Stinging Insects

Most people have encountered common stinging insects over the years. Bees, hornets, and wasps fit into this category. It is a good idea to stay away from stinging insects since they can sting people and pets. There is always a risk that you’re going to experience an allergic reaction due to a stinging insect sting. These members of the Hymenoptera order are helpful pollinators, but they can pose a danger to people and their properties. Before trying to tackle the problem, it is wise to learn what you’re dealing with. Figure out the species so you’ll know how dangerous and aggressive it is.

In Akron, the most common stinging insects include paper wasps, honeybees, carpenter bees, yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets. More about Akron’s common stinging insects will be provided below.

What Are You Dealing With?

It is pertinent to learn more about the stinging insect species you’re dealing with. To determine the species, you should look at the insect’s appearance. Then, you’ll want to judge its nest location and appearance.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are common in our area, but they usually do not sting. As long as you stay a safe distance away from their nest, you should be okay. Paper wasp nests are small and gray. They’re round with a honeycomb design. These stinging insects build nests under eaves and overhangs. In some cases, they’ll build nests on fences.

There are several unique species of paper wasps with the European Paper Wasp and the Northern Paper Wasp being the two most common. The European Paper Wasps have black and yellow stripes with orange antennas. They look like yellowjackets, but they’re larger. If the stinging insect has a brown body and thin yellow or white stripes, you’re likely dealing with a Northern Paper Wasp.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects in Akron, Ohio. As the nest becomes large in late summer and fall, the stinging insect becomes more aggressive. Suffice to say, you’ll want to stay away from their nests during this time. Yellowjackets build large nests that can house hundreds or thousands of stinging insects. Their nests are wrapped in a paper-like material that is either black or gray. Although they can be placed elsewhere, yellowjackets generally build their nests near attics and porches. Unfortunately, some yellowjacket species like building underground nests.

When dealing with underground nests, they’re more difficult to detect and avoid. These stinging insects have yellow and black stripes with black antennas.

Bald-Faced Hornets

You’re also going to encounter bald-faced hornets in your area. These stinging insects can be aggressive too. A bald-faced hornet nest is large and home to many individuals. They’re shaped like an upside-down teardrop so they’re easy to identify. Bald-faced hornet nests are found on trees, bushes, and building sides. Bald-faced hornets are black and white with smooth bodies.

Thanks to their unique appearance, they’re easy to identify.

Honeybees

Honeybees are often kept as pets because people want to collect their honey. These bees are generally harmless and rarely sting. However, they can be bred to ensure that they don’t sting at all. Another unique thing about honeybees is that they tend to use the same nest for multiple years. As a result, they have to collect and store honey to ensure they have enough food to survive during the cold months. They live in extensive hives that are made using wax.

Those hives are often found on hollow trees and rock crevices. They can also be placed on cavities on walls. They have a honeycomb pattern that makes them easy to identify. Again, they store honey so they can survive during the winter. Honeybees are orange or yellow with brown, fuzzy bodies.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are less aggressive than bald-faced hornets and yellowjackets. Nevertheless, they may sting if you try to touch them. In general, they won’t attack even if you approach their nest. They build unique nests because they bore small holes in wood surfaces. In general, they’re going to drill 3/8” holes in wood fascia and siding. Once they’ve done that, they’re going to discard the wood so they can use the hole to care for their young. Suffice to say, carpenter bees can damage your property.

Carpenter bees share many characteristics with bumblebees. The primary species in our area has a black and yellow thorax that is funny. As for its abdomen, it will be hairless and black. Male carpenter bees can be identified easily because they have a small yellow dot on their faces.

Dangers Associated With Stinging Insects

There is no denying the fact that stinging insects can be dangerous. Some of these pests can sting you multiple times. If you are allergic to their stings, there is a risk that the sting is going to be deadly. Therefore, you cannot play games with stinging insects. Doing so could lead to major repercussions. The good news is that the male members cannot sting. In addition to this, some species aren’t dangerous. As the stinging insect colony grows in size, the pest becomes more aggressive. Therefore, you’ll want to stay away from large nests. It is wise to work with a professional so you can identify the species before trying to fix the problem.

Depending on the species you’re dealing with, you may not have to worry about getting stung. Finally, you have to realize that some stinging insects can sting multiple times. Be cautious when approaching their nests. Plus, you cannot avoid underground yellowjacket nests.

Why Are Stinging Insects On My Property?

Stinging insects primarily live on residential property because they’re looking for good places to build nests. You might be able to keep them away by properly painting or staining the wood around your home.

Getting Rid Of Stinging Insects

You’ll need to be cautious when attempting to get rid of the stinging insects on your property. You can try using DIY sprays. They may help, but they’re not going to wipe out the infestation. Plus, you have to be worried that you’re going to get stung. As soon as you spray the nest, the pests are going to approach you and try to attack. Therefore, it is wise to spray the nest at night. Stinging insects become less aggressive when the sun goes down, but this won’t eliminate the risks. To avoid problems, work with a qualified professional.

We’re Going To Protect You

Our technicians will go to great lengths to protect you. Thanks to the EPA-registered products we use, you know you’re going to be safe. These products do not pose any risks to people or pets. Our technicians know how to use these products safely, efficiently, and effectively. If special precautions need to be taken, our technician will let you know. Either way, we’re going to do what we can to keep you safe.

The Costs

You’re likely worried about the cost of our stinging insect exterminations. You should know that the prices will depend on several factors, including the type of stinging insect you have.

• The size of your property or home
• The nest size
• The location of the stinging insect nest

Our technician will consider these things when determining the price. You’ll receive a bid price before the procedure begins.

When Can Your Exterminator Begin?

Contact us right now. Do not delay because the stinging insect colony will get bigger. Once you’ve called, someone with our company will call you back in a day or so.

Preventing Invasions Of Stinging Insects

You’ll need to work with a professional to get rid of the stinging insects. Once you’ve done that, you should sign up for our home service program. As a member of this program, you’ll receive three visits from our technicians. During the visits, they’ll inspect the home and treat the home as necessary. The cost of treatment will be covered by your annual membership fee.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.