Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

What Are Stinging Insects?

Stinging insects have a stinger that extends from their abdomen that they use to paralyze their prey and defend themselves. Most stinging insects are social, living and working together in large groups. However, there are some species that are solitary, with each female creating their own individual nest to lay eggs in.

Some of the most common types of stinging insects in our region and across the U.S. are bees, wasps, and hornets. Bees are responsible for pollinating plants, trees, and crops, and play an intricate role in the ecosystem. Predatory stinging insects like wasps and hornets also aid in pollination and help control the numbers of nuisance insects found in our gardens and yards.

Are Stinging Insects Dangerous?

Stinging insects usually only become a problem for people when they build a nest in a location that puts them in close contact with us. When stinging insects build a nest in our yards or on our homes, they create a safety risk for your family and pets. Stinging insects defend themselves and their nests by delivering painful stings; when these pests nest on our properties, the chance of being stung can be quite high. While their stings are painful and leave behind raised welts, the more significant concern is the venom they inject.

Stinging insect venom is strong enough to trigger an allergic reaction in people, which can vary from mild to life-threatening. Having a professional remove a stinging insect nest from your property is the best way to keep your family and pets safe from these pests.

Why Do I Have a Stinging Insect Problem?

The warm weather in the Spring and Summer in Henry County and Surrounding areas allows wasps, hornets, and bees to become more active. These pests will take advantage of any property that provides them with food and water. Most yards offer the basic needs that allow stinging insects to thrive. Gardens, flowering landscaping, and trees provide bees with pollen and nectar and those same areas are hotspots for insect activity, providing a place for hornets and wasps to hunt.

Where Will I Find Stinging Insects?

Wasps create umbrella-shaped nests out of a paper-like material. They build their nests in trees, tree hollows, fallen trees, under roof eaves, and in doorways. Some wasps may also build their nest in the ground.

Hornets also build their nests out of a paper-like material, but the shape is more ball-like. They prefer to place their nests at least three or four feet off the ground. Trees, roof eaves, chimneys, shrubbery, doorways, and spaces under decks are common places to discover hornet nests.

Where a bee places its nest varies depending on the species. Some nest in pieces of wood, others nest directly in the ground, and others build nests up high on tree branches. Bees typically choose secluded places that provide them with shelter to build their hives, hiding them away from animal predators.

How Do I Get Rid of Stinging Insects?

At Jerry's Pest Management, we understand how stressful it can be to have these pests hanging around your Henry County home and yard. The best way to protect your family from the painful stings of wasps, hornets, and bees is to contact us as soon as you notice them. Our trained professionals will come to your property and quickly locate the nest and remove it safely.

To learn more about what partnering with us for bee and wasp control looks like for you, reach out to Jerry's Pest Management today!

How Can I Prevent Stinging Insects in the Future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from stinging insects with the following prevention tips:

• Remove harborage sites like fallen trees, tree stumps, and other debris from your yard.
• Regularly prune shrubs and bushes to prevent them from overgrowing and hiding a nest.
• Fill in any holes in your yard.
• Keep your grass cut short and garden areas well maintained to give stinging insects fewer places to create nests.
• Don’t overplant flowering plants near your home’s entrances.
• Keep lids on trash cans to stop them from attracting stinging insects and other pests.

Types of Stinging Insects in Our Area:

WASPS AND HORNETS:
1. PAPER WASPS
Species: Northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus), European paper wasp (Polistes dominula).
Appearance: Long legs, slender body with reddish-brown or black coloring, and often yellow markings.
Behavior: Less aggressive but will defend nests if threatened; they build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, branches, or other structures.
2. YELLOWJACKETS
Species: Eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons), Southern yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa).
Appearance: Compact, robust body with black and yellow stripes.
Behavior: More aggressive, especially in late summer. They often nest in the ground or within wall cavities and are known for scavenging human food.
3. BALD-FACED HORNETS
Species: (Dolichovespula maculata)
Appearance: Black with a distinctive white pattern on the face and body.
Behavior: Builds large, enclosed paper nests in trees or bushes; highly defensive around their nests.
4. CICADA KILLERS
Species: Eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus).
Appearance: Large, with a reddish-brown and black body and yellow markings.
Behavior: Solitary wasps that dig burrows in sandy areas; they rarely sting humans unless handled.
5. MUD DAUBERS
Species: Black and yellow mud dauber (Sceliphron caementarium), Blue mud dauber (Chalybion californicum).
Appearance: Long, slender body with a thread-like waist; colors can vary from black and yellow to metallic blue.
Behavior: Non-aggressive and solitary; build mud nests on walls, under eaves, or in other sheltered areas.
6. EUROPEAN HORNET
Species: (Vespa crabro)
Appearance: Larger than most wasps, with a reddish-brown head and thorax and yellow and black abdomen.
Behavior: Primarily active at night, they are known to be aggressive if their nest is disturbed. They typically nest in hollow trees or within wall voids.

TYPES OF BEES:
Missouri is home to a variety of bee species, each playing a role in the local ecosystem and pollination. Here are some of the common types found in the state:
1.Honeybees (Apis mellifera): Known for their role in honey production and large colonies, honeybees are vital pollinators for many crops. They are not native but are widely naturalized.
2.Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.): These large, fuzzy bees are excellent pollinators, especially in cooler temperatures. Missouri has several bumblebee species, including the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus  impatiens).
3.Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.): Often mistaken for bumblebees due to their size and color, carpenter bees bore into wood to make nests. They’re important pollinators but can be a nuisance around wood structures.
4.Mason Bees (Osmia spp.): These solitary bees are efficient pollinators of spring-blooming plants and use mud to seal their nest cavities, often found in natural holes or artificial bee hotels.
5.Sweat Bees (Halictidae family): Smaller, metallic-looking bees, often green or blue, sweat bees are attracted to human perspiration. They are solitary and nest in the ground or in rotting wood.
6.Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.): Known for cutting small circles in leaves to line their nests, these solitary bees are valuable pollinators for wildflowers and crops.
7.Mining Bees (Andrena spp.): Often emerging in early spring, these ground-nesting bees are important pollinators for many fruit trees and wildflowers.
8.Squash Bees (Peponapis pruinosa): Specialized in pollinating squash, pumpkin, and other cucurbits, these bees are common in areas with ample garden spaces or agricultural fields.
Missouri’s diverse bee population is essential for pollinating native plants, gardens, and agricultural crops, supporting both biodiversity and food production

Why Choose Jerry's Pest Management for control of Stinging Insects?

• Over 40 years of trusted service in Henry County and surrounding areas.
• Safe, family-friendly treatment options.
• Experienced, professional technicians who care about your comfort and peace of mind.

Let Jerry's Pest Management help you reclaim your space. Call us today to schedule your treatment of Bees, Wasps and Hornets! Experience the difference that family dedication and decades of experience can make. 

At Jerry's Pest Management, we’re here for you — because protecting your home and business is our family tradition.