Learning About Natural Pest Control

What You Need To Know About Stinging Insects

18 December 2014 by Norah Slieker

Stinging insects are something many people are afraid of. If you are lucky enough to not be allergic to them, they don't pose a real threat to your health, but they do pack a punch with their little stingers. What makes it even worse is that there different types of stinging insects and people often get them confused. The best thing you can do is know how to identify them and be familiar with their behavior. Continue reading to learn more.

Identifying Stinging Insects

• Honey Bees: Look very hairy or fuzzy and usually very round
• Hornets: The longest of the stinging insects. Dark bodies with white marks on their front and back
• Wasps: Their legs dangle in the air as they fly
• Yellow Jackets: Yellow and black, can look almost gold in the air. You don't see their legs when they are in the air.

Behavior of Stinging Insects

Honey bees are the most docile of the stinging insects. They try to avoid humans when possible and generally do not create problems. These are the bees professional beekeepers tend to. You may find them nesting in hollow trees or in the walls of your home, in which case you should call an exterminator for safe removal.

Hornets are some of the most aggressive insects. They will sting you many times and are easily provoked, which means they will attack with little warning. Their sting can cause severe allergic reactions. Hornets like to nest in greenery, including high trees and shrubbery on the ground. Their nests are large ovals, so they are usually easy to spot.

Wasps aren't considered aggressive, but they do sting. If they feel threatened or bothered, they will attack and their sting is one of the most painful ones. It can also cause allergic reactions. Wasps usually nest underground, in trees, and under eaves.

Yellow Jackets are very aggressive and usually the most bothersome to people when they are trying to enjoy the outdoors. These bees are attracted to perfumes and bright colors, so keep that in mind when you walk out of your home. They attack with little warning and have a powerful sting that will induce a lot of pain. Yellow Jackets enjoy the same nesting areas as wasps.

As you can see, knowing this information about these stinging insects can keep you and your family out of harm's way. The best thing that you can do when you realize you have a problem with a stinging insect is to call a pest control service instead of trying to take care of them yourself.

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