Stinging Insect Identification

What Are Stinging Insects?

Bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps are the types of stinging insects that people are most familiar with and are most common in our region. Stinging insects all have a stinger extending from their abdomen they use as a means of defense and that predatory species use to incapacitate their prey. Their stingers are what make these pests such a threat when in our yards.

Away from our San Diego properties and families, stinging insects are helpful and an integral part of the ecosystem. They help to pollinate crops and plants and reduce the number of nuisance insects.

Are Stinging Insects Dangerous?

Having these pests nesting on our property makes it so we can’t enjoy our outdoor space comfortably; dodging stinging insects when you are trying to garden or eat outside is not fun for anyone!

The venom that stinging insects inject into us during a sting is strong enough to trigger serious reactions in those allergic. Depending on the person and number of stings received, an attack from these pests can be life-threatening. Whether you are allergic or not, their stings are very painful and always something to avoid!

Why Do I Have a Stinging Insect Problem?

In the spring, the queen members of most stinging insect species emerge from their overwintering spots to build a nest. They will look for a location that provides shelter, food, and water. Often our yards offer many options for stinging insects to build a nest.

Several things that make properties appealing to stinging insect are listed below:

• Bright, flowering vegetation
• Trees, shrubs, and bushes
• Gardens and compost piles
• Leaky pipes and clogged gutters
• The exterior of our homes

Where Will I Find Stinging Insects?

Stinging insect nests can pop-up in a variety of places on your property, from your garden to your house.

Some of their favorite nesting spots in our yards include ground holes, tree branches, tree hollows, shrubbery, and under mulch in flowerbeds.

When they decided to use our home’s exterior as a place to nest, they build their nests under decks or roof eaves, behind shingles or shutters, on or in chimneys, inside vents, or in doorways or windows. Grills, play structures, and outdoor furniture can also become home to a stinging insect nest.

Since stinging insects can build nests in so many different places, being vigilant and contacting a professional for help as soon as you notice their presence is the best way to protect yourself and your family from their stings!

How Do I Get Rid of Stinging Insects?

With decades of experience, you can trust Green Flash Pest Control to rid your California or Arizona property of unwanted and potentially dangerous stinging insects. We are a locally-owned, family-based company that takes protecting its community from unwanted pests seriously. Through our wide variety of pest control services, outstanding customer care, and guaranteed solutions, you can trust the dedicated professionals at Green Flash Pest Control with all your pest control needs!

Give us a call today and speak with one of our helpful professionals and learn how we can work together to identify and solve your property’s stinging insect problems.

How Can I Prevent Stinging Insects in the Future?

Taking the following steps will make your property less attractive to stinging insects and help you avoid problems with these pests in your home and yard.

• Cut back tree branches from the roofline of your house.
• Cut shrubs and bushes back away from your home’s exterior.
• Stinging insects gather around flowering weeds; put in place a weed control program for your lawn. 
• Place covers on chimneys, vents, and place screens in windows and doors to keep stinging insects from finding a way into your house.
• Eliminate standing water that will provide a water source for these insects.
• Repair leaking pipes and fixtures.
• Clear away things like brush piles, fallen trees, and hollow trees from your yard.
• Limit the number of flowering plants you place near your home’s exterior doors and windows. 
• Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris and drink containers. Clean your grill regularly to remove food debris

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management.