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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 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 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.

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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.

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