What are stinging insects?
Stinging insects are eco-important pests, that have the unique ability to be wanted and unwanted at the same time. When living outside and away from our home we are happy to have them. However, when they nest near or in our home and put our family and pets in danger, they become unwanted pests.
Stinging insects are those insects that have a venom-filled stinger extending from their abdomens. Common examples of stinging insects living in our area are hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets. They are all predators and help not only provide some pollination but also aid in reducing nuisance insect populations by hunting and feeding on them.
Are stinging insects dangerous?
Stinging insects are dangerous pests that have the potential to deliver painful stings and their venom triggers allergic reactions that vary from mild to life-threatening, depending on the person.
Some species of stinging insects are very aggressive and will chase after and try to sting you for simply walking past their nest. Other species are more docile and stings tend to only occur after accidental contact is made- stepping on them, touching them while working in the garden, etc.
Why do I have a stinging insect problem?
Why do I have a stinging insect problem?
Oftentimes there is no particular reason stinging insects choose your property to live on. Stinging insects don’t have a preference for where they live as long as it provides them with a sheltered place to build their nest and plenty of food to feed their colony.
The spring and summer season is when most species of stinging insects are most active. Workers are frantically searching around for food to feed their queens and the rest of the members of their ever-expanding colony. During this time of the year, most stinging insects have a short fuse and it doesn’t take much to annoy them and be on the receiving end of a painful sting.
Where will I find stinging insects?
Where will I find stinging insects?
Stinging insects live and breed outside, only sometimes finding their way inside to build a nest. Outside, stinging insects live in a variety of habitats including wooded areas, meadows, fields, grasslands, and our own backyards. Where a stinging insect places its nest depends if they are aerial or a ground nester. Some species are solitary and create an individual nest, but the majority of stinging insects are social and live together in groups of various sizes. Some common nesting sites include:
- Tree branches and tree cavities
- Chimneys, doorways, behind window shutters, and under decks
- Utility poles
- Shrubbery
- Ground holes
- The abandoned nests of other small animals
How do I get rid of stinging insects?
How do I get rid of stinging insects?
Getting rid of stinging insects from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The experts at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of stinging insects and prevent their return. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current stinging insect infestation or prevent future problems with stinging insects our family-owned and operated company is here to help.
Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners keep their properties free of stinging insects and other common pests.
How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?
How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?
To make your property less attractive to stinging insects, use the following easy-to-execute prevention tips:
When spending time outside avoid attracting stinging insects by not using heavily scented perfumes, lotions, or shampoos.
When planting new flowering shrubs, bushes, or trees, place them away from the outside of your home.
Be aware of your surroundings and know that nests can be placed in doorways, swing sets, playhouses, and other high-traffic locations in your yard.
Remove their access to water on your property by fixing leaky outdoor fixtures and hoses. Keep debris from building up in gutters.
Stop stinging insects from being able to move inside of your home by placing caps on chimneys, placing screens in windows and doors, coverings over vents, and repairing loose or damaged siding.
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