When the temperatures soar above 115 °F in Phoenix during summer, three things tend to happen: people, pets, and pests will take refuge in the cool outdoor, shaded areas. That gorgeous patio cover that you are hoping to use to escape the Arizona sun is suddenly prime real estate for paper wasps to kick off their home-building plans.
The summer months can be rife with paper wasps in Phoenix, and as the warm season continues well into October, spotting and controlling these pests is extremely important to sharing a safe space with them. In these instances when an established nest is uncovered, professional wasp control in Phoenix should be consulted.
Why Patio Covers Are a Wasps’ Favorite Spot?
- Protected from Desert Weather Elements
Outdoor insects have it rough in Phoenix. Arizona weather can be brutal with bright sunshine that seems to blister your skin and rainstorms that roll in without any notice like a proverbial freight train; so, patio covers serve a necessary purpose. Paper wasps naturally look for places that can protect their paper nests from the wind and the rain.
- Optimal Temperature Regulation
The shaded nature of patio covers provides preferable temperature conditions for wasp colonies to thrive. Even though Phoenix temps hit over 110°F during the height of the summer days, the shaded area of your patio cover is much cooler, providing a microclimate suitable for nest and larvae development.
- Abundant Food Sources Nearby
Paper wasps prey on pests that are common in outdoor dining areas, barbecue grills, and landscaping near patios. In Phoenix, home gardens have desert landscaping with flowering plants that provide nectar sources, and where outdoor cooking and dining take place, which allows wasps to forage for protein-rich foods.
- Minimal Human Disturbance
Phoenix housing data shows that about 78% of homes have a patio cover or some form of outdoor shade structure. Many of these spaces are undisturbed during the peak heat of the day, which gives wasps the opportunity to set up a nest without the immediate disturbance of humans.
- Suitable Nesting Surfaces
The structural elements of patio covers, including beams, joints, and corners, form the ideal place for paper wasp nests to attach themselves and build nests. Covered surfaces are where the most successful colonies can be established, and studies of more than 600 residential wasp incidents in Phoenix have shown that 65% of incidents occur in covered outdoor spaces.
Early Warning Signs to Look For
- Observe more wasps flying around the patio area, particularly in the morning and evening when the temperature is not as hot
- Soft scratching sounds coming from a wooden structure, as wasps start to collect fiber for nest building
- See persistent flight paths of the wasps traveling to and from the same area under your patio cover.
- Look for small mounds of shaved bits of wood chips near patio furniture or structural features where wasps have been collecting raw materials for the nest.
- Notice wasps take more of an interest in you when you are outdoors, especially when you have food or drink
What to Do When You Spot a Nest?
When you stumble across a nest, distance becomes your best friend. Do not go in the immediate area, and ensure that children and animals stay away from the site. The peak summer months in Phoenix can stress the colony and push paper wasps to be more territorial and aggressive.
Green Mango Pest Control has lived those experiences and understands how Phoenix homeowners are challenged with paper wasps. Using Arizona-specific equipment and techniques, they remove safely and efficiently while preventing recurring colonies. This knowledge helps them to protect your family while still keeping your outdoor space clear for enjoyment all summer long, and their experience means they are able to hone in on local wasp behavior patterns and seasonal activity.
