Wasp-free Wheels: How to Keep Your Car Sting-Free

a wasp on a car window wants to get inside

Imagine cruising through Albuquerque, basking in the sun, and enjoying the scenic drive. Suddenly, you hear a buzzing sound and spot a wasp zipping around inside your car. Talk about unwelcome passengers. They do not contribute to gas money, and personal space means nothing to them. But fear not; in this blog, we’ll teach you how to prevent wasps from infesting your car. The following tips will keep those pesky wasps and their nests out of your precious wheels.

Why Do I Have Wasps in My Car?

Wasps love dark, warm places to set up shop, and your car fits the bill perfectly. They can squeeze through tiny openings like windows, sunroofs, or vents. They might even hitch a ride on your clothes, bags, or snacks, finding cozy spots under seats, in the glove box, or even in the trunk.

What Attracts Wasps to My Car?

Wasps have a few weaknesses that can lead them straight to your car:

  • Leftover food and drinks: These winged critters have a sweet tooth and crave protein. They are not picky and will happily indulge in fruits, soda, candy, meat, cheese, or anything you leave behind. Calories and expiration dates mean nothing to them; they want a free feast.
  • Flowers and plants nearby: Wasps feed on nectar and pollen and can follow enticing scents to your vehicle. They will not consider your allergies or preferences; they are simply after a sweet treat.
  • Fragrant products inside: Air fresheners, perfumes, or lotions can confuse wasps, making them mistake those scents for a tasty meal. They will not consider your style or mood; they are just curious sniffers.
  • Idle cars: If your wheels sit unused for too long, wasps might view it as an open invitation to build their home. They will not care about your schedule or plans; they want a cozy spot to settle in.

How to Prevent Wasps From Nesting in Your Car

To prevent wasp invasions and protect your car sanctuary, follow these simple tips:

  • Maintain a clean car.
  • Seal any openings.
  • Choose shady parking spots.

Uh-oh, Wasps Inside! What Now?

If you encounter wasps in your car, stay calm and follow these steps:

  • If the car is moving, find a place to safely park it: The wasp might be dangerous, but driving erratically is much more dangerous. Obey all traffic laws in finding a safe place to stop.
  • Move away slowly: Avoid swatting or sudden movements that might provoke the wasp(s). Nonchalantly act like nothing is bothering you.
  • Call the pros: Leave the wasp wrangling to the experts. Do not attempt DIY methods or hop in the car. Contact a professional pest control company immediately.

Trust Pest Defense Solutions

Pest Defense Solutions is the team you can count on when it comes to wasp removal from your car. As a local company serving Albuquerque since 2001, we have you covered with the following:

  • Prompt and reliable service: We will answer your call within 24 hours and provide same-day service if needed.
  • Environmentally friendly solutions: Our natural and organic products ensure safety for you, your family, your pets, and the environment.
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee: We stand behind our work, offering a quality guarantee and following up to ensure your satisfaction.

Do not let wasps spoil your day or damage your wheels. Contact Pest Defense Solutions today for a free professional pest control service quote. We will help you bid farewell to those buzzing intruders so you can enjoy your car in peace. We promise not to leave you with a sting.

Watch Out For These 3 Summertime Wasps

Summertime in Albuquerque means outdoor activities galore: picnics, hikes, camping, barbecues, the list goes on and on! Unfortunately, the warmer weather brings about an increase in wasp activity! Although there are more than 4,000 wasp species in the United States, there are three summertime wasps in particular to be on the lookout for: yellow jackets, paper wasps, and mud daubers. Because wasps can be aggressive this time of year, it’s important to know how to identify them and when to get help from a professional pest control company. Keep reading to learn more about summertime wasps from the experts at Pest Defense Solutions.

Yellow Jackets

These wasps are notoriously aggressive and very common, especially in the late summer. Some things to know about yellow jackets include:

  1. Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers.
  2. Their nests look globe-shaped and are built above ground, often near garages, sheds, and more.
  3. Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly.
  4. Yellow jackets can be best identified by the yellow and black horizontal stripes that run across their bodies.

Mud Daubers

As their name implies, mud daubers are known for constructing their nests out of mud. Although they aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, it’s important to know how to identify them:

  1. They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. Mud daubers can be identified by their thin, thread-like waist.
  2. Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics.
  3. These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary.
  4. Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled or threatened.

Common summertime wasps in the Albuquerque NM area - New Mexico Pest Control

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps aren’t as hostile as other wasps, but are common this time of year. Here’s what to know about this summertime wasp:

  1. They are similar in body shape to yellow jackets, but are mostly brown in color with yellow markings.
  2. These wasps are known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas.
  3. Paper wasp nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. They typically contain up to 30 wasps.
  4. Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. Their sting is known to be especially potent.

Summertime Wasp Prevention & Removal

To avoid wasps this summer, it’s important to know how to prevent them. Keep food and drinks indoors, seal your trash cans, and know where to look for nests near your property. As soon as you see the signs of wasps or a wasp nest near your home, be cautious and contact the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. Our wasp removal services are quick, effective, and most importantly, safe!

Are Pests Triggering Your Allergies This Spring?

Pests can trigger allergies in the spring here in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

Many people deal with spring allergies this time of year. Runny nose, itchy eyes…the symptoms can range from mild to severe and definitely disrupt our daily lives. With the weather warming up and trees blooming, it’s easy to blame allergies on springtime. But what if there’s more to it? With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the Pest Defense Solutions team wants to shine light on the dangers of pest allergens. Spring allergies can be triggered by a number of typical household pests, making it important to know how to prevent them! Read on to learn our top tips for keeping pest allergens out of your Albuquerque home this spring.

How to Get Rid of Pest Allergens

Thankfully, you can prevent pest allergens in your property by practicing basic pest prevention tips! Some of these include:

  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property on a regular basis.
  • Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

Pests that Cause Allergies

You may be wondering what pests cause allergies in the first place. A lot of research has proven that cockroach droppings, skins, saliva, and more contribute to allergies and asthma, particularly in children. A roach infestation is often known to exacerbate allergic reactions. In addition, stinging insects such as yellow jackets and fire ants can cause allergic reactions for certain individuals.

In any case, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from an allergic reaction. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen throat, and wheezing.

Professional Pest Allergen Prevention

Staying safe from pest allergens means staying away from pests in the first place! By keeping pests out of your home, you can greatly reduce the chance of having your seasonal allergies triggered by pests. For help keeping pests out of your property, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can keep your family safe in spring and all year long.