Your Guide To Stinging Insect Control

What are stinging pests?

As their name describes, stinging pests are equipped with a stinger that they use to defend themselves when they feel threatened. Wasps are a common example of stinging pests. When living and nesting outside and away from people, stinging pests are beneficial, as they feed on and control populations of nuisance insects. They are also responsible for pollinating some plants and crops. Wasps are most active during the end of summer and into early fall when their colonies are at peak numbers and members are out foraging for food to feed their colony.

The two common species of wasps found around Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Chester County are yellow jackets and paper wasps.

Yellow jackets

Yellow jackets are a type of wasp. They have segmented, hairless bodies, and distinctive thin waists. Their bodies have a well-defined yellow and black striped pattern. Yellow jackets have lance-like stingers with small barbs and typically sting repeatedly. When at rest, their wings fold laterally against their bodies.

Paper wasps

Paper wasps have pinched waists and long, thin legs that dangle below their bodies when flying. Their bodies are black or brown in color with yellow or orange markings. Their wings are grayish in color. These stinging pests are often identified by the upside-down umbrella-shaped nests they create out of a paper-like material.

Are stinging pests dangerous?

Stinging pests are dangerous, especially when they build their nests on, in, or near homes and other structures that are frequented by people. Not all species of stinging insects are aggressive, but some - including many species of wasps - are aggressive and easy to anger. All stinging pests will defend themselves or their colonies by delivering painful stings. Their venom is powerful enough to trigger allergic reactions in people - including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging pests are attracted to properties that offer food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, most residential properties provide what they are looking for. Stinging pests, depending on their exact species, feed on a variety of things, including insects, proteins, nectar, sweets, and honeydew. Properties that have open garbage cans, compost piles, gardens, flowering vegetation, trees and shrubs, clogged gutters, birdbaths, leaky outdoor fixtures, or ponds are attractive to stinging insects.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects will build their nests in a variety of locations as long as they provide good protection and shelter. Some species are ground nesters, others are aerial nesters (paper wasps), and a select few (yellow jackets) will nest either on the ground or up off the ground. Common places where stinging pests create their nests include rock crevices or overhangs, under porches, decks, and roof eaves. Their nests are also found on trees, utility poles, in shrubs or bushes, in attics, crawlspaces, or in outbuildings.

How do I get rid of stinging pests?

The easiest way to control and prevent stinging pest infestations is with the help of the Philadelphia bee and wasp control experts. At Resolution Pest, our board-trained, state-certified exterminators deliver the exceptional pest control services needed to rid your home and property of stinging pests. Resolution Pest is committed to using environmentally safe, ethical treatments to solve your stinging pest problem and prevent their return. To learn more about implementing a residential or commercial pest control service in your Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County-area home or business, call Resolution Pest!

How can I prevent stinging pests in the future?

In addition to our professional services in the Philadelphia metro area, the following tips can help to prevent problems with stinging pests:

• Caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Locate garden areas and woodpiles away from the outside of your home.

• Install weather stripping around windows and doors.

• Make sure all screens are intact.

• Place caps on all chimneys.

• Trim tree limbs away from the exterior of your home.

• Remove overgrown vegetation and piles of debris from your property.

• Remove water sources by maintaining gutters and repairing leaky outdoor fixtures.