Stinging Insects

Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

What are stinging insects?

People widely misunderstand stinging insects, making them more dangerous than they actually are. As the title suggests, stinging insects have a stinger, which they use to defend themselves against predators. You are likely familiar with these common stinging insects:

  • Wasps are insects with a narrow-waists that create nests out of wood chewed into a pulp. While they do consume nectar, wasps are also predators.
  • Bees are similar to wasps but have a fuller body and a hairy appearance. Bees create their nests out of wax.
  • Hornets are social wasps that look similar to yellow jackets.
  • Yellow jackets are social wasps commonly misidentified as bees.

Utilize a professional home pest control provider such as SureShot Pest Control to assist with all your stinging insect control needs.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Although stinging insects are considered dangerous, there are many variables to consider with these pests.

  • Social stinging insect species are more dangerous than solitary species because they must protect the colony.
  • Some species are more aggressive than others.
  • Honeybees can only sting once because of their barbed stinger, but all other species can sting multiple times with their smooth stingers.
  • Some people are allergic to the venom of these pests and will suffer more severe reactions.
  • Children and animals can have worse reactions to stings.
  • A person's reaction can make them more aggressive because swatting and waving your arms is a threat to them.

So while even though we are used to believing these pests are dangerous, they will usually leave you alone if you leave them alone. In general, it is a good rule of thumb to avoid these pests. Even if you believe their nest is empty, it is best not to try and knock it down, hit it, or spray it without professional help.

What Makes Us Different?

  • Veteran Owned & Operated
    Proudly serving with honor, expertise, and dedicated to quality.
  • Over 151 Businesses Serviced
    SureShot Pest Control is proud to be a catalyst of change for hundreds of local businesses in Michigan.
  • 1,500 Happy Customers & Counting!
    We are proud to maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and bring the best to our clients.
  • 30+ Years Of Combined Experience
    We have spent a quarter-century in the pest control industry, and we have no intention of stopping now!
Our Michigan Service Areas

If you don’t see your community listed, contact us to see if we can still help!

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects are attracted to properties that provide food and water. Because these pests are pollinators, they look for plant nectar and honeydew, a sweet residue created by aphids. They also look for water, which they can get from ponds, puddles, pools, birdbaths, and more.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Most of the stinging insects listed above like to build their nests in shaded and secluded areas, including under eaves, decks, doorways, window frames, rock piles, inside logs, stumps, and trees. Some species build their nests in underground cavities.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

If you are worried about stinging insects, you should contact us at SureShot Pest Control. Our residential and commercial pest control services protect you from these unwanted pests, starting during the inspection process.

You can learn more about assisting with stinging insects by reaching out to our pest control and prevention team at SureShot Pest Control. Give us a call to find out if you live in our pest control service area!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

The best way to protect yourself against stinging insects is by eliminating the factors that make your property conducive for them. You can do this by removing water sources, maintaining your yard, filling in ground holes, and reducing and flowering plants. You should also make sure there are no cracks in the exterior walls of your home to prevent these pests from building nests inside the walls.

If you see stinging insect nests starting to form or have other issues with these pests, contact us at SureShot Pest Control.

Hear From Our Happy Customers

At SureShot Pest Control, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.

    "Wonderful Service"

    The office lady is the sweetest person ever!!!! They technician did a great job.

    Jessica B.
    "Professional & Honest"

    Use this service yearly & have always gotten excellent service - will continue using their service 1-2x yearly - they are great !

    Jenny B.
    "Professional & Courteous"

    Chris was a wonderful knowledgeable man. He answered all questions with respect and engagement. I have used SureShot for years and will continue to do so.

    Anne W.
    "Above & Beyond"

    These guys are great! They are friendly and responsive and take care of their customers!

    Bailey C.
    "I would recommend them every time!"

    I have used SureShot for annual yard spraying to keep mosquitos away and it works great and the pricing is much more affordable than others in the area.

    Kristina M.
    "5 Stars"

    Ailey was excellent in treating our yellow jacket infestation. She was professional and took the time needed to determine what needed to be done to assure the bees would finally be taken care of.

    Cindy R.
    "Highly recommend"

    We have had Sure Shot for five plus years and they have been amazing from start to finish.

    Michael L.
    "Always Make Everything Easy for Me"

    I've been with Sureshot for many years. They have been consistent and responsive to my needs and requests.

    Donald M.

Contact SureShot Pest Control Today!

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy