W.O.L.F. PEST CONTROL

What are stinging insects?

A stinger extending from the end of the abdomen is what differentiates stinging insects from other insects. They use this stinger and the venom it injects to paralyze their prey and as a means to defend themselves or nest from threats. Stinging insects are winged and either social or solitary. Solitary stinging insects like cicada killers, carpenter bees, and mud daubers create individual nests where the female lays its eggs. Social stinging insects nest together in large groups: wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.

 

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Having a problem with stinging Insects is stressful because they are so dangerous. Their stings are painful, and the venom injected is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions in people. A person’s response to a sting may be as little as localized swelling around the sting site to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

In addition to physical and health threats, some stinging insects (carpenter bees) cause structural damage by tunneling through and nesting inside wood.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects are an essential part of our ecosystem. They help to control populations of nuisance insects and help with the pollination of crops and plants. The problem with stinging insects occurs when they choose our yards, homes, garages, or commercial structures to build their nests. It is only natural for these insects to want to defend themselves from anything they view as a threat; often, this includes people or pets simply walking too close to their nest.

When stinging insects place a nest in an area of your property where there is a lot of activity, they become a problem, and the risk of stings occurring becomes very high. Having stinging insects nesting in your yard makes it difficult to enjoy your outdoor space fully.

If stinging insects have placed a nest in a less than ideal area on your property, immediately contact the professionals at W.O.L.F. Pest Control.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects place their nests in a variety of areas depending on the species. Most stinging Insects will take advantage of any area that provides shelter from predators and is close to food and water sources. Most of our yards offer stinging insects with suitable places to nest.

Aerial nesting locations include:

• Tree cavities and tree branches

• Utility poles

• Shrubs and woodpiles

• Under roof eaves, rafters, or in or on chimneys

• Wooden trim or shingles

• On wooden play structures or wooden fences

Ground nesting locations include:

• Natural ground holes

• Under woodpiles or brush piles

• Under shrubbery or bushes

• Under rock piles

• Abandoned ground nests of small animals

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Like other outdoor pests, stinging insects can move onto our properties whenever they wish if ample food or shelter is available. Stinging insects are difficult and dangerous to control.

At W.O.L.F. Pest Control., we know the stinging insects that live in our area and can provide the services needed to protect your family and property from them. Our professionals will provide you with the necessary services to eliminate stinging insects and their nests.

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

In conjunction with our effective services, our prevention tips will help you defend your yard and home from stinging insects:

• Seal openings in the exterior walls and foundation of your home. Use weatherstripping around windows and doors and repair torn screens to keep stinging insects out of your home.

• Avoid attracting stinging insects to your property by limiting the number of flowering plants.

• Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins to stop stinging insects from foraging for food in them.

• Cut back shrubs and tree limbs from the outside of your house to help deter a nest from being built close to your home.

• Fill in ground holes.

• Make sure wooden structures on your property are painted, stained, or otherwise treated.

• Remove excess woodpiles, rock piles, brush, and other debris from your yard.