Stinging Insects

Yellowjackets, hornets, wasps, and bees are stinging insects. These pests belong to the Hymenoptera order. Although stinging insects can be problematic for homeowners, they’re great for the environment because they’re beneficial pollinators. With that being said, it is a good idea to leave them alone unless you’re posing a threat or destroying your property. You’ll want to find out which type of stinging insect you’re dealing with. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know how dangerous and aggressive they are.

In Pittsburgh, you’ll likely encounter honeybees, carpenter bees, paper wasps, and others. Below, you’ll learn more about Pittsburgh’s most common stinging insects.

Identifying Them

You can identify the stinging insect by looking at it and its nest.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as some of the others, but they’ll still attack. As long as you don’t make contact with them, they shouldn’t both you. Their nests are small and gray. The inner portion of the nest has a honeycomb-like pattern. Paper wasps tend to build small nests under eaves and overhangs.

You can encounter several species of paper wasps. The most common are the Northern Paper Wasp and the European Paper Wasp. Northern Paper Wasps have brown bodies and yellow or thin stripes. As for European Paper Wasps, they have orange antennas and yellow and black stripes.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are extremely aggressive, so it is best to stay away from their nests. Their nest and colony get bigger in late summer and early fall. When this happens, their aggression level soars higher. They build large nests that can house thousands of individual stinging insects. The nests can be wrapped in a black or gray material that resembles paper. Although some build underground nests, most yellowjackets build nests on porches and attics.

Yellowjackets have yellow and black lines around their abdomens, but their antennas are black. They’re fast flies.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are one of the most dangerous stinging insects in Pittsburgh. Again, their aggression level soars when the nest gets larger. Their nests can house thousands of stinging insects, and they resemble a teardrop flipped upside down. The stinging insect normally builds its nest on trees and bushes.

Bald-faced hornets have smooth bodies that are white and black. Their other body parts are larger.

Honeybees

Honeybees are less aggressive than the aforementioned pests. Some people breed honeybees and raise them to collect their honey. When doing so, they’re generally not aggressive. Their nests are unique and extensive. They’re made of wax and are used to store money. Most honeybees place their nests on rocks, hollow trees, or building cavities. They have a distinguishable honeycomb pattern. Since they use the same nest for multiple years, they have to collect and store honey.

These stinging insects are fuzzy. In terms of color, they’re either orange or yellow.

Carpenter Bees

Although less aggressive, there is always a risk that you’re going to get stung by carpenter bees. Their nests are unique because they drill small holes into wood surfaces. They prefer building nests in decks, siding, and fascia. Once the wood is disposed of, the carpenter bees will use the cavity to care for their young. They look a lot like bumblebees so the two are often mistaken for one another. However, they have a hairless abdomen.

Dangers

Although stinging insects can be dangerous, not all of them are. It depends on the species you’ve encountered. In some cases, these insects are going to sting the victim multiple times. When doing so, there is a risk that you’re going to get seriously hurt. One odd thing to point out is that male stinging insects aren’t dangerous since they cannot sting. If you’re worried about your safety, never approach a stinging insect nest. Also, remember that they become more aggressive as the nest gets larger. You’ll need to identify the species so you can determine how dangerous the pest is.

Reasons

Stinging insects mostly invade properties because they’re trying to build nests.

Dealing With An Infestation

You’ll need to learn how to get rid of a stinging insect infestation as quickly as possible. You may attempt to use DIY sprays. Although they might work, they can create other problems for you and your loved ones. When these pests are sprayed, they’re going to come out of their hiding place and attack. Again, some can sting multiple times so the risks are extremely high. It is a good idea to wait until the sun goes does before doing this. Otherwise, you’ll want to contact us and take advantage of our services.

Safe Treatments

We know that you’re worried about dangerous methods. When you work with us, you don’t have to worry about it. We’ll use the latest methods to remove the stinging insects from your property. We always use EPA-registered products to keep you safe. Our treatments do not pose risks to humans, pets, or plants. If you love your family members, you’ll use safer solutions to rectify the problem. Contact us to get started.

Costs

Ultimately, we cannot tell you how much the service is going to cost. Instead, it will depend on several factors, including the species you’re dealing with and the size of your property. Our exterminator will also consider the size and location of the nest. Once they’ve looked at these things, they’ll give you a bid price.

How Soon Can You Start?

Call us. We’ll be able to contact you back within 48 hours.

Preventing Problems

You’ll want to take steps to keep stinging insects away from your property. One way to do that is by preventing them from building nests. Treating the wood around your home is a good starting point. Alternatively, you’ll want to take advantage of our home service program.

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