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Wasps picky about where they nest

How to stay safe around wasps during peak season. Chris Stanton

WINNIPEG — Whether you like them or not, wasps are making themselves right at home in Winnipeg.

The insects may be annoying but they also help get rid of other annoyances.

“A single wasps nest consumers anywhere between 240 to 270 flies per hour,” said Robert Currie, an entomologist with the University of Manitoba. “Appreciate the lack of flies and maybe put up with some of the wasps.”

WATCH: Global Winnipeg’s Morning News talks Wasp safety with entomologist

He said wasps also like to eat mosquitoes.

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WATCH: Where wasps like to nest in Winnipeg

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The insects also are specific where they like to live.

“There are some area, like in Wildewood, that have very severe wasp problems,” Currie said. “A lot of that has to do with the location of the nests because most wasps forage between 200-400 metres within their nests.”

Currie said wasps tend to build their nests in protected areas.

“A favourite location is under an eavestrough,” said Currie, adding the outhouse at the lake is also a popular place for wasps to live.

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