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What Is A Stinging Insect?
Most people are going to encounter stinging insects at some point or another. The most common stinging insects include bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets. All of these insects fit into the Hymenoptera order of insects. While they can pose a risk to humans and their properties, stinging insects are helpful pollinators. Before trying to get rid of your stinging insects, find out which type you’re dealing with. You’ll want to know if they’re aggressive and how to get rid of them.
The most common stinging insects in Indianapolis include paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, honeybees, carpenter bees, and yellowjackets. Hornets are not common in our service area.
What Stinging Insect Do I Have?
To determine what type of stinging insect you’re dealing with, look at the insect and its nest.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are moderately aggressive and normally won’t create problems for humans. As long as you don’t get too close, they shouldn’t bite you. Make sure you stay away from their nests though.
Paper Wasp Nest
Paper wasp nests tend to be small and round. In addition to this, they’ll have a unique honeycomb pattern that makes them easy to spot. Paper wasp nests are mostly found under eaves and overhangs. They can also be built on fences.
Paper Wasp Appearance
Two primary species of paper wasps target your area. One is the Northern Paper Wasp. It has a brown body with a few dark orange spots. White or yellow stripes can be found on the wasp’s abdomen. European Paper Wasps are also found in your city. They have yellow and black stripes. Their antennas are orange.
Yellowjackets
You don’t want to approach a yellowjacket because they’re very aggressive. Plus, they become more aggressive during late summer and fall.
Yellowjacket Nest
A yellowjacket nest can contain hundreds or thousands of insects. Most nests are covered with a paper-like material that is either black or gray. Yellowjacket nests are located in attics as well as under porches. Certain species will build nests in the ground.
Yellowjacket Appearance
Yellowjackets have black and yellow stripes on their bodies. Their heads and antennas are black. They’re fast fliers that tuck their legs against their body when flying.
Bald-Faced Hornet
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive too. As the colony gets bigger during late Summer and early Fall, their aggression level increases.
Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Their nests are large with many individual insects. Nests usually look like an inverted teardrop. They can be attached to buildings, trees, bushes, or tall grass.
Bald-Faced Hornet Appearance
Bald-faced hornets have smooth, black and white bodies. They also have a stinger so you’ll want to stay away from them.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are some of the least aggressive stinging insects in your area. Some honey bee strains have been bred to make them gentle.
Honey Bee Nest
A honey bee nest will feature extensive combs made of wax. They can be found on rocks, hollow trees, or wall cavities. They’re round and look similar to a honeycomb. A honeybee colony can last for several years. They’ll have to store enough honey to survive through the winter.
Honey Bee Appearance
Honeybees have a fuzzy, brown body. They’re orange or yellowish and have a stinger.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are not aggressive. You can approach their nest without worrying about getting stung.
Carpenter Bee Nest
Carpenter bee nests tear 3/8” holes in wood. Their perfectly round holes are placed in siding, decks, and fascia. The wood is tossed out and the hole is eventually used for rearing the young.
Carpenter Bee Appearance
Carpenter bees and bumblebees have similar appearances, but there is one difference. The carpenter bee species in your area has a shiny abdomen. Male carpenter bees have a yellow mark near their face.
Do Stinging Insects Pose A Fisk?
Humans need to be worried about stinging insects since they can pose a danger. However, it depends on the type of stinging insect you encounter. Some are dangerous, but others aren’t aggressive. Regardless, male stinging insects are not dangerous. They cannot sting. Protect yourself by staying away from large stinging insect colonies. A bigger colony will mean that the insects are more aggressive. Familiarize yourself with the stinging insect and its behavior.
Then, you’ll know how dangerous it is.
What Causes Stinging Insects?
Ultimately, stinging insects are opportunistic. If they decide that your home is a good nesting spot, they’ll build a nest there.
How Should I Get Rid Of Stinging Insects?
Stinging insects are dangerous so they can pose risks to humans and pets. Move forward cautiously when attempting to get rid of stinging insects. Make the wrong move and you could get stung. Or, you might have to visit the hospital. DIY sprays are not always effective. If they don’t work, you’ll waste your time and money. Wait until it gets dark outside before tackling the problem on your own. Otherwise, you should hire a professional. Hiring a professional is the best way to tackle the problem while protecting your loved ones. Our exterminators are thoroughly trained so they know how to identify and tackle each stinging insect species.
Is Your Treatment Safe?
Our company works diligently to provide our clients with cost-effective, safe stinging insect solutions. We use the latest solutions and products registered by the EPA. Our exterminators have been trained extensively to ensure satisfactory, safe results. They’ll follow strict guidelines to protect you and your loved ones every step of the way.
What Is The Cost Of Stinging Insect Extermination?
Unfortunately, the costs are not universal. Instead, the price is going to depend on several factors, including the following.
- The species of stinging insect you’re dealing with
- The size of the property
- The nest’s size
- The nest’s location
How Soon Can Your Exterminator Start?
We know that you want to get rid of your stinging insect problem as quickly as possible. Otherwise, there is a higher risk that someone is going to get stung. Our exterminator can reach your home in 24 to 48 hours.
Can I Prevent Future Stinging Infect Infestations?
You can take steps to reduce the risk that you’ll experience another stinging insect in the future. However, the risk will always be there. Our company offers an affordable service that includes three home inspections each year. If treatment is needed, you can guarantee that we’ll take care of it.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.