About Stinging Insects
Stinging insects are a broad category that includes bees, wasps, hornets, certain ants, and even some less obvious species like scorpions and caterpillars. These pests are known for their ability to inject venom through a sting, which can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious allergic reactions. While some stinging insects play important roles in the environment, like pollination or natural pest control, their presence near homes or high-traffic areas can pose health and safety risks.
What Insects Die After Stinging?
Honeybees are the only common stinging insects that die after stinging. This is because their stingers are barbed and become lodged in the skin when they sting. As the honeybee pulls away, the stinger is torn from its body, causing fatal internal damage. Other stinging insects—such as bumblebees, wasps, hornets, and ants—do not die after stinging. Their stingers are smooth, allowing them to sting multiple times without harm to themselves
What Stinging Insects Leave Stingers?
Honeybees are the primary stinging insects that leave their stingers behind. Their stingers are barbed, which causes them to get stuck in the skin when they sting. As the bee pulls away, the stinger remains embedded, often along with part of the bee’s abdomen, which results in the bee’s death. Other stinging insects, such as bumblebees, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets, have smooth stingers. This allows them to sting multiple times without leaving the stinger behind.
What Stinging Insects Nest in the Ground?
Several stinging insects prefer to build their nests underground, which can make them hard to spot and potentially dangerous if accidentally disturbed. These pests often choose areas with loose or well-drained soil, such as lawns, gardens, or near building foundations.
Common ground-nesting stinging insects include:
- Yellowjackets: Build large underground colonies with a small, hard-to-see entrance.
- Bumblebees: Often nest in abandoned animal burrows or thick grass.
- Cicada killers: Solitary wasps that dig tunnels in sunny, sandy soil.
- Harvester ants: Create visible mounds and defend their nests with painful stings.
- Fire ants: Form aggressive colonies with large underground networks.
How to Keep Stinging Insects Away
Preventing stinging insects starts with making your home and yard less inviting to them. These pests are often drawn to food, moisture, and shelter, so addressing those attractants is key. Simple maintenance steps can go a long way, but professional support may be needed for long-term protection, especially if nests are already present.
Here are some effective ways to keep stinging insects away:
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and siding to block access.
- Cover trash and clean up food: Keep garbage bins sealed and promptly clean up spills, crumbs, and sugary drinks outdoors.
- Limit flowering plants near entrances: Bees and wasps are attracted to nectar; plant flowers away from doors and patios.
- Inspect for nests regularly: Check eaves, attics, sheds, and ground areas for early signs of nesting activity.
- Remove standing water: Fix leaks and eliminate puddles to reduce moisture that attracts pests.
If stinging insects are active around your property, or if you discover a nest, Affinity Pest Control can help. Our team provides safe, effective stinging insect removal and long-term prevention to keep your home protected.