Stinging Insects

Identifying Stinging Insects

There is no doubt that stinging insects are one of your worst fears. You’re worried that bees, yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps will sting you or your family members. These insects belong to the Hymenoptera order which is surprisingly home to ants as well. While many stinging insects are beneficial pollinators, they can create issues for homeowners and renters in Charlotte. Once you’ve found stinging insects on your property, getting rid of them is pertinent.

In our service area, we often deal with yellowjackets, honeybees, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets. Carpenter bees are problematic as well.

Which Stinging Insect Do I Have?

Are you concerned about the damage stinging insects can do to you and your loved ones? You’re not alone. However, you’ll need to identify the species because you can act.

• Be sure to consider the location and appearance of the nest
• The appearance of the stinging insect matters

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are one of the most common stinging pests in Charlotte. They’re moderately aggressive and shouldn’t cause problems unless you get too close. Never try to touch their nest because you might get stung.

Paper Wasp Nest

Paper wasp nests are small, gray, and round. They have a unique honeycomb pattern that makes them easy to identify. Paper wasps nests can be found on underhangs and fences.

Paper Wasp Appearance

Two species of paper wasps are common in our area. One common species is the European Paper Wasp which is striped black and yellow. In addition to this, they have orange antennas. Another common species is the Northern Paper Wasps. It features a brown body and some orange areas. It is easy to spot because it has yellow or white stripes.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are very aggressive so you’ll want to stay away from their nests. Remember that they get more aggressive in late Summer and Fall because the colony’s size will increase.

Yellowjacket Nests

Yellowjacket nests are home to hundreds or thousands of insects. They tend to be covered with a paper-like substance that is either black or gray. Their nests can be found in attics, dense bushes, and under your porch. Surprisingly, some species of yellowjackets will build nests under the ground.

Yellowjacket Appearances

Yellowjackets are set apart by their black and yellow stripes. Their head is black and they’re fast when flying.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are frightening because they’re very aggressive. Plus, they get worse during late summer and fall as their colony expands.

Bald-Faced Hornet Nest

Their nests are large with many individual insects. Some argue that their nests look like upside-down teardrops, and they can be found on trees, bushes, and on the side of buildings.

Bald-Faced Hornet Appearance

Bald-faced hornets are black and white with smooth bodies. Their heads, thoraxes, and bodies tend to be bigger than some of the others. Furthermore, they have stingers.

Honeybees

When it comes to stinging pests, you likely won’t need to worry too much about honeybees because they’re not aggressive. They’re gentle even when you approach their nest.

Honeybee Nests

Honeybee hives are complex and intricate. They feature several combs consisting of wax. Honeybee nests are often placed on rocks, walls, and other surfaces. One thing that sets them apart from the other is that the nest can be used for several years. As a result, honeybees will store enough honey to ensure they can survive the winter.

Honeybee Appearance

Honeybees are orange or yellow with fuzzy, brown bodies.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees aren’t aggressive even when you get close to a carpenter bee nest.

Carpenter Bee Nest

These stinging insects will build 3/8” holes in wood surfaces, including decks, wood siding, and fascia. The hole is used for caring for the carpenter bee’s young.

Carpenter Bee Appearance

These bees are similar to bumblebees so they’re often mistaken for one another. In our service area, the common carpenter bee species are yellow, black, and fuzzy. However, it has a shiny, black stomach. Males are easy to identify because they have a small yellow spot on their faces.

Do Stinging Insects Pose A Danger?

Stinging insects can be dangerous, so you don’t want to play games with them. However, it is important to understand that the risk involved depends on the specific species you’re dealing with. If you’re worried about honeybees, you shouldn’t be. They’re not aggressive, but other stinging insects are. Furthermore, the aggression level is increased when the stinging insect’s colony increases in size. Therefore, it is best to stay away from large nests. The only with this is that ground nests are sometimes used, and they’re difficult to avoid.

Why Are Stinging Insects At My Property?

Stinging insects usually approach dwellings because they’re interested in building nests. If your property has suitable nesting spots, they’ll come.

Getting Rid Of Stinging Insects

Should you attempt to get rid of stinging insects without professional assistance? Ultimately, it would not be a good idea. Stinging insects can be dangerous so you might get stung. If this happens, you could experience an adverse reaction. Furthermore, you have to worry about the risks involved with using potentially dangerous pesticides. Use them wrong and you’ll put your loved ones at risk. Remove stinging insects from your property by hiring a professional exterminator.

Is Your Stinging Insect Treatment Safe?

Unfortunately, some exterminators are not worried about protecting their clients, but we are. We’re going to do everything possible to ensure that our clients are safe and receive outstanding service. When you work with us, you’ll receive the finest extermination services in Charlotte. We use EPA-registered products to keep you safe. Our exterminators will follow precise steps to limit the risks involved and guarantee suitable results.

How Much Does It Cost To Exterminate Stinging Insects?

The price of our services will depend on several factors.

• The species of stinging insect on your property
• Property and home size
• Location of the nest
• The nest’s size

When Can You Begin?

Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment with one of the top exterminators in Charlotte. We’ll make sure our exterminator reaches your home in 24 to 48 hours. Don’t let stinging insects stay on your property because they should be dangerous. Contact us so you can reclaim your property and get rid of them.

Preventing Stinging Insects

Unfortunately, homeowners can’t do much to prevent stinging insects from approaching their properties. However, you should try to eliminate possible nesting sites. Also, we offer a home service program designed to help. Pay a low-cost annual fee and we’ll check your property three times each year. If we notice any pests on your property, we’ll get rid of them for you.

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