What are 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?
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are identified by their thin waist and well-defined black and yellow striped pattern. Yellow jackets are social insects. Yellow jackets live in colonies and are known for their aggressive behavior, often stinging humans and animals when they feel threatened or their nest is disturbed.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps have a black or brown body with yellow or orange markings. They have a pinched waist and long, thin legs that dangle below their bodies when flying. Paper wasps are social insects. There are around 22 species of paper wasps found in North America alone, with many more species found worldwide. Paper wasps are named for the papery material they use to construct their nests. They create their nests by mixing saliva with wood fibers, creating a strong, papery material.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers are a large species of solitary wasp that make their distinctive nests out of the mud. Most are black, although some have a metallic blue sheen. Mud Daubers build nests that resemble tubes of dirt on the eaves and sides of homes.
Keep your home safe
Keeping your home and yard free of stinging pests, such as wasps, bees, and hornets, is important for several reasons. Firstly, stinging pests can pose a serious health risk to you, your family, and your pets. Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions, and in some cases, can even be fatal. By keeping your home and yard free of these pests, you can help reduce the risk of being stung and prevent potential health problems.
Secondly, stinging pests can be a nuisance and can cause damage to your property. Wasps and hornets can build nests in the eaves of your home, in trees, and other outdoor structures, while bees can create hives in walls and other enclosed spaces. These nests and hives can be difficult and costly to remove, and can also cause damage to your property. By taking steps to prevent stinging pests from nesting in and around your home, you can save yourself time, money, and potential property damage.
What can I do to keep my home safe?
In order to keep your home and yard free of stinging pests, it's important to take preventative measures, such as sealing up cracks and gaps in your home's exterior, removing potential nesting sites, and keeping your yard free of food waste and other attractants. If you do encounter stinging pests, it's important to contact a pest control professional to safely and effectively remove them. By taking these steps, you can help ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family in your home and yard.
How to safely deal with a stinging insect infestation
If you have a stinging insect infestation in or around your home, it's important to take action to address the problem safely and effectively. Attempting to remove nests or swarms on your own can be dangerous and can result in stings, which can be painful and even life-threatening for those with allergies. Here are some tips for safely dealing with a stinging insect infestation:
Identify the insect species: Before attempting any removal, it's important to identify the species of stinging insect you are dealing with. This will help you determine the best course of action and whether or not you need professional assistance.
Contact a professional: If you have a large infestation, or if you are dealing with a species of stinging insect that is known to be aggressive, it's best to contact a pest control professional for assistance. They have the training and equipment needed to safely remove nests and swarms.
