Stinging Insect Identification

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects are a part of nature and an important part at that. Their feeding habits are beneficial, helping to control populations of nuisance insects and some helping to pollinate flowers and crops. The stinging insects in our area that commonly invade our properties include wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mud daubers, and carpenter bees.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Typically, people don't pay much attention to stinging insects until they become a problem for them or their family. The stings these insects deliver are painful and leave behind a large, red welt, which may last for hours or days.

Stinging insects are dangerous pests as the venom they inject with each of their stings is strong enough to cause medical complications. Those allergic to the venom may have reactions that could range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. Stinging insect nests placed behind a home's walls may attract other insects, and once they abandon the nest, it will decay and damage walls and insulation.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Many things attract stinging insects to a property where they eventually become a problem in or around our homes. As with most pests, suitable nesting spots near food are the two main things that drive stinging insects to a property.

The following are nesting sites and foraging sites that stinging insects often choose:

• Trees and utility poles
• Shrubs and bushes
• Ground holes or the abandoned ground nests of other animals
• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Gardens and fruit trees

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects like to choose areas to build nests that are secluded and protect them from harsh weather and predators. In addition to natural nesting sites like trees, shrubs, and the ground, stinging insects may also place their nests in or under man-made structures like roof eaves, under decks or porches, or behind window shutters or wood shingles.

Carpenter bees have unique nesting habits and create tunnels and nesting galleries in wood, which, over time, causes costly structural damage.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Get rid of potentially dangerous stinging insects with the help of BHB Pest Elimination. We are dedicated to helping customers enjoy their outdoor space without the threat of being stung. We offer a variety of stinging insect control options that will meet your New York property's unique needs. Our professionals provide the services necessary to get rid of problems with stinging insects and the follow-up services essential to keeping them away for good. We are committed to not just controlling stinging insects, but eliminating them! To learn more about our stinging insect control services, contact us at BHB Pest Elimination today.

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Let our professionals help you control stinging insects through our professional home pest control and commercial pest control services, and with the following stinging insect prevention tips:

• Avoid wearing strong smelling perfumes or lotions when you are going to spend time outside.
• When outside in grassy areas, wear shoes.
• Seal up openings in the exterior walls, the roofline, windows, or the foundation of your home.
• Cut tree branches and shrubbery back away from your home.
• Remove overgrown vegetation from your property.
• Fill in ground holes.
• Do not plant a lot of flowering plants next to your house.