Spring Insects That Swarm

Honey bee enjoying a spring flower

Spring in El Paso is such a beautiful time of year.  As the weather warms and you want to get outside and plan your family events, keep a look out for spring pests that swarm! As the flowers and trees start to bloom all around our beautiful state, don’t let insects send you right back indoors.

What is a Swarm?

A swarm is a large group of winged insects that come together for reproduction. Swarms usually take place outdoors on warm, quiet days. However, if one occurs near your home, the pests may establish themselves on your property. Discovering a swarm can be concerning, but a professional can help you get rid of the insects before they have a chance to infest your home.

A variety of insects start to swarm during springtime, including:

Termites

Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. To identify whether a bug is a termite or not, look at its wings and antennae. Termite antennae are straight, and wings are all shaped the same. You can also keep an eye out for these signs of a termite infestation:

  • Damaged wood
  • Piles of frass
  • Mud tubes along walls
  • Droppings
  • Live or dead insects

Although termites are not toxic, they are capable of causing thousands of dollars worth in damage to wooden structures. Once you identify that you have termites, you will need the help of a professional exterminator. Taking care of a termite infestation is a time-sensitive situation. Every minute the infestation continues, the more they can cost you!

Ants

Spring is when ants thrive. With the weather warming up, these pests come out of hiding and start swarming to reproduce and grow or establish a colony. After breeding, they begin hunting for food. Unfortunately, that often draws them right into our kitchens. Infestations can be difficult to deal with once they take root, but there are some ways you can prevent ants from invading your home:

  • Regularly wiping down countertops
  • Sweeping your kitchen floor
  • Storing food in airtight containers
  • Keeping your landscaping tidy
  • Repairing broken window screens

Though most ants are simply unpleasant to encounter, some are also capable of causing extensive property damage. Carpenter ants are one of the most common ant species to swarm in the spring, and they prefer to build nests inside of wooden structures. Similar to a termite infestation, it’s crucial to call a professional if you notice signs of carpenter ants on your property.

Bees

Honey bees are banded orange-yellow and brown to black in color with a round, fuzzy body. These beneficial insects typically swarm when the colony gets too large or moves to a new hive. Though bees aren’t generally aggressive, they can be concerning – especially if you have allergies, pets, or small children. Contact your local pest control professional if you are worried about bees on or near your property, and follow these steps to protect yourself from potential stings:

  • Clean up thoroughly after eating outdoors
  • Store your outdoor trash in lidded bins
  • Remove sources of standing water near your home
  • Repair broken door or window screens
  • Never approach the swarm or nest

Wasps

Wasps are notoriously aggressive, so a swarm on your property can be a real problem. Most wasps are black with white, orange, or yellow markings and a hairless body. Their most defining trait is a thin pinched waist and sharp body shape. In the warmer months, the queen will come out of hibernation and begin looking for food. Here are some ways you can deter wasps from invading your space:

  • Keep pet food bowls clean and empty when not in use
  • Seal any cracks, holes, or crevices that may lead into your home
  • Regularly check the eves of your roof for signs of a nest
  • Clean up outdoor food scraps or trash
  • Never approach the swarm or nest

Professional Pest Control in West Texas

At Pest Defense Solutions – El Paso, our team works quickly and efficiently to provide you with the pest-free living our services guarantee. As the top-rated pest control and extermination company for years, you can trust us with all of your pest control needs. Our highly trained and certified technicians will craft personalized solutions geared toward long-term results. Call us for a free quote

How Extreme Weather Attracts Pests in West TX

The sun sets behind a mountain in the background of a dry lakebed.

If it seems like pest infestations have gotten worse in recent years, it’s not your imagination. We’ve seen more pest generations per season, larger specimens, and more frequent species movement. And there’s strong evidence that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are behind it. Around the world, it’s clear that extreme weather is affecting pest behavior in ways we haven’t seen before, but what does that mean for us here in El Paso? 

Does extreme weather attract pests, and is there anything residents of West Texas can do to prepare?

Warmer Weather Means Larger Pests

If you think large insects are cool, we have some exciting news. Warmer temperatures increase the availability of food and create easier overall conditions for insects, which means that individual specimens eat more, live longer, and grow bigger. If you’re an insect lover or entomologist, you should be pumped! For most of the rest of us, including people who just want to keep bugs out of their homes, this is not the best news.

Warmer Weather Leads to More Pests

Most pest species aren’t meant to live in freezing temperatures, so they go dormant during winter. Then when spring comes around, they wake up and the life cycle begins anew. From an evolutionary standpoint, this is a highly effective survival measure to ensure the existence of the species year to year. 

But how do they know when to go dormant and when to wake up? The temperature tells them. The problem is, when temperatures rise a few degrees, they go dormant later in the year and wake up earlier in the year. This means that the species starts breeding earlier in the year, which means more generations, and they’re breeding later into the year too, which means that more of them survive. Overall, this translates to more pests throughout more of the year.

Shifting Weather Patterns Attract New Invasive Pests

There’s nothing new about invasive species changing local and regional ecosystems. It’s been happening for centuries. But it does seem to be happening more often in recent years. More areas offer warmer, more habitable climates, which is a primary reason why.

It’s plausible that invasive insect species from tropical and subtropical regions could migrate here. We’ve already seen it with kissing bugs from Central and South America. Over the last decade, they’ve established themselves here and it’s very likely they will continue expanding their territory. We should expect the same thing will happen with other pest species.

What Can You Do?

Temperatures are getting warmer on average, weather patterns are shifting, and it’s having a major impact on pests around the world. There’s little we can do to change it.

Here are a few ways you can prepare for extreme weather affecting pest activity:

  • Ensure Structural Integrity: If there are any cracks or gaps in your external walls, have them sealed. With a high likelihood of new invasive pests arriving in the area in the future, your goal should be protecting your own property. This is one of the best ways to prevent pests from coming inside.
  • Exterior Grounds Maintenance: It’s important to keep your yard tidy as well. Pests love hiding in areas like wood piles and overgrown shrubbery where they’re unlikely to be disturbed. If you reduce these areas outside, pests will have to find another property that has the habitat they want. 
  • Post-Weather Event Assessment, Pest Management, and Cleanup: Sudden weather events can cause sudden changes in pest behavior. In the event of a hurricane or tornado, monitor pest activity for several weeks afterward. There’s a chance that nearby pests will have been displaced and look for a new place to live.
  • Year-Round Monitoring: Pest infestations can happen at any time, so pay close attention to your property throughout the year. Periodically inspect your yard to make sure nothing has changed. If you do notice the early signs of a new pest problem, get it taken care of early.

A Trusted Pest Control Provider in West Texas

At Pest Defense Solutions – El Paso, our team works quickly and efficiently to provide you with the pest-free living our services guarantee. As the top-rated pest control and extermination company in El Paso, you can trust you are working with one of the best companies in the industry. Call us for a free quote

Bird Spikes: A Humane Poke in the Right Direction

Bird spikes line the edges of a building's facade.

Walking around in Downtown El Paso, you may have seen lines of plastic or steel spikes lining manmade structures such as ledges, fences and company signs. These are both examples of bird spikes, a method of wildlife exclusion used by residential and commercial properties alike. Many think that this is a cruel way of deterring pigeons and other birds, but is that true? Are bird spikes as useful for you as they seem to be for so many properties in more densely populated parts of El Paso? Pest Defense Solutions has all the answers you need when it comes to bird spikes, and with our help, we can keep your home safe from bird damage throughout the year.

What Are Bird Spikes?

Bird spikes are anti-roosting devices, primarily made out of plastic or stainless steel. They’re installed in all the typical roosting locations of a building, from windowsills to rooftop edges. Bird spikes come in strips of two feet or so that are then either nailed or screwed for a temporary solution, or stuck with adhesive for permanent installations.  Between the two application methods, you can install these barbs on almost every surface, from wood to concrete. And once they’re put into place, they can withstand years of harsh and unpredictable weather without losing efficiency or protective abilities. Bird spikes can last for upwards of 10 years before you need to get them replaced, and with a quality exterminating team like Pest Defense Solutions, the installation process is easy and convenient.

Do Bird Spikes Hurt Birds?

When you see lines of bird spikes out in public, they can look a little daunting. From a distance, they seem similar to barbed wire. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why some may describe bird spikes as cruel. But when you take a closer look, you quickly realize that these are far from the giant spikes some people may be imagining. The ends of each individual “spike” is dull and blunted, and the whole thing is relatively flexible. It isn’t necessarily comfortable to land on them, but it’s certainly not lethal. On its own, it isn’t even likely to harm the bird. If they’re attracted to your property for one reason or the other, they will try to land, fail, and soon after, find another place to call home.

How Do Bird Spikes Work?

Larger birds like gulls and pigeons have bigger feet, and because of that they need more space to land. By installing bird spikes, you’re eliminating the square footage that they need to get comfortable. If they aren’t comfortable, they’re far less likely to stay and nest. In that way, bird spikes function as a very reliable form of wildlife exclusion, eliminating roosts before they have a chance to form. Of course, this only applies to larger birds. If a bird is small enough, it could build a nest between spikes and potentially cover the barbs entirely. Bird spikes are just one form of bird exclusion that a bird removal expert like Pest Defense Solutions has to offer. If you have unwanted nuisance birds nesting or roosting on your property, we can help.

The Benefits of Professionally Installed Bird Spikes

Birds in and around El Paso play an important part in our area’s ecosystem, and while we don’t want them to spread the parasitic insects they harbor or their droppings onto your property, we don’t want to hurt them either. If you install DIY bird spikes on your home or business, you run the risk of injuring the local bird population. It’s much better to have this done by a professional, and if you live in the El Paso area, there’s no better name than Pest Defense Solutions. We can work humanely and efficiently to keep you free from all manner of pests. Want to know more? Contact us today for a free quote!

The QualityPro Standard

What do you look for when it comes to choosing an exterminator in the El Paso area? Price quotes and service area are two very important qualities for a potential provider, but why not look at the capabilities of theAn exterminator gives the thumbs up in front of a house. exterminator themselves? Looking through websites you may have come across the blue and white QualityPro label. But what is QualityPro, and what does it represent for companies that have this credential? Pest Defense Solutions – El Paso is one of many top-rated pest control and exterminating companies to be QualityPro certified. Because of that, we’re happy to share how this separates us from other pest control providers around the area.

What is QualityPro?

QualityPro is an ongoing credential program run by the National Pest Management Association or NPMA. But it isn’t necessarily an easy label to obtain. There is an extensive list of qualifications that a business has to meet to be considered eligible. This has to do with everything from the state of your vehicles and equipment, to the way you hire and train new employees. So when you look into becoming certified, you may have to change the way you:

  • Advertise
  • Handle pesticides
  • Educate clients
  • Comply with audits after complaints
  • Insure your company

And it’s not a one-time effort. Certification needs to be renewed on an annual basis. And whenever you hire a new employee, they have a short period before you have to get them trained and certified as well.

Benefits of QualityPro Credentials

QualityPro certification is a badge of integrity that promises from the get-go that we take what we do seriously. It’s confirmation that we meet the exacting standards of the NPMA. Every day we work hard to live up to these expectations, so choosing a QualityPro organization means working with a team of technicians with a constant growth mindset.

QualiyPro offers a variety of business and entrepreneurial classes for members. We have access to marketing and training materials, along with an oversight process dedicated to handling any potential complaints. To put it simply, we meet the high standards of QualityPro so that we can meet the high standards of our clients across the El Paso area.

Our team is on the cutting edge of pest control technologies. Since The exterminator industry changes with every passing season, we aim to make sure everything we do is up-to-date and thoroughly effective. Getting rid of infestations doesn’t have to be a headache. With the Mark of Excellence that is QualityPro, you can be confident in our ability to combat insects and rodents. And if you want to get started with Pest Defense Solutions in and around El Paso, contact us today!

Why Wildlife Exclusion is Necessary

A raccoon in a dumpster in El Paso TXOur critter control experts at Pest Defense Solutions have been helping local homes and businesses keep safe from the many dangers of wildlife invasions for over 9 years. We’ve learned that implementing wildlife exclusion strategies before you start to notice issues is not only essential, it is possible to do on your own! Whether you’re looking to get ahead of potential wildlife problems this winter or you’re currently dealing with the presence of wild animals on your property, we have the right course of action for you. Read on to learn how to handle wildlife exclusion in El Paso!

Why Should You Do Wildlife Exclusion?

At Pest Defense Solutions, we believe that wildlife exclusion shouldn’t be a secondary measure. It should be rooted into the upkeep routines you use to maintain a safe and pleasant-looking property. This is because wild animals can cause serious problems for your home or business, ranging from garden theft to property damage to the spread of disease. Making use of our roofing, crawl spaces, sheds, and more, wild animals will stop at nothing to find food and shelter, disrupting our daily life in the process.

These are the kinds of wild animals we deal with most regularly:

  • Opossums
  • Raccoons
  • Skunks
  • Mice, rats, and more

How to Handle Wildlife Exclusion by Yourself

We recommend that you take these measures to protect your home or business in El Paso from wildlife:

  1. Seal holes in building exteriors: Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, roofing, siding, and plumbing fixtures with a silicone-based caulk to prevent pest entry.
  2. Place caps on air vents and chimneys: Raccoons are notorious for invading chimneys looking for a warm place to hide. Purchase caps from a nearby home improvement store to cover your chimneys and air vents.
  3. Trim trees and bushes: Plant overgrowth in your yard can create hiding places for opossums, squirrels, and more wild animals.
  4. Check outdoor structures and appliances often: If you leave a car dormant outside or have a shed, you could be inviting animals to take shelter within. Check them routinely for wildlife presence.

Professional Wildlife Control Services in El Paso

Although the best way to keep wild animals off of your property is to conduct wildlife exclusion in the first place, many people come to us when it’s too late to get ahead of their issue. If this sounds like your situation, let us know as soon as you can. Our wildlife control experts at Pest Defense Solutions are trained in multiple methods of wildlife removal aimed at safe and efficient relocation whenever possible. We will identify the vulnerabilities that led to your wildlife issue and help you correct them to prevent future ones. Reach out today to learn more and receive a free quote!

The Dangers of Squirrels

close up of squirrel in nature yawning

Squirrels don’t look threatening at first. With their big eyes and large, bushy tails, they look akin to a stuffed animal brought to life. You may even have stifleda laugh when you saw the title of this blog post. “The Dangers of Squirrels”? What danger can come from these cute-looking things?

We’ll be honest when we say that squirrels won’t cause the same kind of damage as a lion or bear. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t wild animals. Though as a whole they still see humans as a threat and are not likely to approach or attack, feeding habits have made them more aggressive. So as the boundaries between human and squirrel-kind increasingly blur, it’s important to see the extent of their potential impact on our lives.

Squirrel in the Wild

Rabies can be contracted by any warm-blooded mammal, and that includes squirrels. However, cases of squirrels with rabies are pretty rare. That doesn’t mean an attack is completely out of the question  though. It’s happening more and more that these nut-loving creatures are lashing out on unsuspecting passers-by. And while they may not have rabies, they could carry ringworm, or be host to infected fleas or ticks. Parasitic pests have their own problems and can pass along diseases such as:

  • Encephalitis
  • Lyme Disease
  • Salmonella
  • Tularemia

Whatever the case, if a squirrel bites you, your pet, or someone you know, it’s best to get to a hospital right away.

Squirrel in the Home

You may be able to make your peace with squirrels outside your window or in the local park, but what do you do when they cross into your property? Squirrels are surprisingly intelligent and can take advantage of even the smallest gap in your home, ending up in your attic or between your walls. You’ll hear them scratching and chittering, and if you let them roam unattended to, they could cause a lot of trouble.

They could chew on wiring and insulation, which may result in an electrical fire. Their urine and droppings can damage your home’s foundation and irritate anyone with respiratory illnesses. And, to put it simply, a squirrel nest in your home is stressful and unpleasant for everyone involved. If you’re faced with an infestation, you don’t need a list of everything that could go wrong – you just want answers. And that’s exactly what Pest Defense Solutions has to offer.

Wildlife Control in El Paso

It’s not enough to simply remove squirrels in the average El Paso home. If there is a vulnerability in your home, it’s essentially an open door for any pests or nuisance wildlife in the area. That’s why, at Pest Defense Solutions, we offer wildlife control and exclusion methods that will seal your home off from the Great Outdoors. It’s a more humane school of strategy that often doesn’t even require pesticides. If you want to learn more and get your free quote, contact Pest Defense Solutions today!

Signs of a Fall Bird Infestation

pigeons migrate and cause a fall bird infestation on this roof

In most of the US, cooler weather and shorter days are signs that millions of birds will soon start migrating south for the winter. The El Paso TX area is the destination for many of these birds, and for many more, it’s a layover on their journey. That makes fall and winter prime time for residential bird infestations, which can cause structural damage, loss of property value, and health concerns. But how can you tell when you have a bird infestation? Here are some signs to look for:

Birds on Your Property

The most obvious sign of a fall bird infestation is the presence of birds. Birds will feed, bathe and spend time on your property searching for food, water, and shelter. Sometimes birds will fly around your home, perch on branches or power lines, in bushes, or on the ground. If you consistently have numerous birds around your home that don’t seem to leave, you should consider it an infestation and call a bird control service.

Excessive Bird Droppings

Bird droppings can harbor disease. Inhaling pathogens in bird droppings can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, bird droppings are acidic and can damage the finish of buildings or vehicles they land on. So, if a large flock of birds roosts on your home or business for a prolonged period of time, it could lead to serious repair bills. If you notice excessive bird droppings on or around your home or property, contact a bird removal expert before it gets worse.

Irritating Bird Noises

A little bit of squawking or cawing or flapping or chirping noises never hurt anyone. But when birds roost on your property and they start occurring day and night at all hours? That’s when things start to get seriously annoying. And it’s more than just a nuisance–it can also prevent you or your family from getting enough sleep, which can affect your mental and physical health. Birds can even nest inside the walls or attic where they’re hard to find. If you have constant bird noises around – and especially in – your home, you have a bird infestation.

Damaged Plants and Gardens

Migratory birds are hungry birds, and flowers, fruits, and vegetables are some of their favorite foods. So, if you’ve been working hard on your vegetable garden, your efforts could be completely wiped out if a bird infestation develops. Their droppings are harmful to your plants as well. A bird control specialist can develop a plan to bird-proof your garden using non-toxic techniques that won’t harm the birds–or your plants.

Humane Bird Control in El Paso

A few birds can be beautiful, but too many will quickly overtake your property and the sense of peace it provides you. A bird infestation can take hold before you realize it–especially in the fall and winter, and especially in El Paso. So, what do you do about a bird infestation if it happens to your property?

Pest Defense Solutions provides effective, professional, and humane bird control services in the El Paso, Texas area. If there are birds on or around your property, we can help remove them and keep them away.

Contact us today for a free quote!

Five Horrifying Facts About Cockroaches

Cockroach on wood block

When most people see a cockroach in their home, they don’t need to be convinced to call an exterminator. Cockroaches are repulsive and hard to get rid of on your own, after all. But here are five facts that show that cockroaches are even creepier and stranger than we thought.

Cockroaches are fast

The average walking pace for a person is 2.5 to 4 mph, but roaches can run at speeds of 3 miles per hour and won’t hesitate to run at you in an act of self-defense. Because cockroaches often feel threatened by humans, they will typically only run or fly at you to create an opening for their escape. It’s best to avoid coming in contact with cockroaches for another reason. They’re known or suspected carriers of the bacteria that cause dysentery, typhoid fever, Salmonellosis, cholera and other illnesses.

They’re Extremely Tough

Think you can just smash a cockroach with a rolled-up newspaper and be done with it? Think again. Cockroaches’ exoskeletons are exceptionally durable. They can withstand force equivalent to 900 times their own body weight. If you’ve discovered a cockroach infestation in your residence, don’t attempt to exterminate the roaches individually. Effectively eliminating a cockroach infestation is nearly impossible without help from a professional exterminator.

Killing a Cockroach Attracts More Cockroaches

Cockroaches are attracted to certain scents, and what catches their attention the most? The smell of another dead roach. A dead roach produces a smell called the “death stench,” and this scent often attracts curious nestmates. Cockroaches are known to be social creatures, so when a dead roach is discovered, they tend to investigate and relay information to the colony that they may be in danger. After alerting the colony, they may even begin feeding on the carcass of the deceased. 

A Cockroach Can Live for Weeks Without a Head

Just when you thought cockroaches couldn’t get any creepier, it turns out a cockroach is perfectly capable of surviving for multiple weeks while headless. Because these pests breathe through a system of tubes that filters air in and out of the sides of the body, a head is only needed to consume food and water. While a cockroach can’t fully restore its head, the way that it can grow back its limbs, it can survive for a few weeks until it dies of hunger or thirst.

A Cockroach Can Survive for More Than Half an Hour Without Air

A cockroach is able to hold its breath for 40 to 45 minutes, making any plans to suffocate these creepy crawlies a non-starter. 

Professional Cockroach Exterminators

If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate to hire professional exterminators. The experts at Pest Defense Solutions are proud to serve customers with quick and reliable cockroach removal so you don’t have to deal with a problem like this all on your own. After extermination, you can count on Pest Defense Solutions to keep them from returning. Contact us today for a free quote!

How to Keep Birds Out of Your Pool this Summer

Pigeons in a pool

In the summer months here in El Paso TX, we are all trying to catch a break from the heat. Having a pool nearby or in your backyard is a treasure that many of us cherish during these times. Unfortunately, though, many of the local birds are also trying to do what they can to stay cool. This leads them to take a swim in our pools, potentially exposing us to filth and diseases and making our yards and neighborhoods popular nesting destinations. If you’re dealing with birds in the pool and want to learn how to keep them out, read on for advice from our bird control team at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso!

Why Are There Birds in the Pool?

Birds want a cool place to relax in the summer just like we do. We often set them up with bird baths or find them playing around in puddles and ponds—the only thing keeping them out of our pools is distance! If birds find an open and often unoccupied pool, they will visit it often or even make a nest close by.

Especially if your pool is surrounded by trees with fruit and nuts, shaded areas, or roof and attic access, birds will be likely to visit your property on a regular basis.

How to Keep Birds Out of the Pool

To keep birds out of your pool and off of your property altogether, you have to keep up with preventative measures. Here are some of the best ways to keep birds out of your pool:

  • Use a pool cover: Every time your pool is not in use, it should be covered. This will steer birds in a different direction when looking for a spot to bathe.
  • Make sure your plants aren’t the problem: Fruit-bearing and nut-bearing trees will lead to bird infestations easily if you don’t maintain the plant and collect its yield. If you have a bird feeder, it would be smart to get rid of it.
  • Use decoys: You can purchase decoy owls, coyotes, and other predators to trick birds into thinking your backyard is unsafe. Bird spikes and reflective balls can also help steer them away.

Bird Control Help in El Paso TX

If you need help getting rid of the birds in your pool and making sure they never come back to your yard, look to your local bird control specialists for help. Because many birds in the area have lists of regulations and laws to protect them, it’s important to leave their removal to trained technicians. Our team at Pest Defense Solutions El Paso can figure out why birds have taken a liking to your property, remove them safely, and help you keep them away. To learn more and get a free quote, contact us today!

How To Avoid Being Stung By Wasps

A yellow jacket spotted in El Paso TX

Dealing with wasps is no fun. When you find a wasp nest in your yard, your first thought might be to try to get rid of it, but the ever-present humming of its darting defenders turns many away. This is the right call to make. Wasps are quite irritable, so you might anger them accidentally and spur them into action against you. This can lead to a barrage of painful stings. Looking to learn more about preventing wasp stings in El Paso TX? Read on for advice from our licensed and state-certified wasp control specialists at Pest Defense Solutions!

Ways to Avoid Wasp Stings

Getting a head start on preventing wasps is the best way to avoid wasp stings. In order to do this, you have to stay diligent about making your property less attractive to them. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Keep your grass, plants, and trees trimmed back. Limiting overgrowth will result in fewer opportunities for wasps to safely build nests.
  • Be careful with sugary and protein-rich foods. Leaving them out for too long will attract wasps.
  • Toss your soda cans, food containers, and similarly attractive items into sealable bins.

If it’s too late for you to prevent wasps from building nests in your yard, you have to adjust your approach. Here are some ways to avoid a wasp sting when they’ve already settled on your property:

  • Allow wasps to approach you, and be very still when they do.
  • Refrain from swatting at them if they hover around you for too long. 
  • If you have to walk by their nests, do so carefully and slowly. 
  • If you’ve been stung and have to run away, run in a straight line, keeping your arms tucked in.

How to Take Care of a Wasp Sting

Some wasps can get riled up to the point of stinging when someone simply passes by their nest. This often leads to unsuspecting passersby being stung. You can treat your symptoms in these three ways if you end up with a wasp sting:

  1. Use a rag soaked in cold water or an ice pack as a cold compress
  2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to deal with pain
  3. Take an antihistamine in the area around your bite is swollen

In rare cases, a wasp sting will result in swelling of the face or mouth, nausea, faintness, and difficulty breathing. These are symptoms of anaphylaxis and warrant an immediate call for an ambulance.

Who Can Remove Wasp Nests in El Paso TX?

You should never try to remove a wasp nest on your own. Wasp nests can be home to many more individuals than you’d like, and these wasps will all team up to sting you if you deliberately disrupt their lives. Instead of taking them on yourself, reach out to your local wasp nest removal experts. At Pest Defense Solutions, we train our technicians in multiple styles of efficient and eco-conscious wasp removal. To learn more about these strategies and receive a free quote, contact our team today!