Stinging insects like bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are more than just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks to you and your family, especially if someone has an allergy. These pests often build nests around homes, creating dangerous situations for homeowners and pets. At Eliminate ‘Em, we provide fast, effective stinging insect removal services to ensure your property is safe and pest-free.
Our knowledgeable technicians will perform a thorough home inspection to uncover the source of stinging insects. We’ll apply an appropriate, effect solution to eliminate the infestation – guaranteed!
Carpenter Bees
- Build their nests in holes burrowed into wooden structures like siding, fence posts, decks and window frames
- Often seen hovering around roofs or the undersides of decks in the spring and summer months
Hornets
- European hornets build nests indoors; bald-faced hornets occupy trees and bushes
- Go after sweet, sugary foods, residue found in trash cans, open drink containers
Wasps
- Appearances are varied; wasps can be black, dark red, metallic green, brown or blue and may have stripes
- Attracted to flowers, plants and sweet or fatty substances like crumbs and sticky residue in your trash
Yellow Jackets
- Often mistaken for bees, yellow jackets are smaller with longer wings and may display white coloring
- Build ball-shaped with a papery appearance and open bottom in wooden structures, trash cans or shrubbery
Signs of a Stinging Insect Infestation
Stinging insects can be tricky to detect early, as they often build nests in hidden or hard-to-reach areas. Recognizing the warning signs of an infestation is crucial to addressing the problem before it becomes more dangerous. To help, the following warning signs are the key indicators that stinging insects may have taken up residence on your property:
- Increased Insect Activity: If you notice a higher-than-usual number of flying insects around your home, particularly near windows, doors, or outdoor eating areas, this could indicate a nearby nest.
- Visible Nests: Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets build nests in various locations, such as under eaves, in trees, inside wall voids, or even underground. The shape and location of the nest can help identify the species.
- Buzzing Sounds: Persistent buzzing, especially in quiet areas of your home, may suggest the presence of an active nest within walls, attics, or ceilings.
- Stings or Encounters: If you or your family members are experiencing frequent encounters or stings, this is a clear sign that stinging insects are nearby and may feel threatened by your presence.
- Holes or Ground Nests: Yellow jackets often build their nests in the ground. Look for small holes surrounded by loose soil or noticeable insect traffic in and out of the area.
Unfortunately, ignoring these signs can lead to an escalation of the infestation, making it more difficult and dangerous to address.
Dangers of a Stinging Insect Infestation
Stinging insects pose significant risks to your family, pets, and property. While they are a natural part of the ecosystem, their presence near homes can create dangerous situations. To help, the following key dangers are generally associated with stinging insect infestations:
- Health Risks: Stings from wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can cause pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. For individuals with allergies, even a single sting can result in an emergency.
- Aggressive Behavior: Many stinging insects, particularly yellow jackets and hornets, become highly aggressive when their nests are disturbed. They can sting multiple times without losing their stingers, increasing the risk of injury.
- Injury to Pets and Children: Curious pets and young children are especially vulnerable to stings if they inadvertently come too close to a nest. Their inability to recognize the threat can lead to repeated stings and potential health complications.
- Property Damage: Carpenter bees are a specific type of stinging insect that drills holes into wooden structures to create nests. Over time, this behavior can weaken decks, fences, and wooden siding, leading to costly repairs.
- Disruption of Outdoor Activities: Stinging insects are attracted to sweet foods and drinks, making outdoor gatherings like barbecues or picnics uncomfortable and dangerous when nests are nearby.
By addressing infestations early, you can mitigate these dangers and ensure the safety of your family, pets, and property.
Common Stinging Insect Questions
Are all stinging insects dangerous?
While not all stinging insects are aggressive, some species, like yellow jackets and hornets, can become highly defensive when their nests are disturbed, posing significant risks to humans and pets.
How can I tell the difference between a wasp and a hornet?
Hornets are generally larger and bulkier than wasps. Wasps are slimmer with a more defined waist, while hornets have a rounder abdomen and a smoother, shinier body.
Can I remove a stinging insect nest on my own?
DIY nest removal can be dangerous, especially for aggressive species like yellow jackets. Professional removal ensures safety and prevents further infestations.
How do I know if I’m allergic to stings?
Common allergic reactions include swelling, redness, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience severe symptoms after a sting, seek medical attention immediately.
Do stinging insects return to old nests?
Many species, such as wasps and yellow jackets, do not reuse old nests. However, if conditions are favorable, they may build a new nest nearby.
Don’t let stinging insects put your family or pets at risk. Contact Eliminate ‘Em today for safe, professional stinging insect removal services and other pest control services throughout Connecticut and parts of New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our team is available 24/7 to handle infestations quickly and efficiently.
