Bumble bees – Easily recognized, bumble bees are large with black and yellow or orange-like hair patterns on their abdomens. Nesting sites include holes in the ground, abandoned rodent burrows, and hollows of trees, buildings and walls as well as other areas that offer shelter from the weather.
Hornets – The baldfaced hornet is black and white and about ¾” long. They build their nests, which are made of paper-like material formed from chewed wood, in trees or shrubs but will also develop nests in or around a structure including under roof overhangs, in attics and walls.
Yellow Jackets – Think with black and yellow markings, yellow jackets tend to make their nests in the ground or inside log that are near to the ground but will construct nests inside walls of houses too. Yellow jacket nests are made of a paper maché-like material, and because they are often at ground level, it is rather easy to disturb their nest, even accidentally.
Wasps – Resembling yellow jackets, wasps have slender bodies that can be black, brown or red with yellow markings. Their nests are also paper maché-like, circular, and usually hang down from eaves, or piles of wood.
There are many reasons for having stinging insects in or around your home. Stinging insects are attracted to areas that provide an adequate food source. Feeding varies from species to species but may include other insects, nectar and pollen. Many are also attracted to water sources such as pools and ornamental ponds.
While the sting itself from these insects is not usually terribly painful, a serious problem can arise if you have an allergic reaction to the sting. For that reason, stinging insects can prove to be a dangerous pest.
Many stinging insects will rarely bother people, unless you bother them or their nest, first. Other species, it seems, love to bother people without being provoked. Hornets, and sometimes wasps, are actually known to have a temper. This particular class of insects, called Hymenoptera, has venom in their sting which, unless treated very quickly, can result in death in some people, in less than an hour. Also, some stinging insects can sting multiple times, making their sting much more dangerous. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets do not leave their stinger behind in your skin, but the bumblebee does.
Getting rid of stinging insects is a difficult and potentially dangerous job, one best left to a professional. At Midwest Pest Control we’ll evaluate your stinging insect problem including identifying what type of stinging insect you are dealing with and provide you with a free estimate. We use a minimum amount of the correct treatment designed for a particular type of insect – to give you the fastest and best results possible.
At Midwest Pest Control we take all pest problems seriously and are committed to helping you as soon as possible. In most cases we can respond the same or very next day.
Stinging insects can be difficult to prevent and control. Call Midwest Pest Control at the first sign of a problem. This is the best way to protect your home, family and pets from bees, wasps and other stinging insects.
