Stinging Insects: Wasps and Hornets
Stinging insects are like nature’s pest control—they eat annoying bugs in gardens. They have stingers with venom to paralyze prey or defend their nests. Some can sting many times, others just once. Stinging insects help plants grow by pollinating them. In the areas we treat, common species include:
Bald-faced hornets
Bald-faced hornets are relatives of yellow jackets. They are black except for their mostly white face. Bald-faced hornets are known for being extremely aggressive. They are known for building large paper nests that they place up off of the ground, often on homes, garages, and sheds.
Mud daubers
The mud dauber is a large, solitary species of stinging insect. They are black, sometimes with a metallic blue shine, and may have yellow or green markings. Mud daubers are known for having a long, slender segment between the thorax and abdomen, making it look like the two body segments are held together by a piece of thread. They are often identified by the unique nests they create out of the mud.
Paper wasps
Paper wasps received their name from the nests they create; these nests look like they are made from paper. Like other species of wasps, paper wasps have pinched waists and long, thin legs that dangle below their body when in flight. Adults are brown with yellow markings and, when viewed from the side, almost appear to have a triangular shape to it.
Danger Level
Yes, stinging insects are dangerous. Their stings are extremely painful and leave behind red, swollen welts. Their venom is strong enough to trigger serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in some people. Care should always be taken around stinging insects. Removing a nest from your property should always be handled by a professional.
Why do I have a stinging insect problem?
Stinging insects live, breed, and forage for food outside; this means that they can become a problem on any property at any time. Stinging insects usually only become a problem for people when they build their nest on a home, in a home, or in a high-traffic area on the property. The closer a nest is to people, the greater the chance a sting will occur.
Where will I find stinging insects?
Stinging insects place their nests in protected areas either on the ground, in the ground, or well above the ground, depending on their exact species. Popular nesting spots include on trees, utility poles, under bushes, in rock crevices, in woodpiles, in holes created by small animals, under decks, and under roof eaves. Stinging insects that have found their way into a home often make their nests in chimneys, behind wall voids, in attics, and in crawl spaces.
How do I get rid of stinging insects?
To get rid of stinging insects, we recommend contacting a pest control company that has the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to completely get rid of the infestation. At Ponder Pest Control, we are a local family-owned business that is committed to offering quality service and exceptional results. We developed our treatment process to ensure that your family’s and home’s specific needs are met. To learn more about our stinging insect control offered throughout the area, contact us today!
Prevention
In addition to our home and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:
- Trim tree limbs back away from the exterior of your home, and fill in ground holes.
- Outdoor trash cans and compost bins need tight-fitting lids on them.
- Make sure screens are completely intact.
- Keep outdoor eating areas cleaned up and free of food debris.
- Remove fallen trees and tree stumps from your property.
- Limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted on your property.
- Fix holes along the roofline and roof intersections, and place caps on all chimneys.
- Get rid of water sources by maintaining gutters and downspouts and fixing leaky hoses and fixtures.