Stinging Insects
Although many insects have the ability to sting, the most common stinging insects in our area are bees and wasps, both of whom belong to the family Vespidae, or vespids. For the many people who are allergic to insect stings, bees and wasps are life-threatening. Some individuals are so allergic to insect stings that a single sting will result in death unless immediately treated.
Representative Species of Stinging Insects
Honeybees are vital pollinators and are primarily beneficial to humans and the environment. They usually are not particularly aggressive, but when they are threatened, they will attack viciously, often in swarms of hundreds or even thousands. Honeybees should only be killed when when other control methods (such as trapping and removal by a beekeeper) are impractical. |
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Yellow Jacket wasps are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length. They usually build their nests in protected void areas such as hollow trees, structural voids of buildings, or in holes in the ground. They are minor pollinators, but not sufficiently so as to be considered beneficial insects. Yellow jackets are aggressive and will often attack when approached. They also create a nuisance when they are attracted to food and beverages being consumed at barbecues and outdoor events. |
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Baldfaced hornets are extremely aggresive. Typically, two "sentries" remain immediately outside the nest at all times. When alarmed, they alert the other members, who will attack en masse. This can result in a person's receiving hundreds of painful, potentially life-threatening stings. Hornets are about an inch in length, stocky, and black in color with prominent white or pale yellow markings. |
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Paper Wasps refers to any of a number of wasp species who build nests of paper that they make themselves from wood and bodily fluids. They vary greatly in size, coloration, and degree of aggressiveness. Typically, paper wasps build paper nests under porch ceilings, attached to windows frames, under the eaves of houses, and in other similar places. They also like to build nests in hollow fenceposts, PVC furniture, and similar protected places; as well as in structural voids of buildings such as soffits and unoccupied attics. |
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Control of Stinging Insects
Stinging insect control can range from routine to very challenging. Because of the risk of being stung, it's certainly not something most people care to do themselves. Better off leaving it to a professional exterminator. For help with stinging insects or any other pest problem, please contact Buckingham Pest Control. we serve the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area.