Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

Wasps, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees are some of the stinging insects we see most in our area. Interestingly, yellow jackets are a type of wasp, but we differentiate between the two because yellow jackets are larger than other wasp species.

At the same time, carpenter bees are wood-damaging pests. They don't eat wood but bore into it to create their nests. Also, carpenter bees are solitary, meaning they don't live with a colony like yellow jackets.

Stinging insects can be dangerous, but it is often situational and depends on the type of pest and other factors. Here are a few things you should know:

• Most stinging insects only sting when they feel threatened.
• Social species are more aggressive than solitary because they have to protect their colony and queen, so carpenter bees are less dangerous than wasps and yellow jackets.
• Male carpenter bees can't sting.
• Yellow jackets are more aggressive than other wasps.
• Unlike honey bees, which have a barbed stinger, wasps, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees have smooth stingers, which means they can sting multiple times.
• Children and animals are more susceptible to a sting from one of these pests because they are more likely to disturb a nest accidentally.
• Some people are allergic to these pests and will experience a more severe reaction.

In general, it's best to keep your distance from stinging insects to avoid a sting.

Food is one of the most attractive factors for any pest, including stinging insects. While carpenter bees consume nectar and pollen, wasps and yellow jackets feed on other insects. However, they also eat nectar and pollen, making them important pollinators in the ecosystem.

These pests are also attracted to water sources, so you could attract stinging insects if you have a leak or other moisture issue. And like other pests, these insects look for somewhere safe to build their nests, including ground holes, stumps, dead trees, eaves, and many more similar places.

It might seem like stinging insects will find you when you're trying to enjoy your time outside as they are curious pests. However, you can find these insects in places like under decks, rock piles, and inside walls if there are cracks in the home's exterior.

Carpenter bees will bore holes in wood that is damaged or weathered, including furniture, decks, fences, doors, play structures, sheds, and more.

If you notice stinging insects on your property or are experiencing a problem with these pests, look to Marietta pest control experts for help. ProCare Pest Services can assist with stinging insects through our residential or commercial pest control plan.

We start by walking your property to identify issues. And after, we will sweep spider webs and wasp nests on upper eaves and corners. Other treatments will be applied to your home's exterior and yard to keep stinging insects and prey pests away.

To learn more about our residential pest control offerings, call us at ProCare Pest Services.

To prevent future problems with stinging insects, remove attractive factors such as water and food sources and nesting sites. This task should include repairing leaks, reducing flowering plants, addressing other pest problems, replacing damaged wood, and filling ground holes.

Ask the technicians at ProCare Pest Services for more stinging insect prevention tips.