Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

Bees, hornets, and yellow jackets are types of stinging insects that regularly find their way onto our Jacksonville, NC properties. Stinging insects vary in behaviors, feeding habits, and nesting habits depending on the species, but all are flying insects that sting. They have a stinger at their hind end that delivers painful stings. Predatory species like hornets and yellow jackets also use their stingers to paralyze insect prey.

Though we like to limit our run-ins with stinging insects, they are incredibly eco-important. Bees are one of the most important pollinators for food crops and other plants and trees. Hornets and yellow jackets are responsible for some pollination, but more importantly, their predatory feeding habits help to control populations of insects that harm food crops, gardens, and people.

Stinging insects don’t belong nesting in our North Carolina yards. Their ability to deliver venom-filled stings means we shouldn’t share our properties with them.

The more regular contact you have with stinging insects, the more likely a sting will occur. Bees, hornets, and yellow jacket stings can trigger serious allergic reactions in those sensitive to venom.

Even if you don’t have a significant allergy to stinging insects, no one wants to be on the receiving end of painful stings on a regular basis!

Stinging insects regularly become a problem in Jacksonville, NC, yards. As our neighborhoods have taken over more and more of their natural habitat, they have adapted and used our outdoor spaces to their advantage.

Bees, hornets, and yellow jackets will gather food from our gardens, trees, trash cans, and outdoor eating areas. They will build nests in our yards, on, or in our homes, and standing water in gutters, low-lying areas, water features, and pet water bowls provide reliable water sources.

You have a problem stinging insects because your yard offers them all their basic needs. They would be fools not to take advantage!

Whether stinging insects like to build their nests on the ground, in the ground, or above the ground, they all like sheltered locations. They select places that will keep them safe from harsh weather conditions and out of the eye of predators.

Some of their most common outdoor nesting sites include tree branches, tree hollows, utility poles, shrubbery, within rock piles or woodpiles, ground holes, under roof eaves, deck rails, and porch steps.

Though these pests primarily nest outside, they sometimes nest inside our homes. Places we find stinging insect nests indoors include chimneys, attics, and wall voids. They also like to build nests in outbuildings like sheds, garages, play structures, and outdoor furniture.

The answer to the question of how to get rid of stinging insects is with the help of a professional! Stinging insects can be a stressful and dangerous pest problem to deal with it; don’t try to tackle them on your own.

Here at B&T Pest Control, we offer pet and family-friendly pest control that you can trust to remove unwanted pests like stinging insects. Our ongoing home pest control services provided through our PestGuard and PestGuard Plus home pest control options will ensure pests won’t return.

Call now for more information about pest control in Jacksonville, NC!

Use the following prevention tips to help reduce stinging insect activity in or around your Jacksonville, NC, home.

• Cut back tree branches, shrubs, and other landscaping from your home’s exterior.
• Fill in ground holes in your yard and reseed bare spots.
• Make sure gutters are clear, and containers that can collect water are stored upside down when not in use.
• Maintain garden areas and regularly mow your lawn.
• Keep stinging insects out of your home by sealing cracks and gaps in its exterior, placing screens over vents and chimneys, and placing weatherstripping around windows and doors.

The best prevention tip we have is to partner with the local professionals at B&T Pest Control and implement a stinging insect control plan.