The Hidden Dangers of Stinging Insects

Stinging insects are a major problem during the summer months. Yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and bees can all ruin your time spent outdoors this summer. However, some of these insects pose more of a threat than others. It is important to know how to spot the differences between them in order to protect yourself and your home. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company is here to tell you how to identify and spot these stinging insects and what you can do to get rid of them:

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are very aggressive and territorial insects. In the late spring and early summer, yellow jackets feed off other insects like caterpillars to provide protein to their developing larvae that reside in their colony. As the summer season progress, their population grows and their diet changes to contain more sugar. However, as natural resources for food become scarce, they turn to hunting, which is when you'll find them lurking around your home and yard. A few yellow jackets can be a nuisance, but a nest in your yard can be a real hazard. They often nest underground, so if you see a lot of flying insects emerging from the ground, you may have a nest in your yard. By the late summer, one colony can contain thousands of yellow jackets that will aggressively defend their nest. They are easily provoked and will attack and chase a person for large distances. Unlike a bee, yellow jackets can sting multiple times. 

Is it a yellow jacket, hornet, wasp or bee?

Hornets: Like yellow jackets, hornets are social insects (i.e. form colonies.) However, unlike yellow jackets, they nest above ground. They can be aggressive and sting, but they do not scavenge, so you are less likely to see them around your home. 

Honeybees: They nest in cavities, such as hollowed out tree trunks. They are not typically aggressive. Bees forage among flowers for nectar and pollen, so they typically sting if they are stepped on or swatted. If you do approach their nest, they will defend it, but only within the immediate area. A honeybee can only sting once, as its barbed stinger detaches killing the bee once it stings someone. 

Bumblebee: Bumblebees nest underground like yellow jackets. However, bumblebees are rather large, so they are easy to distinguish from other bees and yellow jackets. Their colony is small, typically containing under 100 bees. They will chase invaders farther than honeybees, but do not come out in large groups, as their colony is small. Like yellow jackets, bumblebees can sting multiple times. 

How To Spot Yellow Jacket Nests

A yellow jacket nest is typically underground. You may spot them during the day entering and exiting their nests. These insects are very aggressive and territorial and require a professional pest control company to get rid of safely. It is important to not swat at them, as they will gang up and attack if they are threatened. The best and safest way to get rid of these insects is to hire a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. A trained technician will know how to properly treat the nest and protect your home from a further infestation. 

Protect Your Yard From Yellow Jackets With A B Pest Control & Insulation

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer knowing your yard is protected by a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. A B Pest Control & Insulation can get rid of annoying pests like yellow jackets quickly, safely and effectively. If you have an infestation, make sure you call A B Pest Control & Insulation today at 573-964-1100!

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