Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects use the stinger located at the end of their abdomen to defend themselves against threats. Stinging insects often view people as threats because we are large in size and often unintentionally walk too close to their nest, making the colony uncomfortable. Some stinging insects also use their stingers and venom as a way to paralyze prey.

Stinging insects often build nests in our yards and gardens, making it difficult for us to enjoy either. The threat of being stung is enough to make anyone wary of spending time outside. Stinging insects that make themselves at home on our Nebraska properties include wasps, yellow jackets, bees, and hornets.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

All stinging insects can be dangerous as their venom is strong enough to trigger serious or life-threatening reactions in those allergic. Their stings are also very painful, and many species can sting repeatedly.

Though they are dangerous when in our yards, when living outside and away from us, they are quite helpful. Predatory species like wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets help to minimize populations of nuisance and dangerous insects. Honey bees are pollinators and help ensure the success of flowers, crops, and other plants each year.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects are at their peak numbers and most problematic in the warm summer and early fall months. At this time of year, they are out in large numbers and are on edge frantically looking for food to bring back to the colony. Things like flowering vegetation, gardens, fruit trees, open containers of trash, and recycling bins attract stinging insects. They feed on various things, including the same sweets and proteins we eat and the insects that call our yard home.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Common nesting sites for stinging insects include under eaves, on ceiling beams, and under porches and decks. Tree branches, tree hollows, shrubbery, and dense vegetation are also nesting sites. Yellow jackets build their nests in naturally occurring holes under woodpiles or brush piles or the abandoned nests of small animals.

If stinging insects move into a home or other structure to nest, they usually build their nest in a dark, secluded spot. Wall voids, chimneys, and attics are regular nesting spots for stinging insects.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Beeline Pest Control is the best choice to eliminate stinging insects from your Omaha home or business. Our trained and experienced technicians will work closely with you to solve your property’s stinging insect problems.

We begin by identifying the type of stinging insects living on your property; then, our professionals will rid your property of them by directly treating the nests. If honey bees have built their nest in an area of your property where they have become a danger, we will help you find a beekeeper to relocate the nest. To learn more about our effective stinging insect control services or to receive a free quote, give Beeline Pest Control a call today!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Prevent stinging insects from becoming a big problem in your Omaha, Nebraska area yard or home using the following prevention tips:

• Remove fallen trees, woodpiles, and other debris from your yard where stinging insects can build a nest.
• Overseed your lawn to make it less likely that yellow jackets will find and build a nest in the ground on your property.
• Cut tree branches back away from your home.
• Fill in any ground holes you find in your yard.
• Leave a barrier between flower beds and your home.
• Place lids on trash cans and recycling bins to keep stinging insects from foraging for food in them.
• Seal any spaces in your home’s exterior walls, place caps on chimneys, and secure screens in windows and doors. 

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.