Stinging Insects

Stinging insect is a classification utilized for various species of insects, with stinging capabilities. There are currently more than 29,800 insect species that fall within this category. Each species has unique characteristics, setting them apart, with the exception of the stinger.

Wasps, ants, and bees make up the majority of stinging insect species. In the United States, ants alone have around 700 individual species while bees have approximately 35 species. Wasps add an additional 30 species to the list.

Stinging insects play a role in commercial farming and backyard gardening. These pollinators help pick up and deliver pollen from male to female plants. Without these efficient stinging insects, there would be a lot fewer vegetables and fruits.

Some of the most common stinging insect sightings include the honeybee, carpenter bee, yellowjacket, paper wasp, and bald-faced hornet. Each of these species has a stinger but not all of them utilize it during attacks.

Stinging Insects – Social And Solitary

Stinging insects are mostly identified by their physical characteristics. Their behaviors also play a role in the process. It is also possible to learn how to identify the nest, which is unique for each species.

Stinging insects are divided into two groups – social and solitary. Social stinging insects live in colonies while their solitary counterparts live alone.

Stinging insects classified as solitary insects include the mud dauber, potter wasp, carpenter bee, and sand wasp. The honeybee, hornet, and yellowjacket are social insects.

Social stinging insects have stingers, but they rarely put them to utilize. When they come under threat, they tend to dive bomb instead of stinging their predators. Keep in mind, that solitary stinging insects will sting if provoked hard enough.

Social stinging insects target their predators in colonies. Instead of a single hornet attacking, most or all members of the colony will join forces to take on the predator.

Paper Wasp

The paper wasp has three sets of elbow-shaped legs, two black antennas, and two wings. The body is segmented into three parts, including the abdomen, thorax, and head. The abdomen and thorax are dark brown or black with yellow stripes while the head is solid black.

The paper wasp has a unique flying stature that leaves the hind legs dangling. The long elbow-shaped legs, 0.98-inch wingspan, and dangling hind legs permit the insect to reach up to seven miles an hour. 

Differentiating between the paper wasp and yellowjacket because their characteristics are similar. When placed side by side, the paper wasp is slightly larger than the yellowjacket.

Two common paper wasp species found in the United States include the Northern paper wasp and European paper wasp.

Paper wasp nests can be found hanging from eaves, mailboxes, fences, overhangs, decks, and other structures. The nest is round and light gray, with a noticeable honeycomb pattern.

Yellowjacket

The yellowjacket is a highly aggressive stinging insect species. The physical characteristics are similar to that of the paper wasp. The body is segmented into three parts, including the abdomen, thorax, and head. The abdomen is back with bold yellow stripes. The head and thorax are black with unique yellow markings. The three sets of orange-colored legs are elbow-shaped for takeoff, flying, and landing.

The yellowjacket has reportedly reached speeds of 30 miles per hour. Unlike the paper wasp, the yellowjacket tucks its hind legs against its abdomen during flight.

The insect’s aggression level increases as its colony add new members. The nest ranges between light and dark gray. The insect does not always build its nest above ground like the paper wasp and hornet. The yellowjacket nest can also be buried underground, where they are even more dangerous. Humans and animals can walk upon a nest without realizing it. This poses extreme danger since the colony may perceive it as a threat, even though it is not intended to be.

Bald-Faced Hornet

The bald-faced hornet is also a highly aggressive stinging insect species. Like the yellowjacket colony, the bald-faced hornet colony becomes more aggressive as new members are added.

The nest ranges between light and dark gray and is shaped like a teardrop. The insect builds its nest in trees, undisturbed grass, shrubs, and bushes. They can also be found hanging from fence posts, mailboxes, eaves, and other structures.

The insect has a tri-segmented body, with a head, thorax, and abdomen. Each segment is black with light markings. The black legs are elbow-shaped.

Honeybee

The honeybee is one of the least aggressive of all the stinging insect species. However, the colony can be extremely dangerous, so do not approach without the proper safety gear.

Honeybees are considered “gentle in nature” by avid beekeepers. The insects spend their time making wax honeycombs. Each cavity is filled with sweet, delicious honey.

Honeybee hives are mostly found inside hollow trees, crevices between rocks, and wall cavities.

The honeybee is a small stinging insect, with a yellowish/orange body. A dense fur covers the tri-segmented body. The legs are also covered in fur, just not as thick as the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Carpenter Bee

The carpenter bee is not as aggressive as the yellowjacket, hornet, and bald-faced hornet, but more aggressive than the honeybee. Only the female has a stinger, which she rarely utilizes.

Carpenter bees are solitary insects. However, the female is known to share her nest with other females. The insect bores holes in softwood trees and decaying wood structures. The holes are just large enough to permit access, measuring 3/8 inches in diameter.

The male carpenter bee has a short lifespan, dying soon after mating. The female will go on to lay her eggs inside her nest and care for her young.

Only the entrance of the carpenter bee nest is visible from outside the nest. Only the carpenter bees have access to the tunnels inside the nest.

Do Stinging Insects Pose A Danger To Homeowners?

Yes, stinging insects are extremely dangerous when their nests are in proximity to residential establishments. Most homeowners are not equipped or experienced to tackle a stinging insect infestation.

To remove a hornet, yellowjacket, or paper wasp nest, special safety gear is needed to avoid injury or death. As a top pest control company in the United States, we employ skilled technicians to handle stinging insect infestations.

Some stinging insect nests are more dangerous than others. This definitely applies those built underground.

Why Are Stinging Insects On My Property?

Most homeowners are curious to learn why stinging insects have decided to invade their property. Truthfully, there is no exact reason. Stinging insects can approach your home for many reasons. However, most want to reach your home so they can build nests. Your home likely has many excellent places to build. Alternatively, it could be carpenter bees. These stinging insects are attracted to the wood around your home.

Eliminating infestations Of Stinging Insects

Certain pests can be eliminated using a vacuum cleaner or over-the-counter sprays. Others require precisions and caution because they’re dangerous. Unfortunately, stinging insects fit into the latter category. These pests could kill. You don’t want to risk your life trying to remove the yellowjackets from your property. Instead, we believe it is best to let our technicians protect you and eliminate the pests for you. We’ve been eliminating stinging insects in your area for many years. We have the skills, experience, knowledge, and tools to rectify this problem while keeping the client safe.

If you use over-the-counter sprays to eliminate wasps, you may create a dangerous situation. The wasps may attack you to defend their nest. Allowing us to resolve the problem ensures that you don’t have to risk your life to protect your loved ones.

Our Treatments Are Always Safe

We’re eager to get rid of the stinging insects turning your life upside down, but we won’t put your health at risk. It would be foolish to kill these pests using dangerous chemicals. Surprisingly, some exterminators don’t care about the client or their safety. We do. We’ve trained our technicians to ensure that they’ll follow the strictest protocols. In addition to this, they are required to use the latest and safest EPA-approved materials when dealing with stinging insects.

We would never do anything that could potentially harm you, your loved ones, your pets, or your plants. When you pick us as your primary exterminator, you can guarantee that you’ll be taken care of every step of the way.

The Average Cost Of Stinging Insect Extermination

We understand how difficult it can be to handle surprise expenses, especially in this economic downturn. Our technicians strive to provide our clients with reasonably priced services that are right for us and our clients. The price depends on several factors, including the species of stinging insect you’re dealing with, the size of your property, the location of the nest, and the size of the nest.

Before the treatment begins, you will receive a free quote with no obligation. We recommend shopping around to get the best deal for your family.

When Can A Technician Arrive?

You don’t want to delay resolving this problem because stinging insects can be dangerous. With this in mind, don’t hesitate to call our office. We have technicians in your area ready to begin helping you at a minute’s notice. After your first call, one of our friendly representatives will contact you within 24 to 48 hours.

Avoiding Future Stinging Insect Infestations

Stinging insects can be dangerous since they will sting people. In some cases, a stinging insect’s sting could lead to serious complications. It is best to keep these pests away from your home or allow a professional to eliminate them. The risks are grave. Yellowjackets and wasps could kill. Unfortunately, it is tough to keep these pests away from your dwelling. They want to reach your property so they can find suitable places to build nests. Keeping them away is key to avoiding stings and health complications.

Our company is here to help. We offer an affordable stinging insect prevention program to protect you to the fullest. With our help, you can keep these pests away from your residence and protect your loved ones. We’ll visit your home three times annually to check for signs of wasps and bees. If we find any, we’ll treat the property at no additional cost. Call today to learn more about our home service program.

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