Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

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.