Stinging Insects

Stinging insects are common in our area. While some of them are dangerous, many people have misconceptions about these pests. You’ll want to learn more about them so you can put your mind at ease. Regardless, you’ll want to wipe out these pests promptly so you don’t have to worry about getting stung. In our area, the most common stinging insects are carpenter bees, honeybees, yellow jackets, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets. However, the term also describes wasps and other stinging pests. Remember that all of these pests belong to the Hymenoptera order.

Since these pests can be beneficial pollinators, it is best to leave them alone when they’re not on your property. Use the advice below to find out which species is on your property.

Which Species Is On Your Property?

You can identify the stinging insect species based on its appearance and the appearance of its nest. Compare what you find to the information below.

About Paper Wasps

Although moderately aggressive, paper wasps can sting people who get too close to their nests. If you find a small, gray nest on your property, stay away from it. The nest might belong to paper wasps so you’ll get stung if you get too close. The nest will feature a unique honeycomb design. Although paper wasps build nests elsewhere, most are found under overhangs, on fences, and under eaves.

Houston is home to several species of paper wasps with the most common being the European Paper Wasp and the Northern Paper Wasps. European Paper Wasps have black and yellow stripes. They are similar to yellowjackets but they’re slightly larger. Another thing that sets them apart is their orange antennas. Northern Paper Wasps have stripes that are either white or yellow. Its brown body will have a few dark orange spots.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are highly aggressive so you cannot approach them haphazardly. Doing so will get you stung multiple times in a matter of seconds. The colony will grow larger toward the end of summer and early fall. As this happens, the pests are going to get more aggressive. Yellowjackets construct large nests and live with thousands of other yellowjackets in that nest. Their nests are usually covered by a black or gray material that is similar to paper. You’ll find their nests in attics and under your porch. Unfortunately, some of these pests build nests underground and this makes them impossible to avoid.

Yellowjackets have stripes that are yellow and back. These stripes cover its head and abdomen. Its antennas are black.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects in our area. They’re similar to yellowjackets since they become more aggressive between late summer and early fall. Their nests resemble teardrops that have been flipped upside-down and they can house thousands of individuals. They’re often constructed on building sides, trees, and bushes. Bald-faced hornets have white and black bodies. The remaining body parts are larger.

Honeybees

Honeybees are the least aggressive stinging insects in Houston. Some of them are bred to ensure that they will not sting people. People raise and breed honeybees so they can collect their honey. Their nests are unique and look nothing like the nests of other stinging insects. Instead, they’re placed on walls and rocks. The hives are constructed using wax. They’re round and you can easily see the honeycomb pattern. Honeybees like returning to the same nest for multiple years so they collect honey to survive.

These stinging insects are yellow or orange with brown bodies. They have a fuzzy body thanks to the body hairs.

Carpenter Bees

When compared to other stinging insects, carpenter bees are less aggressive. You can approach the nest without being stung. Carpenter bees build unique nests since their nests are holes in wood surfaces. These pests bore holes in wood surfaces, including wood siding and wood decks. Their nests are perfectly round holes that are 3/8ths in diameter. Once the wood is discarded, the pest uses the hole to care for its offspring.

These stinging insects are larger than others. They’re similar to bumblebees. Males can be identified quickly because they have a small yellow spot on their faces.

Health Risks & Stinging Insects

You can’t ignore the risks associated with stinging insects. Since they sting, there is a risk involved. However, it usually isn’t as bad as most people suspect. For instance, many stinging insect species are not aggressive. They do not sting people often. You’ll also find that male stinging insects do not sting because they can’t. Although it depends on the species, females can sting but they’re not aggressive. It is always important to pay close attention to the size of the nest. As the nest grows, the pest will become emboldened and more aggressive. Many stinging insects won’t attack unless you get too close.

Unfortunately, some species are dangerous. You’ll have difficulty avoiding underground nests.

Reasons You Have Stinging Insects

Stinging insects approach homes because they want to build nests on your property. If your home has suitable nesting spots, these pests will enter your property.

Stinging Insect Removals

Don’t delay attempting to fix this problem. Letting these pests stay on your property is putting your loved ones at risk. You can likely kill certain stinging insects using DIY sprays but there are risks involved. You’re going to provoke the insects when you spray them. As a result, you’re going to get stung. You can wait until the sun goes down. Although this will reduce the risks, it won’t eliminate the risks. Therefore, it is best to let a professional fix the problem for you.

The Safest Stinging Insect Solutions

Don’t play games with the stinging insects on your property. Work with our technicians because they’re going to protect you every step of the way. Our treatments rely heavily on products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. These products are safe and reliable. We can use them to get rid of the stinging insects while eliminating the risk that you’re going to get stung.

Cost Of Our Services

The cost of our services depends on a handful of factors. As a result, we need to analyze the circumstances before setting the price. We have to determine which species you’re dealing with, the size of your property, and the size of the nest. You’ll receive a bid price before we begin.

When Can An Exterminator Arrive?

We’re eager to help you tackle this problem so you can feel safe around your property. Once you’ve called our Houston office, we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.

Preventing Stinging Insect Invasions

Stand up to the stinging insects around your home by signing up for our home service program. With this program, you’ll receive three visits for us each year. We’ll check your property and look for household pests. If we find stinging insects on your property, the treatment will be covered by the annual fee. Call us to get started right now.

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