasps might come inside your car. If this happens, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to handle the situation safely. Here’s what you should do:

  • Stay Calm and Pull Over: If you notice wasps flying inside your car while driving, keep your cool and pull over to a safe location. Panicking or swatting at the wasps can lead to accidents or stings.
  • Open All Windows and Doors: Once you’ve safely parked, roll down all the windows and open the doors. This allows the wasps a clear exit path and encourages them to fly out of the vehicle.
  • Exit Slowly and Carefully: Exit the car slowly and cautiously, making sure not to disturb or provoke the wasps. Move away from the vehicle to a safe distance, preferably to an area without any wasp activity.
  • Call a Professional Wasp Exterminator: If you discover a wasp nest inside your car, don’t try to remove it yourself. Wasps can become aggressive when their nest is threatened, and their stings are painful and potentially dangerous. Instead, seek assistance from a professional wasp control company.

Finding wasps in your car can be a terrifying experience, but the experts at Active Pest Control are here to help! Our state-certified technicians have years of experience handling buzzing insects throughout Georgia, and they know how to quickly and safely remove wasps. To get fast wasp removal services, give us a call today!

End Of Summer Yellow Jackets

What is the deal with yellow jackets in Rome, Georgia? Why are they everywhere at the end of summer? If you’ve been dealing with these pests lately, it isn’t surprising. Yellow jackets build their populations all summer long. If you’re planning an outdoor event or some backyard activities, these pests could cause issues. Let’s take a quick look at some ways these party crashers can be a problem, and how to solve that problem.

Are you planning a wedding or considering renewing your vows in the backyard? When people gather for formal occasions, there are three things that will often occur that can attract or aggravate yellow jackets.

  • These are pollinators, so sweet smells attract them. There is a good chance you’ll have lots of sweet smelling people in your yard if you’re planning something formal.
  • When a lot of people gather, there will be vibrations in the ground. Since yellow jackets often build their nests in the ground, they could swarm your gathering if they feel threatened by those vibrations.
  • Formal occasions are often followed by a reception or after party. And no party is complete without dancing. Not only will this activity increase the vibrations in the ground, it will also have people moving their bodies about in fast motions that can attract and aggravate yellow jackets.

Is a family reunion on the horizon? If so, you’ll want to consider the dangers listed above, but also something else. How long has it been since you’ve seen some of the relatives that will be coming to the reunion? There is a good chance that this party is going to be the one memory they’ll have for years to come. The last thing you want is for it to be connected to several stings from angry yellow jackets.

Are you planning a sleepover with some outside fun? Kids are natural explorers. When they get outside, they get into places most adults don’t. This can expose them to yellow jacket nests in outbuildings, sheds, and wooded areas.

Is it almost time for your end of summer pool party? Lots of splashing is definitely going to catch the attention of yellow jackets. But what makes a pool party a little scarier is that someone might be tempted to think that they can jump into the pool to avoid a swarm of yellow jackets. But these aggressive wasps can wait longer than you can hold your breath. And this can lead to a lot of painful welts.

What is the solution?

If you’re planning an outside gathering on your Rome, Georgia property, let Active Pest Control keep you and your guests safe from yellow jackets. Our specialists know where these insects live and the protocols necessary to safely remove nests from your yard, before those guests arrive.