Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are stinging insects that regularly become a problem for homeowners. They use our yards as a place to nest and forage for food. All three are predatory species which means they primarily feed on other insects that they come across in our yards, gardens, and flowerbeds. Their feeding habits help to control nuisance insects along with helping to pollinate plants and flowers.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Despite their helpfulness and being an important part of the ecosystem, stinging insects are dangerous in our yards, especially high-traffic areas like walkways, entrances, exits, and play areas.

The danger comes from the stinger extending from the end of the abdomen. They use their stinger to inject their venom into insect prey to paralyze them. They also use their stingers as a way to defend themselves.

Unfortunately for us, being stung by these insects is quite painful, and their venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions in people. The presence of stinging insects can make it impossible to enjoy your yard, as the constant threat of their painful stings puts you on high alert.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Yellow jackets and other stinging insects love sweet liquids, proteins, and grease. Our outdoor cooking and eating areas attract hungry stinging insects. Nothing is more unpleasant than taking a sip of lemonade and coming eye to eye with a stinging insect.

Other things that attract stinging insect activity include:

• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Gardens
• Pet food
• Fruit trees
• Water sources
• Flowerbeds

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects nest in aerial and ground locations. If you see many stinging insects swarming around an area of your yard, there is likely a nest. Below are some of the places you may find a stinging insect nest:

• Spaces under decks, porch ceilings, and roof eaves
• In the corners of doorways and windows
• In outbuildings like sheds and garages
• In tree hollows, woodpiles, and between rock crevices
• Inside ground holes or the abandoned nests of small animals

Stinging insects can also nest in our homes. They are known to build nests in chimneys, vents, and wall voids.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Preventing stinging insects from flying onto your property to build a nest or forage for food is nearly impossible. To remove stinging insects from your yard or to make your property less attractive to these dangerous pests, reach out to a professional for help.

The professionals at EnviroGuard Pest Control know the different species of stinging insects common to our area, where they like to nest, and how to remove them safely. We pay attention to detail and offer affordable pest control services to keep your family safe and your yard free of stinging insects.

Give us a call today and speak with one of our helpful professionals to learn more about removing stinging insects from your home.

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Prevent issues with stinging insects using our most helpful stinging insect prevention tips:

• Remove water sources that may initially attract stinging insects to your property by making sure your yard has good drainage, clearing clogged gutters, and fixing leaky hoses or spigots.
• Provide fewer areas to forage for plant nectar and pollen by reducing the amount of flowering vegetation on your property, especially near your home's entrances.
• Keep lids on trash cans, clean grill areas, and clear leftover food from outdoor eating areas to prevent attracting foraging stinging insects like yellow jackets.
• Remove woodpiles, fallen trees, and yard clutter that provide sheltered nesting spots for stinging insects.
• Keep the grass cut short and fill in ground holes to remove potential nesting spots for ground-nesting stinging insects.
• Contact a professional stinging insect control company to eliminate problem infestations from your property.