Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and bees … they are part of nature and do have their place in the vast world we live in.  But getting stung by a wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, bee or similar insect can cause a problem because when provoked, these creatures may be dangerous if you are allergic to their toxins.   When outdoors, knowing what an insect nest looks like and where it is most likely to be can help you keep those stinging critters at bay.

Honeybees, Hornets, Wasps and Yellow Jackets

Honeybees: Honeybees and bumblebees are common insects found in garden flowers and trees.  Their hives are usually in hideaway places like hollow tree trunks.  Typically, a honeybee will not worry about anything other than their job of producing honey or wax.  Humans and animals are generally safe from being swarmed but stepping on a honeybee can be a problem.  Honeybees can only sting once so they’ll be particular about that! Speaking of bees, bumblebees nest underground — get too close and they’ll chase you.  Bumblebees can sting multiple times.

Hornets:  Hornets are the largest of the wasps; some types are more than two inches long.  Hornets usually build nests in trees and shrubbery but they are also known to build nests underground.  Hornets’ nests built near homes and populous areas can be dangerous if provoked by humans or animals.  Their stings are potent (but  not necessarily deadly).

Wasps: A wasp is actually another term that describes insects of the Hymenoptera order that do not have characteristics of a bee or an ant.   Hornets and yellow jackets are actually wasps.

Yellow Jackets:  More commonly in areas where people live are yellow jackets; similar to bees in looks but they are ground-nesting (like wasps) — or in any area they deem safe (like the eave of your house’s roof).  Yellow jackets are “meat eaters” — carnivores that feed on insects — and because of that, they actually do keep garden pests under control.  Yellow jackets nest in large numbers and as spring turns to summer, we see more hatching insects; their increasing numbers make it difficult for them to find nearby food.  Yellow jackets will then seek food and sugar sources anyway they can, around a garbage can, for example.  Yellow jackets are easily provoked and can sting a human or animal a number of times.

Yellow Jacket and Stinging Insect Prevention

Preventing hornets and yellow jackets from nesting in areas around your home must be done before these insects lay their eggs. Eliminating larvae is a key; hiring a pest management control company is the best way to keep yellow jackets, hornets, bees and other critters away from your house, yard, garden and most of all … family.  A pest management company such as Prevention Pest Control can create a plan to eliminate the threat of yellow jackets nesting in your home and with that, reduce the possibility for property damage.   In addition to hornets and yellow jackets, Prevention Pest Control handles rodents, ants, spiders, termites, cockroaches and a lot more.

Find a wasps nest and don’t know what to do about it? Call Preventive Pest Control today.