Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects are pests that are both harmful and helpful. These insects help to pollinate the trees, flowers, and crops that help people and animals around the world survive. Those that are predators feed on and help control the numbers of nuisance insects living in our outdoor environments.

While stinging insects are responsible for a lot of good, they can also wreak havoc. The stingers that they possess are capable of delivering painful stings to people and animals. Because of their ability to sting, their presence makes it difficult to enjoy outdoor spaces, including our backyards!

Stinging insects belong to the order Hymenoptera, the group that also consists of ants. Some of the most common species of stinging insects that we run into in our Arizona yards include:

• Bees
• Wasps
• Hornets
• Yellow jackets

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Stinging insects will defend themselves and their nests by delivering painful stings filled with toxic venom potent enough to trigger an allergic response in people. Many stinging insects live together in colonies with thousands of workers, making it very dangerous to have these pests around.

An allergic reaction can range from a mild swelling around the sting site to issues breathing and even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

In addition to the stings being painful and triggering allergic reactions, they also create an opening in your skin that can become infected.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects can’t resist our Arizona yards and homes because they provide a variety of nesting sites, food sources, and water sources.

Stinging insects are seen during the day flying around and gathering food to bring back to their colony. Some feed on plant nectar, while others feed on insects, other proteins, and many other of the same foods that we do.

Some of their favorite foraging sites and what typically draws them to our Tucson properties include:

• Trash cans
• Compost bins
• Recycling bins
• Flowerbeds
• Fruit trees
• Picnic tables, grills, and other outdoor eating areas

Where will I find stinging insects?

Stinging insects will build their nests in a variety of places, with the common factor being protection. They will choose an area that protects them from both harsh weather and predators.

Some stinging insects, such as yellow jackets, like to build their nests in the ground, the abandoned nests of animals, under mulch or another ground cover, or in the soil next to foundations.

Hornets and bees prefer to nest up off the ground. They will nest in our yards or on our homes. Trees, bushes, roof eaves, and spaces behind window shutters, siding, or shingles are common nesting sites. They also like to build nests under decks, grills, and porch steps.

Sometimes stinging insects will exploit an opening in your home’s exterior to create a nest within a wall void, chimney, or vent. Once they abandon the nest, it will attract other insects, and as the nest decays, it will cause mold issues to develop in your home.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Don’t let stinging insects limit your ability to enjoy your outdoor space. If you are spotting stinging insects buzzing around your yard or have discovered a nest, immediately reach out to the professionals at Pest Friends.

Our local professionals understand the pest pressures our customers face each day and work closely with them to resolve the situation. We will rid your home and yard of stinging insects through our modern pest control solutions, eco-friendly approach, and innovative services. To learn more about our stinging insect control services or to schedule a complimentary inspection of your property, reach out to Pest Friends today!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Stinging insects are outdoor pests that won’t hesitate to make any Tucson property into their nesting or feeding grounds. While the best solution is a professional solution, there are some things you can do around your property to make it less attractive to stinging insects.

The best way to avoid stinging insects is to make changes around your property that will remove their easy access to food sources and nesting sites.

• Reduce the number of flowering plants you have on your property, especially those planted close to your home.
• Keep lids on trash cans and recycling bins to keep foraging stinging insects out of them.
• Outdoor eating areas need to be kept free of food debris and leftover drink containers.
• Cut back overgrown trees, shrubs, and bushes.
• Keep your lawn mowed short. Fill in holes that develop in your yard.
• Keep screens on chimneys and vents.

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