Stinging Insects
Bees, wasps, and hornets are all examples of stinging insects. They have stingers used to paralyze their prey and defend themselves. Stinging insects are most active during the second half of the summer and early fall months. Many people have a love/hate relationship with stinging insects. We want them around because they pollinate plants and crops and predatory species help keep nuisance insect populations in check. However, we don’t want them nesting near or in our homes because they tend to be aggressive, and their venom-filled stings are painful and can trigger allergic reactions.
What Kinds of Stinging Insects Are There And How To Identify Them?
There are various types of stinging insects, each belonging to different species and families. Some of the most common stinging insects include:
Honey Bees (Genus Apis):
Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies with a well-defined caste system, including worker bees, drones, and a queen. They are essential pollinators and produce honey. Honey bees sting when they feel threatened, and their stingers are barbed, often causing the bee to die after stinging. Note: In order to get rid of honey bees, you need to call a beekeeper. Honey bees are a protected species under law and therefore cannot be exterminated by pest control.
Bumblebees (Genus Bombus):
Bumblebees are robust, hairy bees known for their distinctive buzzing sound. They are also social insects, with colonies typically found in the ground or other sheltered locations. Bumblebees can sting multiple times, and their stingers are not barbed, allowing them to withdraw without injury. Note: In order to get rid of bumble bees, you need to call a beekeeper. Bumblebees are a protected species under law and therefore cannot be exterminated by pest control.
Yellowjackets (Genus Vespula and Dolichovespula):
Yellowjackets are aggressive wasps with black and yellow markings. They are social insects that build nests in the ground, trees, or structures. Yellowjackets are known for their painful stings, and they can be particularly aggressive when their nest is threatened.
Hornets (Genus Vespa):
Hornets are large wasps that build paper nests, often hanging from trees or structures. European hornets and bald-faced hornets are common species. Hornets are protective of their nests and can deliver painful stings, especially if provoked.
Paper Wasps (Genus Polistes):
Paper wasps are social wasps that build umbrella-shaped nests from paper-like material. They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets and hornets but can sting when threatened. Paper wasps have a distinctive slender body and longer legs.
Carpenter Bees (Genus Xylocopa):
Carpenter bees are solitary bees known for boring into wood to create nests. While they are generally not aggressive, female carpenter bees can sting if provoked. Male carpenter bees are territorial but do not have stingers.
Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia):
Also known as the "murder hornet," the Asian giant hornet is a large wasp native to East Asia. It gained attention due to its size, aggression, and potent sting. While not commonly found outside of Asia, it has raised concerns when detected.
Velvet Ants (Family Mutillidae):
Despite their name, velvet ants are actually wasps. Females are wingless and covered in dense hair, giving them a fuzzy appearance. Velvet ants are solitary and can deliver a painful sting.
Africanized Honey Bees (Apis mellifera scutellata):
Also known as "killer bees," Africanized honey bees are a hybrid of African and European honey bee subspecies. They are known for their aggressive behavior and have earned a reputation for chasing perceived threats for longer distances than European honey bees.
It's important to exercise caution and respect when dealing with stinging insects, as their stings can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you encounter a nest or hive, it's advisable to contact Alta Pest Control for safe and effective removal.
What Is the Most Common Stinging Insect?
Among the most common stinging insects we encounter in our line of work are yellowjackets. These aggressive wasps are known for building nests in various locations, including the ground, trees, and structures. Identifying and addressing yellowjacket nests promptly is crucial, as they can become aggressive when their colony is threatened. At Alta Pest Control, we have the expertise to handle yellowjacket infestations and other common stinging insects effectively.
How To Get Rid of Stinging Bugs
At Alta Pest Control, tackling stinging bugs is a part of our expertise. Our comprehensive approach involves:
Identification:
We start by identifying the specific stinging insect species causing the issue, whether it's bees, wasps, or hornets.
Assessment:
Our team assesses the extent of the infestation, locating nests or hives and determining the best course of action for removal.
Safe Removal:
Using professional-grade equipment and techniques, we safely remove nests or hives, ensuring the well-being of both our team and your property.
Preventive Measures:
We implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of future infestations, offering you long-term relief from stinging bugs.
Our goal is to provide effective, safe, and lasting solutions tailored to your specific stinging insect problem.
How Can Alta Pest Control Protect You from Stinging Insects?
At Alta Pest Control, your safety is our priority. When it comes to protecting you from stinging insects, we follow a meticulous process:
Site Assessment:
We conduct a thorough assessment of your property to identify potential nesting sites and areas prone to stinging insect activity.
Risk Mitigation:
Our team takes steps to minimize the risk of stings during the removal process, utilizing protective gear and specialized equipment.
Education:
We provide you with valuable information on avoiding stinging insect encounters and offer tips on making your property less attractive to these pests.
Preventive Measures:
Implementing preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and addressing attractants, helps create a stinging-insect-resistant environment.
Our commitment is to keep you and your loved ones safe while effectively managing stinging insect issues on your property.
What Attracts Stinging Insects?
Understanding what attracts stinging insects is key to preventing infestations. Common attractants include:
Sweet Odors:
Stinging insects are drawn to sweet smells, making proper garbage disposal and minimizing food odors essential.
Floral Scents:
Blooming flowers and fragrant plants can attract bees and other pollinators. While these insects are beneficial, managing attractive landscaping near living spaces is crucial.
Open Food Sources:
Outdoor gatherings with open food and beverage containers can attract stinging insects. Proper storage and waste management during outdoor activities are essential.
Nesting Sites:
Stinging insects seek sheltered locations for nesting. Regular property maintenance, sealing entry points, and addressing potential nesting sites help reduce attractiveness.
At Alta Pest Control, we work with you to identify and eliminate these attractants, creating an environment less conducive to stinging insect activity. Check out our locations to see if we can service your area and contact us today!