Stinging Insects

What Is A Stinging Insect?

The name stinging insect covers a handful of insects that sting, including yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and bees. All of these insects belong to the Hymenoptera family. Surprisingly, this family also includes ants. While stinging insects can create problems for homeowners, they’re beneficial pollinators as well. As long as they’re not turning your life upside down or stinging your children, you may want to leave them alone. Before you can find out what you’re dealing with, you need to identify the species. Once you’ve done that, you can determine how aggressive they are and how to get rid of them.

In our serving area, we often combat paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, honeybees, carpenter bees, and yellowjackets. Remember that this area is likely not going to have hornets.

Which Stinging Insect Do I Have?

It is pertinent to find out which stinging insect you’re dealing with. Look at the insect’s appearance and the nest’s appearance. This can help you determine what you’re up against.

Paper Wasp

Paper wasps are not as aggressive as other stinging insects. They normally do not cause problems unless you get too close to them. Don’t try to touch their nest since this will likely cause you to get stung.

Paper Wasp Nest – Paper wasp nests are smaller than others. They’re gray and round. The nest will feature a honeycomb pattern. They can be found on fences and under eaves.

Paper Wasp Appearance – Two species of paper wasp nests are often found in your area. You’ll have to worry about running into Northern Paper Wasps and European Paper Wasps. European Paper Wasps have yellow and black stripes with orange antennas. Northern Paper Wasps are brown with a few dark orange areas. They normally have yellow or white stripes on their bodies.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects. They become more aggressive in late Summer and Fall because their colony is bigger around this time.

Yellowjacket Nests – This stinging insect has nests with more than a thousand individuals. The nest is usually covered with a gray or black material that resembles paper. You will find these nests in attics and under your porch. Some species prefer building nests in the ground.

Yellowjacket Appearance – Yellowjackets have black and yellow stripes along the abdomen. Their head and antennas are black. When flying, they will turn their legs against their body, and they can fly at high speeds.

Bald-Faced Hornet

Bald-faced hornets are very aggressive. When the colony gets bigger during the summer and fall, their aggression level will increase.

Bald-Faced Nests – Bald-faced hornet nests are larger than the others. They can house more individuals. These nests often look like an upside-down teardrop. They can be built on trees, bushes, or on the side of a building.

Bald-Faced Hornet Appearance – This stinging insect has a smooth body that is black and white. They have a stinger with a slightly larger head, abdomen, and thorax.

Honeybees

Honeybees aren’t usually aggressive. In fact, some of these bees have been bred not to sting.

Honeybee Nest – Honeybees build hives that feature extensive combs made of wax. They can be placed in wall cavities, rock crevices, and hollow trees. Honeybees can use the same colony for several years. They store honey so they can have plenty of food during the winter.

Honeybee Appearance – These stinging insects have a brown, fuzzy body that is primarily orange or yellow.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are not aggressive. Even if you approach them, they shouldn’t try to sting you.

Carpenter Bee Nests – Carpenter bees are known to bore perfectly round holes in wood products, including siding, decks, and fascia. These holes are typically 3/8” in diameter. The wood is discarded so the hole can be used to raise their young.

Carpenter Bee Appearance – These bees are larger than many others. They look similar to bumblebees but most have a shiny abdomen. Male carpenter bees have a spot of yellow on their face making them easy to identify.

Do Stinging Insects Pose Any Dangers?

Unfortunately, stinging insects can be dangerous to humans and pets. However, you should know that the danger depends on the species you’re dealing with. Furthermore, male stinging insects are not dangerous because they cannot sting. To protect yourself, you’ll want to stay away from large colonies. As the colony gets bigger, the aggression level increases significantly. Some species, such as yellowjackets and wasps, won’t sting unless you get too close. The problem is that you may stumble onto a ground nest without realizing it.

If you get stung, you may need to get medical attention.

What Causes Stinging Insects?

As long as they can find suitable wood, stinging insects are going to target your property.

How Can I Remove Stinging Insects From My Home?

Stinging insects are problematic for homeowners and renters. Suffice to say, you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. You might be able to remove some stinging insects using DIY treatments. However, you have to worry that these products are not safe or effective. Furthermore, you don’t want to get stung. To limit the risks involved, you should hire a professional exterminator. If you must tackle the problem alone, we suggest waiting until the sun goes down. Stinging insects will not be as aggressive after dark. Otherwise, you should hire us.

Is Your Treatment Safe?

We strive to provide our clients with safe, reliable stinging insect extermination services. Our technicians have been trained extensively to ensure that they’re going to provide our clients with safe solutions. We use EPA-registered products to protect our clients. If you need to leave the home or take special precautions, our exterminator will let you know.

How Much Will It Cost?

We know that you’re worried about the cost of stinging insect extermination services. Well, you should know that the price is going to depend on several factors.

• The species you’re dealing with
• The size of the nest
• Your home/property size
• Nest’s location

How Soon Can You Begin?

Ultimately, we work diligently to provide our clients with rapid results. Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait because the problem is going to worsen rapidly. We can provide you with swift results with most exterminators reaching the client’s home in 24 to 48 hours.

Can I Stop Stinging Insect Infestations?

It is difficult to prevent stinging insects from entering your property. Unless you know how to stop infestations, you likely won’t have much success. Instead, you need to work with a professional exterminator. Use their knowledge and experience to put your mind at ease. They will be able to help you stop future infestations.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.