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The world is overflowing with stinging insects and people who are scared of them. Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are frightening. One sting from a member of the Hymenoptera order, and you may experience a severe allergic reaction. Despite their frightening aroma, it is vital to understand that most stinging insects are beneficial pollinators. As long as they’re not stinging humans, they offer various benefits. Before you know what you’re dealing with and how dangerous it is, you’ll need to identify the species.
In Washington DC, residents have to worry about yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, honeybees, carpenter bees, and paper wasps.
Which Stinging Insect Is Bothering Me?
Before you can begin dealing with your stinging insect problem, you need to find out which stinging insect you’re dealing with. To do that, look at the stinging insect and its nest.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps aren’t the most aggressive stinging insects, but they may sting humans. They usually won’t cause problems unless you try to approach their next. Don’t reach your hand toward them either.
Paper Wasp Nest
Paper wasps nests are smaller than others. They’re round, gray, and feature a unique honeycomb pattern. Paper wasp nests are often found under overhangs and eaves.
Paper Wasp Appearance
Washington DC residents encounter two species of paper wasps. The first is the European Paper Wasp. This species features black and yellow stripes with orange antennas. You may also encounter Northern Paper Wasps. These paper wasps feature brown bodies with some areas of dark orange.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are one of the most aggressive species of stinging insects, so you’ll want to stay away from their nests. They become even more aggressive in later Summer and early fall since the colony gets bigger around this time.
Yellowjacket Nests
A yellowjacket nest can be home to hundreds or thousands of stinging insects, and they’re usually covered in a paper-like material that is either black or gray. These nests can be found in your attic or under your porch. Certain species will build their nests underground.
Yellowjacket Appearance
These stinging insects have yellow and black stripes on their bodies. Their antennas are black. They can fly fast and do so with their legs tucked tightly against their body.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive, so you’ll want to stay away from them. Stay away from their nests from summer to fall. When tier nests are larger, they’re more aggressive.
Bald-Faced Hornet Nests
Bald-faced hornets build large nests with many stinging insects. People often say that their nest looks like an upside-down tear-drop. These nests can be placed on the side of any building.
Bald-Faced Hornet Appearance
Bald-faced hornets are black and white with a larger head, abdomen, and thorax. They also have a stinger.
Honeybees
Honeybees are not aggressive and some strains have been bred to be gentle. In addition to this, they produce honey.
Honeybee Nests
Honeybee nests are made of wax and can be found on rocks, trees, and walls. They have a honeycomb appearance. Honeybees can use the same nest for several years. To achieve this goal, they’ll store honey to ensure they have enough food for winter.
Honeybee Appearance
Honeybees are orange or yellow with brown, fuzzy bodies. They have a stinger.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are normally gentle. Even if you approach their nest, they shouldn’t sting you.
Carpenter Bee Nests
Carpenter bees bore distinctive 3/8-inch holes in wood. Their holes are built in wood siding, decks, and fascia. The wood is discarded and the hole is used to rear its young.
Carpenter Bee Appearance
Carpenter bees and bumblebees look similar, but there are some differences. For starters, most carpenter bees have a hairless belly. Male carpenter bees have a small yellow spot around their face.
Do Stinging Insects Pose A Risk?
Unfortunately, stinging insects can be a risk to humans. However, most are not aggressive. You shouldn’t have to worry about getting stung unless you provoke or touch a stinging insect. Furthermore, you’ll find that male stinging insects do not have stingers. Therefore, they cannot sting. The female stinging insects are the ones responsible for stinging humans. If you’re worried about getting stung, you should look at the size of the nest. A large nest means that the stinging insects will be more aggressive. Yellowjackets are one of the most dangerous stinging insects because they can sting several times.
Then, you may experience anaphylactic shock. If this happens, you’ll need to get medical attention immediately.
What Causes Stinging Insects?
Stinging insects will likely visit your property when they’re looking to build a new nest.
How Should I Get Rid Of Stinging Insects?
Trying to get rid of stinging insects is difficult and dangerous. Make a wrong move, and you’re going to get stung. DIY sprays may work, but some do not. While you may be able to get rid of these pests without professional assistance, it might not be worth it. You could get seriously hurt. To protect yourself, call a professional. We offer reliable, safe stinging insect removal services. We’ll find out which type of stinging insect you’re dealing with before tackling the problem for you.
Is Your Stinging Insect Treatment Safe?
Our company works diligently to provide you with safe stinging insect treatments. Our technicians are trained rigorously to make sure that they can provide clients with reliable, safe remedies. They’re going to use EPA-registered products to keep you safe. Stinging insects are too risky to tackle on your own. Call our office and let us handle the problem for you. Once you’ve done that, you can sit back and relax while we take care of the pests.
What Is The Cost Of Eliminating Stinging Insects?
We’ll work with you to provide you with low-cost stinging insect removal services. The price of our service will depend on several factors, including the type of stinging insect you’re dealing with, the size of your property, where the nest is located, and the size of the nest.
When Can You Begin?
When you find a stinging insect nest around your home, you need to fix the problem immediately. You can’t let these pests hurt you or your loved ones. Call our local office and schedule an appointment. We’ll respond in 24 to 48 hours.
Can I Stop Stinging Insects From Returning?
It is hard to prevent stinging insects from returning to your property. We recommend using our home service program. Pay a low yearly fee, and we’ll visit your home three times each year. We’ll look for signs of pests and take care of problems immediately. We can take care of various pests, including stinging insects, rodents, bedbugs, and ants. With our help, you can guarantee that your home will remain free of stinging insects.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.