Stinging Insects

Professional Stinging Insect Pest Control Raleigh NC

“Stinging insect” is a classification utilized in reference to species with stinging capabilities. There is a mixture of stinging insect species, many of which are harmless, others not so much. It is crucial to know what type of stinging insect species you are dealing with immediately upon the encounter. The species that fit the criteria to be classified as stinging insects vary in size and color. Stinging insect aggression varies between mild, moderate, and severe, with the latter being the most dangerous.

While stinging insects pose some dangers to humans and animals, a few are helpful to the environment. These pollinators pick up and deliver pollen from specific male plant species to female plant species. Stinging insects that fall under the pollinator classification include the fly, honeybee, wasp, bumblebee, and carpenter bees. Another species of stinging insects

Stinging insects belong to the “Hymenoptera” order, which has more than 150,000 members, all of which have stinging capabilities.

The most common stinging insect sightings in Raleigh, North Carolina involve the bald-faced hornet, carpenter bee, yellowjacket, paper wasp, and fly. Most stinging insects have wings, with flying capabilities. One exception is the ant species, which colonizes. The ant species is unique, in that it has both winged and wingless swarmers. Winged swarmers forage for food, hovering low over food and food-contaminated surfaces. The winged swarmer is also responsible for leaving their colonies behind to build new colonies.

Identifying And Differentiating Between The Wasp, Hornet, And Yellowjacket

Some of the most dangerous stinging insect species inhabit Raleigh, North Carolina. The yellowjacket, hornet, and wasp are just to name a few. Living in Raleigh puts you and your family at risk of a stinging insect encounter, infiltration, and infestation. A stinging insect encounter can occur out of nowhere. Make eye contact with a stinging insect while taking a stroll around the block, sunbathing in the backyard, or playing badminton.

Knowing how to identify and differentiate between the most common stinging insect species in Raleigh will play in your favor. It can help ensure early awareness, resulting in a more efficient pest control process.

Stinging Insect Paper Wasp

The paper wasp is a moderately aggressive stinging insect. The insect becomes more aggressive when under threat of predatory insects and animals. The paper wasp’s aggression level also increases when its threat comes under attack. As the aggression increases, the insect begins to buzz louder and faster. Most people fear the paper wasp or at least, fear the paper wasp’s sting.

The paper wasp nest is constructed from organic materials – rotting plants and wood. The adult is black with yellowish/orange stripes and antennas. The paper wasp shares many of the same physical characteristics as the yellowjacket. However, the paper wasp is believed to be less aggressive, compared to the yellowjacket. Other differences are size, with the paper wasp being slightly larger.

There are two primary species of paper wasp – Northern paper wasp and European paper wasp. The European paper wasp’s hind legs dangle during flight. The adult Northern paper wasp’s body is brown, with areas of dark orange. The abdomen is layered with white or yellow stripes.

Stinging Insect Yellowjacket

The yellowjacket is a highly aggressive stinging insect species. As the nest continues to grow, so does the yellowjacket’s aggression level. The nest is constructed from organic materials, like paper. The yellowjacket nest grows extremely large, housing up to several thousand eggs, larvae, and adults.

The yellowjacket builds its nest underneath decks and porches, in tall, dense grass, and shrubs. The adult is black, with yellow stripes. The wings are translucent-like, the legs are yellow, and the two antennas are solid black.

The stinging insect tucks its legs tight up against its body during flight to ensure maximum speeds.

Stinging Insect Bald-Faced Hornet

The bald-faced hornet is another highly aggressive stinging insect species. The teardrop-shaped nest is constructed of decaying organic material, like that of thin paper. The stinging insect species continues to build its nests, reaching the maximum size by early fall. When the nest reaches the maximum size, the bald-faced hornet’s aggression level is also maxed out.

Bald-faced hornets build their nests on the side of abandoned buildings, in tall, dense grass, shrubs, and on branches.

The adult is multi-colored white and black. The wings are black, almost translucent-like. The large head and thorax are black with white markings. The stinger protrudes from the bald-faced hornet’s abdomen.

Stinging Insect Honeybee

The honeybee is a mildly or moderately aggressive stinging insect species. There are several honeybee strains, many of which are described as “gentle” and “delicate.” Honeybees colonize when building hives constructed from honeycomb-shaped wax. The colonies may consist of dozens, hundreds, or thousands of adults, eggs, and larvae.

In controlled environments, the honeybee queen can live up to 6 years, while the worker has a maximum lifespan of 7 weeks. Unlike some other insect species, the honeybee does not overwinter (hibernate). Instead, the honeybee works throughout the year making food for the winter season. The diet consists of pollen, honey, and pollen, all of which are created by the honeybee.

The adult honeybee ranges between yellow and yellowish/orange in color. The body is covered with a dense layer of light-colored fur. Like the bald-faced hornet, the honeybee’s stinger protrudes from its abdomen.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees tend to be less aggressive than most stinging insects. They do not build ordinary stinging insect nests. Instead, they bore small holes in wood surfaces, including decks and siding. Once they’ve done that, they’re going to discard the wood and use the hole to raise their young. Carpenter bees and bumblebees have a lot in common. In our area, the common carpenter bee has a black and yellow thorax that is fuzzy. Its abdomen will be shiny and hairless. Finally, male members of the carpenter bee species have a yellow mark on their faces.

How Dangerous Are Stinging Insects?

You’re likely concerned that stinging insects are going to be very dangerous. Ultimately, they could be. These pests can sting, and their stings can lead to an allergic reaction. Therefore, you cannot ignore the risks. However, the risks are not as high as you might believe. Male stinging insects cannot sting. They are aggressive and will do whatever it takes to defend their nests. As for female stinging insects, they will sting but they rarely do. They tend to be less aggressive than male stinging insects. One way to judge the risks involved is by looking at the nest. If it is massive, the risks are incredibly high. If you’re dealing with a small stinging insect nest, the risks are minimal.

Be worried about yellowjackets since they may build underground nests. If you get stung, carefully monitor your condition.

Reasons For Stinging Insects

Stinging insects tend to invade properties where they can build nests. If they find suitable nesting conditions around your home, they’ll come and build nests on your property.

Eliminating Stinging Insects At Home

Stinging insects can be difficult to eliminate. Remember that you cannot act haphazardly. Doing so will leave to major issues in the future. Instead, you should work carefully and cautiously. Our technicians are here to help. We can eliminate stinging insects while protecting our clients during each phase of the process. We understand that you’re worried about pesticides and other treatments, but you shouldn’t be. We employ experts who can keep you safe during each phase of the process. Stay away from DIY sprays because many of them are ineffective. Even worse, these products could be dangerous.

Our Treatments Are Safe

We’re eager to begin helping and protecting you. When you work with us, you can put your mind at ease. We’re always going to do everything we can to protect our clients. For instance, we’ll use EPA-registered products. The products we administer are safe for everyone involved and effective. Our technicians know how to use these products without exposing anyone to any risks.

The Costs Of Our Services

We do not offer universal prices. Instead, the price is going to depend on a handful of factors, including the pest you’re dealing with. We’ll also need to consider the size of the nest and the size of your home. We’ll give you a bid price before the treatment begins.

When Can You Arrive?

Don’t delay calling our Raleigh NC office. Once you’ve done that, we’re going to begin working hard for you. We’ll try to contact you within 48 hours.

Preventing Invasions Of Stinging Insects

It is often best to stop stinging insects from approaching your home. Although it sounds easy, it won’t be. Therefore, you’ll need to work hard to stop these opportunistic pests from invading your property. Start by making sure that the softwoods around your home are properly stained and painted. Once you’ve done that, you should sign up for our home inspection program. Pay an annual fee and we’ll visit your home three times each year. The annual fee will cover the treatments when necessary.

Why Hire Us?

• We are conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh
• Our pest control company and exterminators are licensed with the State of North Carolina
• We offer free pest inspections and written quotes

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.