Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

As a group, stinging insects are best described as insects that have a stinger emerging from their hind end. The stinger for predatory stinging insects like yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets is used to help them paralyze prey so they can bring it back to the nest. Their predatory feeding habits mean that these pests help control nuisance insect populations.

Without yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and other predators feeding on insects, our outdoor spaces would be overrun with annoying and destructive insects. Stinging insects can be problematic on any property, and a home pest control treatment program is always a good option. 

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Stinging insects can be dangerous. The closer these pests are nesting or foraging for food in high-traffic areas, the more of a danger they pose. Stinging insects are dangerous because their venom is potent enough to trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms of a sting usually include pain, swelling, redness, itching, and warmth. Severe symptoms include dizziness, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis.

Having stinging insects swarming in your yard makes it so you can’t fully enjoy the space; no one can relax when in constant fear of being stung.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects feed on various things, including insects, nectar, and honeydew. Many species eat the same sweets and proteins we do. Yards with easy access to multiple food sources are most likely to see a lot of stinging insect activity.

Common foraging sites include:

• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Flower gardens
• Vegetable gardens
• Outdoor eating areas
• Pet food feeding areas.
• Flowering shrubbery

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects are most common, swarming around the places they forage for food and at their nesting sites. Where you are likely to find stinging insects nesting depends on their species.

Wasps create nests from pieces of wood or plant materials mixed with their saliva. They place their umbrella-shaped nests under overhangs, like roof eaves, tree limbs, porch roofs, and under railings or decks.

Yellow jackets build their nests in the ground and up off the ground. Some of their favorite nesting sites include the inside of trash cans or recycling bins, ground holes, tree hollows, tree stumps, and under roof eaves.

Hornets build nests that resemble a large gray ball. They prefer to build their nests up off the ground. Trees, large shrubs, and woodpiles are common nesting sites for hornets.

While stinging insects usually nest outside, sometimes you get unlucky, and they decide to nest in your home. Indoor nests are placed in chimneys, attics, and wall voids.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Sharing your yard with stinging insects is dangerous and makes it so you and your family can’t enjoy it to its fullest. Nobody can feel comfortable in the yard while having to tiptoe around stinging insects.

The safest and easiest way to eliminate stinging insects from your business or home and stop them from becoming a recurring problem is to put your trust in and partner with a professional. At Affinity Pest Control, we have over 20 years of experience and will provide you with trusted pest control services in Boise. Our high-quality treatments will solve your pest problems while being safe for your family and pets.

If you would like to learn more about taking back your Idaho yard from stinging insects, please call us at Affinity Pest Control today!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

The most effective way to prevent recurring problems with stinging insects is to partner with us here at Affinity Pest Control. Stopping stinging insects from nesting on your property is tricky, but the following things may make your property a bit less attractive to them:

• Keep trees and shrubbery pruned and cut back from your home’s exterior.
• Don’t place pots with flowering plants in high traffic areas like porch steps, doors, or decks.
• Keep your yard well maintained. Keep the grass cut short, cut back tree branches, and keep shrubs and bushes well-pruned.
• Take away possible nesting sites by removing fallen trees, brush piles, and old woodpiles.
• Reduce their access to water by keeping gutters free of debris to keep water flowing through them, store containers not being used upside down, and fill in low-lying areas.