Warm weather has had a slow start this year, but with the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend, it’s here to stay – and so are stinging insects. As summertime activities commence, stinging insects become more active. While buzzing sting insects are guaranteed to send kids running from the picnic table, only certain types are harmful to humans. The others are an important part of any ecosystem and should be protected rather than combatted. Here’s your summertime guide to some of the Tri-State’s bees and stinging insects, their benefits/risks, and their bee-haviors.
Honeybees
Honeybees are recognized by their short, thick bodies and their golden/yellow and black stripes. Sometimes they can be orange and yellow. They make their homes in hollow trees, walls, sheds, or other safe places. Honeybees are very important for our environment, as pollination sustains plant life and plays a key role in food production. Instead of getting rid of them, it’s better to coexist. If you see honeybee colonies near your property, it’s a good idea to call professional beekeepers. They can relocate the nests without getting stung.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are close cousins of honeybees. They’re easy to spot with their yellow and black stripes and round, fuzzy bodies. Bumblebees range from half an inch to one inch long and make their nests close to the ground, using holes left by rodents, piles of wood, or tree hollows. It’s best to leave bumblebees alone because they usually won’t sting unless you bother their nest. But remember, while only female bumblebees can sting, they can do it multiple times.
Wasps
Wasps look different from true bees. They have longer bodies and thin waists. You can find their nests deep inside walls, near the attic, or in trees and bushes. Sometimes they come near humans to look for food. If you see wasp nests near your home, it’s time to call the Masters! It may be tempting to deal with them yourself, but that’s risky for you, your family, and your pets. Some types of wasps can sting multiple times because they don’t lose their stingers after the first sting.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are a kind of wasp named after their yellow and black stripes. They build paper-like nests in walls, attics, bushes, hollow logs, and even in the ground. When you see yellow jackets near your home, call the Masters. Yellow jackets are territorial and more aggressive than other stinging insects. They can sting multiple times without dying and release a chemical that attracts more of them to attack.
Bald faced hornet
The bald-faced hornet, also known as the white-faced hornet, is very aggressive. If you are unaware of a nearby nest and happen to walk in close range, it is very likely you will get stung. Bald faced hornets are very aggressive, and even when unprovoked, may attack anyone that gets close. This can make them very dangerous, especially for pets and children. Their nests are large bulbous structures made of paper like substance they will produce for nesting. Best advice, stay clear and call a professional.
Environmentally friendly tactics are a cornerstone of Masters Pest Control’s services. Therefore, we do not treat for beneficial honeybees and harmless bumblebees. In the case of wasps and yellow jackets, however, our trained technicians are ready to protect you, your family, and your pets from painful stings and possible allergic reactions. Click here to learn about our stinging insect services and request a quote, or call (877) 546-9575.