a wasp in a car tries to get inside a coke bottle

Avoid Stinging Hitchhikers: How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

Imagine driving down the road, enjoying a beautiful summer day when suddenly you hear the distinct buzzing of a stinging insect inside your car. The fear of getting stung while driving can turn any pleasant road trip into a dangerous experience but try not to panic. Pull over as soon as you can safely. Keeping stinging insects out of your car is not only safe for you but others on the road as well. Keep reading to learn how to keep these flying nuisances out of your car!

Why Do I Have Wasps in My Car?

Wasps are attracted to cars for a variety of reasons. Understanding why stinging insects are attracted to your car can help prevent them in the future. Some reasons wasps are drawn to your car include:
  • Heat:  Wasps are cold blooded insects so the warmth radiated from cars on a hot day can turn your car into a wasp spa. Wasps may build nests inside sitting cars due to the captured heat in the interior or engine bay.
  • Location: Parking next to things that attract wasps such as flowers and garbage cans or near a wasp nest increases the likelihood of a wasp making its way into your car.
  • Sweets: Wasps love sweets. They can smell them from over 20 feet away! Leaving open sweets or drinking in your car will attract wasps to your car.
  • Open Windows: Many people will leave their windows cracked on a warm summer day. An open window is a free invitation for a wasp to hop in and take a ride!
  • Dead Insects: Most drivers know the bane of dead insects on the grill of their car. In addition to being a pain to remove, these dead insects release a pheromone that will let wasps know where to find their favorite snacks.

How to Prevent Wasps in Your Car

To keep wasps from invading your car, it is important to ensure your car is kept tidy. Remove any leftover food, especially sweets, and wash off any bugs that may have their untimely end in your grill. If wasps seem to be flocking to your car, it might be time to ditch the floral, sweet smelling air fresheners. While they make your car smell nice, the sweet scent can attract stinging insects. Instead, try using peppermint, citronella, anise or clove essential oils that will keep your car smelling nice and repel wasps.  When parked, roll up your windows and avoid parking next to areas that are known to attract wasps, such as flowering plants, trash cans, or picnic spots. If your car has been parked for a long period of time, check the engine bay, interior and trunk for any nests that may have been built while your car was not in use.  Also, check the surrounding areas for active wasp nests. Contact a professional exterminator to remove any nests you find.

Arrow Environmental Services- The Stinging Insect Experts

No one likes an uninvited hitchhiker on their Sunday drive. Finding wasps or wasp nests in your car means it is time to call Arrow Environmental services! Dealing with wasps on your own can be hazardous and leave you with painful stings. With our innovative, environmentally friendly practices, we are able to eliminate any pest problem safely and effectively. If you are having problems with wasps or any other pests around your car or home, contact Arrow Environmental Services today! Our highly trained staff are available six days a week to help identify your needs and provide the highest level of service!

Insects Swarm When the Weather Gets Warm

When the weather warms up in springtime in Florida, it's glorious. Unfortunately, many insect pests start to emerge from their hiding places to take advantage of the favorable conditions.  Here are some of the insect pests that tend to swarm in the spring and how you can avoid them:

Bees

Bees are essential pollinators and play a critical role in our ecosystem. However, they can be a nuisance if they start to swarm around your home or garden. Bees typically swarm in the spring to find a new home and establish a new colony. To avoid bee swarms, make sure you keep your trash cans tightly sealed and clean up any food or drink spills immediately. Bees are attracted to sweet smells and flavors, so avoid wearing perfume or scented lotions if you are going to spend time outdoors. If you do encounter a swarm of bees, stay calm and avoid swatting at them, as this will only make them more agitated. Instead, slowly back away and seek shelter indoors.

Wasps

Wasps are another type of stinging insect that can swarm in the spring. They are attracted to sweet smells and are more aggressive than bees, so it's important to be cautious around them. Wasps build nests in protected areas such as under eaves, in trees, or in shrubs. If you spot a wasp nest on your property, it's best to call a professional to remove it, as attempting to do so yourself can be dangerous. To avoid attracting wasps, keep your garbage cans sealed and pick up any fallen fruit from trees. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, as wasps are attracted to bright colors. If you do encounter a wasp swarm, avoid flailing your arms or running away, as this will only provoke them. Instead, calmly walk away and seek shelter indoors.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps the most annoying insect pests that swarm in the spring. They are attracted to standing water, so make sure you don't have any puddles or containers of stagnant water on your property. Easier said than done in Florida's tropical climate. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus, so it's important to take steps to avoid being bitten. To avoid mosquito swarms, wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors, and use insect repellent containing DEET. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times if possible. Keep your windows and doors screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Termites

Termite swarming occurs when a group of reproductive termites leave their existing colony to start a new one. This usually happens when the weather is warm and humid, which is why it typically occurs in the spring or early summer. During a swarm, hundreds or even thousands of winged termites take flight, looking for a suitable mate and a location to start a new colony. Insect pests that swarm in the spring can be a nuisance and even a danger in some cases. By taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid attracting these pests to your home and garden, and protect yourself from their bites and stings. If you do experience insects swarming on your property, we can help.

Trusted Florida Exterminators

If you're experiencing swarms of insects on your property this spring, it can keep you from using your outdoor space or even be a threat to your health. We've been exterminating pests in  Central, West Central, and Southwest Florida since 1958.  Contact us today for a free quote.