Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets are all insects that can threaten a nice day outside. When stinging insects build nests on or near your home, you need to make sure your family is protected.
Bay Pest Solution provides stinging insect control, removal, and prevention to keep your family safe. Don’t wait—call Bay Pest Solution today to learn all about our pest control services in The Bay Area to get stinging insects off your property.
Understanding The Threat: Identifying Common Stinging Insects
In the Bay Area, there are two types of insects that sting: bees and wasps. Carpenter bees are the most concerning of the bee family since they chew holes in wood to create hollowed-out galleries where they lay their eggs. Carpenter bees look similar to bumble bees, but they have smooth abdomens. These bees can cause property damage, but it’s usually relatively minor. Bumble and honey bees are also common in the Bay Area but unlikely to sting.
Wasps are a group of insects that include yellow jackets and hornets. They have narrow abdomens and smooth bodies and stingers. Most wasps eat proteins rather than just nectar. Hornets are some of the biggest stinging insects in the Bay Area.
You will find many types of wasps locally. Paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, and mud daubers are some of the most common. Wasps range in size from 1/2 to 1 inch long and can vary in color and pattern. Look for the distinctive “waist” if you’re questioning whether you see a wasp or a bee; bees are always round and often fuzzy, while wasps are thin and smooth.
Many wasps build nests out of chewed-up cellulose, also called paper nests. These can be attached to buildings and trees. Wasps also sometimes build underground nests or tunnels. Wasp nests are almost always recognizable; at the least, an underground nest will probably have insect activity around the entrance.
The Impact Of Stinging Insects On Health: The Risks Of Infestations
Wasp nests and beehives can cause some anxiety. These insects have stingers, which they use to inject strong venom into their victims. Most stinging insects are not aggressive but will sting in self-defense. These stings can be painful and lead to some lasting effects. Bee and wasp stings usually result in localized pain and swelling. You might develop an itching or burning sensation in the sting area.
If symptoms expand beyond the sting site or you have difficulty breathing or moving, seek medical attention. If you know you have an allergy to insect venom, see a doctor after being stung.
Stay Ahead Of The Buzz: Tips To Prevent Stinging Insect Infestations
Keeping flying insects out of your yard is no small feat. You can’t establish an impenetrable barrier around your property to keep them all out; plus, many insects are important pollinators, so you do want them around at least sometimes.
However, you can take steps to make your yard less attractive to bees and wasps, which can lower the chances of them building nests on your property and minimize your risk of being stung.
Try these bee and wasp prevention tips around your yard:
- Replace outdoor lights with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to insects.
- Clean up fruit that’s fallen off of trees.
- Seal any cracks or holes in the walls to keep insects from getting inside.
- Repair or replace torn window screens.
- Keep food covered outside, including trash cans.
- Paint or stain wood to prevent carpenter bee damage.
Insect traps and repellents can be somewhat effective. However, they rarely treat stinging insect infestations and instead help you keep bugs off your property. Trying to remove a nest on your own puts you at risk of being stung since wasps and bees are most likely to sting in self-defense.
For your safety, it’s best to call a professional pest control company for help removing nests.
Safety First: The Importance Of Professional Stinging Insect Control
Bay Pest Solution specializes in safe nest removal in the Bay Area. Our trained technicians will remove bee and wasp nests without risking your safety. We also provide ongoing home inspections in The Bay Area that identify potential pest issues before they become real problems.
Call Bay Pest Solution today for help with stinging insects and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in The Bay Area. Your safety is always our top priority, and we’ll make sure the job gets done in a way that protects your home and family.