Table of Contents
Identifying Stinging Insects
What is a stinging insect? If you’re asking this question, there is a risk that you’ve been stung or you’ve found pests around your home. Ultimately, several pests fit into the stinging insect category. They include wasps, bees, hornets, and yellowjackets. All of the known stinging insects belong to the Hymenoptera family. Surprisingly, ants are a member of this group as well. Although stinging insects create concerns for homeowners, it is important to realize that they’re beneficial pollinators.
When they’re not posing a risk to humans or their property, they’re helping the environment. They’re very beneficial because they can help pollinate plants. Before you can identify the problem you’re facing, you need to figure out which stinging insect species you have. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know how dangerous the species is and how to tackle it. Below, you’ll learn more about common stinging insects in our service area.
Which Stinging Insect Do I Have? Is It Wasps, Hornets, Or Yellowjackets?
To determine which stinging insects you have, you need to consider the insect’s nest, its location, and its appearance. Be sure to use the information below so you’ll know which stinging insect is on your property.
Paper Wasps
Although aggressive, paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as other stinging insects. If you don’t want to get stung, don’t get too close to stinging insects.
Nests
Paper wasps are small and gray. They have a unique round shape that features a honeycomb. If you’re looking for paper wasp nests, you should look under eaves, on fences, and under overhangs.
Looks
There are several species of paper wasps but the most common are European Paper Wasps and Northern Paper Wasps. Both are problematic so you need to take steps to get rid of them. The European species is black and yellow with an orange antenna. They look like yellowjackets but they’re a bit longer. Furthermore, their back legs will dangle when they fly. Northern Paper wasps are brown with yellow and white stripes.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects on the planet, and they get even more aggressive from late Summer to Fall. When the colony is larger, the stinging insect is more aggressive.
Nests
Their nests are large and home to thousands of yellowjackets. Although they can be found elsewhere, their nests are usually located in attics and under porches. They can be built in dense bushes as well. Some yellowjackets place their nests underground.
Looks
Yellowjackets have yellow and black stripes as well as black antennas. When they fly, their legs will be tightly tucked against their body.
Bald-Faced Hornet
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and they get worse when the colony grows. It is best to stay away from their nest because you will get stung.
Nest
A bald-faced hornet lest will be very large with thousands of insects. With a teardrop-shaped design, it is easy to identify a bald-faced hornet nest. These nests are often found by homeowners on the side of their homes. They can also be developed on tall grass.
Looks
These hornets are unique because they have black and white bodies. Their body parts are larger and they have a stinger.
Honeybee
Honeybees aren’t aggressive, but they still may sting. It is important to remember that honeybees will return to the same nest each year.
Nest
Honeybees build intricate nests that closely resemble honeycombs. Their nests can be built on walls as well as rocks. Again, they’ll return to the nest each year so they have to store honey.
Looks
Honeybees are fuzzy and orange or yellow. Despite having a stinger, they likely won’t bite you or your loved ones.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are one of the least aggressive stinging insects so you likely won’t have to worry about that. However, they will destroy your property so getting rid of them rapidly is key.
Nest
Their nests are easy to identify since they’re perfectly round 3/8” holes. They can be built in wood decks, siding, and fascia. The hole is used to care for the bees’ offspring.
Looks
Carpenter bees are large and share many characteristics as bumblebees. The species in our area are black, yellow, and fuzzy.
Can Stinging Insects Cause Health Hazards?
You’re likely worried about stinging insects hurting you and your loved ones. Can they make you ill? Ultimately, some stinging insects are dangerous, but others are not. Some stinging insects are aggressive and they’ll attack you and your loved ones. Other stinging insects are not dangerous. With that being said, homeowners need to identify the stinging insect species before determining its aggressiveness and risks. Many stinging insects won’t bother you unless you get close to them. Unfortunately, you may encounter ground nests that are harder to see. If you walk into a ground nest, you’re going to get stung. Depending on the severity of the sting, you may need medical assistance.
Why Are Stinging Insects In My Home?
Stinging insects will reach your home because they’re eager to build nests. If your wood is not properly treated, stinging insects will come to build nests.
How Can I Eradicate Stinging Insects?
Attempting to eradicate stinging insects could be very dangerous. If you intend to use DIY methods to get rid of these pests, it is best to wait until the sun goes down. At this time, the pests will be less aggressive so you might not get stung. If you target them during the day, the risks will be significantly higher. At night, the workers will be inside of the nest so you can likely spray them without issues.
Alternatively, you’ll want to hire a pest control expert in your area. Ultimately, hiring a pro will be safer and more efficient since you can guarantee that their solutions will work.
Is Your Stinging Insect Treatment Safe?
Our company is a leading pest control expert in your area. We have years of experience, high-quality solutions, and reliable exterminators. When using our services, an exterminator will treat your problem using EPA-registered products to guarantee your health. Our treatments will not pose health hazards to anyone involved. Our solutions are safe around your precious pets and plants. More importantly, they’re safe for you and your loved ones.
How Much Will I Pay To Eliminate Stinging Insects?
Our exterminator will visit your home to learn more about your situation. We’ll check the size of your home and the type of species you’re dealing with. We’ll use the following information to determine your price.
- The stinging insect in your home
- Home size and property size
- Nest size
- Location of the nest
When Can The Extermination Begin?
Contact our exterminator to schedule an appointment. It takes 24 to 48 hours for someone with our company to respond to inquires.
Can I Keep Stinging Insects Away From My Home?
Stinging insects such as bees and wasps are opportunistic in many ways. They’ll build nests when they find suitable conditions. Furthermore, they’ll take food whenever possible. To minimize the risk of having to deal with a future stinging insect infestation, contact us. Our company will respond quickly and deal with the problem before you know it. Don’t forget to take advantage of our home service program and let us visit your home three times a year.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
