Apr 5, 2024 | Pest Control
Georgia’s warm climate and lush landscapes make it a haven for various insects, including some that pack a painful sting. While many of these stinging insects play crucial roles in our ecosystem, encountering them in and around our homes can be alarming and potentially dangerous. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common stinging insects found in the region, the threats they pose, and how to deal with them effectively.
Yellow Jackets
One of the most notorious stinging insects in Georgia is the yellow jacket. These aggressive insects are easily recognizable by their black and yellow striped bodies. They typically build their nests in hollow trees, underground burrows, or within wall voids of buildings. Yellow jackets can pose a significant threat to humans and pets, especially when their nests are disturbed. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Identification
Yellow jackets are about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch in length, with distinctive yellow and black markings on their bodies.
Treatment
If stung by a yellow jacket, it’s essential to remove the stinger promptly to minimize venom injection. Clean the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate itching and discomfort.
Removal
Removing a yellow jacket nest can be hazardous and is best left to professionals. Attempting to remove the nest without proper equipment and expertise can provoke the colony, leading to aggressive behavior and more stings.
Prevention
To prevent yellow jackets from nesting near your home, seal any openings in walls, windows, and doors. Keep outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed and promptly clean up any food spills or crumbs.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are another common stinging insect found in Georgia. They construct umbrella-shaped nests from a papery material, often hanging from eaves, tree branches, or shrubbery. While they are generally less aggressive than yellow jackets, they will defend their nests if threatened.
Identification
Paper wasps are slender with long legs and wings, typically brownish in color with yellow markings.
Treatment
Treat paper wasp stings similarly to yellow jacket stings. Remove the stinger, clean the area, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Removal
If a paper wasp nest is located in a high-traffic area or poses a threat to residents, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control company for safe removal.
Prevention
Regularly inspect your property for signs of paper wasp nests, especially in the spring and summer months. Remove any existing nests during the winter to prevent reinfestation.
Hornets
Hornets are another type of stinging insect that can cause concern for Georgia residents. These insects are larger than yellow jackets and paper wasps and often build their nests in trees, shrubs, or even on buildings.
Identification
Hornets have stout bodies with predominantly black coloring and white or yellow markings. Their nests are typically grayish and football-shaped.
Treatment
Treat hornet stings similarly to other stinging insect stings. Remove the stinger, clean the area, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Removal
Due to the size and aggression of hornets, it’s best to leave nest removal to professionals. Attempting to remove a hornet nest without proper equipment and expertise can be dangerous.
Prevention
Regularly inspect your property for signs of hornet activity, especially in secluded areas such as attics, sheds, and trees. Seal any openings or gaps in buildings to prevent hornets from entering.
In conclusion, encountering stinging insects in Georgia is not uncommon, but with proper knowledge and precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with them. If you’re dealing with a stinging insect infestation on your property, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional pest control company near you.
Jul 20, 2023 | Pest Control
Stinging pests can be a real nuisance, and in some cases, a danger to your health. From hornets and wasps to fire ants, these pests can leave painful stings that can cause itching, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of stinging pests and provide tips on how to prevent and identify them.
Hornets: Hornets are large, aggressive wasps that can pack a powerful sting. They typically build large paper nests in trees, bushes, and other outdoor locations. To prevent hornets from nesting on your property, inspect your home’s exterior regularly and seal any openings or gaps. Keep your outdoor trash cans sealed and dispose of food waste properly. If you do encounter a hornet’s nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, call a professional pest control company.
Wasps: Wasps are similar to hornets, but they tend to be smaller and less aggressive. They can still pack a painful sting, however, and they can build their nests in a variety of locations, including under eaves, in trees, and shrubs. To prevent wasps from nesting on your property, keep your home’s exterior well-sealed, dispose of food waste properly, and keep outdoor trash cans sealed. If you do encounter a wasp nest, call a professional pest control company to safely remove it.
Fire Ants: Fire ants are small, reddish-brown ants that are known for their painful sting. They build large mounds in lawns and gardens and can be especially active during the summer months. To prevent fire ants from taking over your yard, keep your lawn well-maintained and avoid leaving piles of leaves or other debris in your yard. Treat fire ant mounds with bait or insecticide specifically designed for these pests and wear protective clothing and gloves when working in the yard.
If you discover an influx of stinging pests around your home call a professional pest control company if you do encounter a nest or infestation.
Jun 29, 2023 | Pest Control
While most people associate summer with warmer weather and more time spent outdoors, it also marks peak season for many Georgia pests. Here are 5 of the most common summer pests in Georgia and how to prevent them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito season peaks in summer (peak months are June to September) with activity at hits highest. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. These pests transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets. They also breed in standing water found around your home. You can get rid of mosquitoes this summer by:
- Getting rid of any standing water around your home.
- Wearing mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors.
- Avoiding any outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.
Ticks
Ticks are active from late spring to early fall. These summer pests are known to transmit serious disease to humans and pets. They are commonly found wooded areas and areas with tall grass. Avoid ticks this summer by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants.
- Checking for ticks after any time spent outdoors.
- Routinely checking your pets for ticks.
- Using vet approved tick preventatives on your pets.
Spiders
Spiders are common in summer as they are often driven from their hiding places by the warmer temperatures (e.g. your attic). While spiders are beneficial to have around as they eat other common pests found in your home, they can be a nuisance. Keep spiders at bay this summer by:
- Sealing around pipes and under doors.
- Using a dehumidifier to keep moisture out.
- Decluttering your home.
- Sweeping cobwebs down as soon as they appear.
Ants
Ants emerge in the summer in search of food (particularly sweets and grease) that they take back to their colonies. This is why they are often found in kitchens. You can prevent ants by:
- Getting rid of debris around foundations.
- Keeping your kitchen clean and crumb free, especially counters and appliances.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Trimming branches back from the exterior walls and roof of your home.
Stinging Pests
Stinging pests, such as wasps, hornets, bees, and yellow jackets, are prominent in the summer months. These pests will often forage for food during the warmer weather. Avoid stinging pests by:
- Covering food and drinks when outdoors.
- Avoiding sweet or flowery smelling perfumes.
- Repairing holes in decking, siding, and screens to eliminate nesting spots.
- Maintaining routine lawn care.
Don’t let summer pests ruin your time outdoors. Contact your local pest control company today for a free evaluation.
Jun 6, 2023 | Pest Control
When it comes to stinging pests, there are a few common culprits that people encounter: wasps, hornets, and bees. While these insects may look similar, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences between them and knowing what to do if you encounter one can help you stay safe.
Wasps
Wasps are slender, black, and yellow insects with smooth bodies and narrow waists. They are social insects that live in large nests with multiple females. While they are not typically aggressive, they will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Some species of wasps, like yellow jackets, can sting multiple times and their stings can be painful and potentially dangerous for those with allergies.
Hornets
Hornets are larger than wasps and are usually black with yellow or white markings. They have a distinctive, round body shape and are known for their powerful sting. Like wasps, hornets are social insects that live in large nests. They can be aggressive if they feel their nest is being threatened, and their sting can be particularly painful.
Bees
Bees are typically plumper and fuzzier than wasps and hornets and are usually brown or black with yellow markings. Unlike wasps and hornets, bees are not naturally aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. Bees are important pollinators and play a vital role in our ecosystem.
What do I do if I encounter a stinging pest?
If you encounter a stinging insect, it’s important to stay calm and avoid swatting or provoking it. If you are near a nest, move away slowly and quietly. If you are stung, remove the stinger by scraping it with a flat object like a credit card, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
How to Prevent Stings:
- Avoid wearing perfume or bright colors
- Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors
- Do not swat at a stinging insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction
- Do not attempt to remove a colony or hive by yourself
If you have a severe allergic reaction to a sting, seek medical attention immediately.
By understanding their behaviors and taking precautions to avoid them, we can coexist safely. If you have a problem with a nest or infestation, it is best to call your local professional pest control company for safe removal.
Aug 4, 2022 | Florida Pest Control
Ft. Lauderdale Stinging Pests: ID and Prevention
Summer is in full swing in Ft. Lauderdale and that should bring fun activities your way, such as relaxing outside on your patio or spending time with your kids in the backyard. Unfortunately, it can also bring summer pests! Most active in the summer are stinging pests, including yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. There are several ways to prevent these pests from messing with your summer fun, so let’s break each one down!
Hornets
On the larger side of the stinging pests, hornets have brown and yellow abdominal stripes on their bodies. Their nests are often built-in hollow trees, and the walls of houses and attics. They are attracted to light and can fly to your windows at night if they see a light on. They are relatively non-aggressive near the nest, but there is potential for a stinging hazard if threatened.
Prevent hornets by:
- Keeping garbage cans covered, as leftover food can attract hornets
- Maintaining the outside of your home, ensuring screens, window, and doors are all in good condition
- Avoiding the use of strong fragrances when outdoors
Wasps
These pests will become aggressive if they feel threatened enough and are known to sting multiple times. Wasps are highly attracted to backyard events, resulting in an increase in your chances of being stung. Their nests are typically built in branches, porch ceilings, eaves, and attic rafters.
Prevent wasps by:
- Keeping doors and windows shut
- Covering any openings in your home’s exterior
- Keeping outdoor waste containers completely covered
Yellow Jackets
These social insects are usually anywhere humans are found. They have a non-fuzzy, black and yellow striped body. Attracted to sweets and proteins, they commonly invade outdoor events. Their nests can be found either high up or in the ground. Yellow jackets will sting multiple times if they feel threatened and can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Prevent yellow jackets by:
- Avoiding sweet smelling perfume or cologne when outdoors as this will attract them
- Using plants that help deter yellow jackets, including spearmint, thyme, and lemon grass
If you have a stinging pest problem, reach out to your local Ft. Lauderdale pest control company for professional help in removing these pests from your property.
