Stinging Insect Identification

Stinging insects are pests that regularly find their way to our California yards to nest or forage for food, making it impossible for you to enjoy your outdoor space. These pests are well-known for the stinger that extends from the hind end they use to paralyze prey and defend themselves.

If you have ever been at the receiving end of a sting from a hornet or wasp, you know how painful and unpleasant the experience can be! Sharing your property with these pests is problematic, and you should have any nests removed quickly so you and your family can enjoy your yard to its fullest potential!

Stinging insects are dangerous pests, not only because of the pain their stings cause but because the venom they deliver with their stings is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions. Reactions to stinging insect venom can range from mild swelling around the sting site to a whole-body response with the potential of life-threatening consequences.

If anyone in your family is allergic to stinging insect venom, the immediate removal of these pests from your property is crucial. At HomeShield Pest Control, we understand this and will act fast to provide you with the services and support necessary to maintain a yard free of stinging insects!

Despite best efforts to make our properties as unappealing as possible to stinging insects, the reality is that our yards naturally provide sources of shelter, food, and water they can utilize. Stinging insects are most problematic on properties with or near gardens, wooded areas, flowering trees, overgrown landscaping, ponds, lakes, or other water sources. They have varied diets, and in addition to feeding on plant nectar and insects, stinging insects will feed on many of the same proteins and sweets we do.

Two of the most common types of stinging insects to find their way onto our properties are the hornet and wasp.

Hornets

Hornets like to create nests in the ground in yards, flower beds, or gardens. Ground holes, the abandoned nests of small animals, the soil next to foundations, and spaces under woodpiles or fallen trees are favorite nesting spots.

Wasps

Wasps prefer to nest up off the ground. They will nest in our yards or on our homes. Trees, utility poles, bushes and shrubs, roof eaves, window shutters, and gaps behind siding or shingles are where wasps regularly build their nests.

Other areas in our yards where stinging insect nests often pop up include:

• Under grills or mailboxes
• Within play structures
• Under pieces of outdoor furniture
• Under porch steps
• Inside garages or sheds

Due to the potential of stinging insects delivering painful stings, eliminating them from your yard or home is always a task that should be handled by an experienced professional. To remove a stinging insect nest from your property, turn to the professionals at HomeShield Pest Control.

We offer fast action and comprehensive pest control services that are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly. We are committed to providing long-term solutions that will protect yourself, your family, and your pets from stinging insects! If you live in the Sacramento Valley or Southern California and are seeing stinging insects or their nests on your property, give us a call today!

Some of our most helpful wasp and hornet control tips to help make your property less appealing to the stinging insects that call California home include:

• Keep your yard well-maintained; overgrown vegetation can provide many sheltered spots for stinging insects to nest.
• Remove yard clutter that could offer a secluded nesting spot for stinging insects.
• Cut tree branches back away from your home.
• Reduce flowering vegetation on your property that will attract stinging insects and the insects that they like to feed on.
• Remove areas of standing water from your property that can provide water for hornets and wasps and their insect prey.