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Black Iridescent Wasp? #326438

Asked May 29, 2016, 5:42 PM EDT

I know that Mike Merchant answered this question that was previously posted but I am trying to figure out how these can possibly be solitary insects?  I am assuming they are black iridescent wasps as they have a black body with bluish-blackish iridescent wings.  Just from 11pm last night to 4pm today I have found 2 more wasps in the apartment and finding they are entering the apartment from the other window as well.  They are now becoming more active and this is the same type wasp that out right attacked a friend of mine who has a scar from it.  Any more information would be helpful as I am finding out that someone else on the same property is having issues with these wasps.  

My original question - 

I live in an apartment in Irving (Dallas-Ft. Worth area) and keep finding black iridescent wasps entering in through one window. They are lethargic and end up dying. I am afraid they won't always be this way. I can find no visible nest outside. What can I do to keep them outside in their habitat and not in mine? What could they possibly be attracted to with that one particular window? I am allergic and want to take care of the situation before being rushed to the ER.

Dallas County Texas

1 Response

If the wasps you are seeing are iridescent, they should belong to a group of wasps known as solitary wasps. Many of these are mud dauber wasps, and none of the solitary wasps are likely to sting unless actually handled. Screening on your window should keep them out, and if one does make it in, a fly swatter or cup and cardhttp://citybugs.tamu.edu/2012/06/12/a-simple-technique-for-insect-removal/ should effectively remove them. They will not sting in retaliation to a missed swat. I don't think you have much risk here.

Dallas County Texas

Expert Response

You can upload pictures on this site.  Until I, or anyone else, sees an image or a specimen I cannot tell you with any certainty what you are seeing.  Just because a wasp is solitary does not mean that there won't be numbers of these seen in one place at one time.  Cricket hunter wasps, for example, can appear in a home by the hundreds, though they each construct their own nests independently.  http://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/misc-house/ent-2009/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2016, 10:05 AM EDT

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