Wasps are Back by (Un)Popular Demand
For some, the end of summer may mean the end of flip-flops and lazy days by the pool, but it certainly does not signal the end of wasp season. In fact, at this point in the season, wasp populations are reaching their largest numbers, having had the entire... more
Tag: bees
5 Tips to Enjoy a Pest-Free Backyard BBQ
With the welcome arrival of long sunny days, people across the country will be gathering outdoors to partake in summertime fun. However, nothing ruins a backyard barbecue like pests!
Apply an Insect Repellent
Most mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so if planning a barbecue before... more
Tagged with: Apply an Insect Repellent, bbq pest, bees, Deter Stinging Insects, Drain Standing Water
Bees & Wasps — Nests in Undesirable Places
You may come across a bee or wasp nest in a building or on the ground. Paper wasps usually build their nests high enough on buildings that they’re not problematic; yellow jackets, on the other hand, may enter buildings through openings under shingles or siding to construct their nest in the... more
Hornets and Yellow Jackets — What’s the Buzz
Hornet
The most common hornet species is the bald-faced hornet (D. maculata), which is stout-bodied and marked with dark and white striping. Stings from hornets usually occur when nests are disturbed.
Yellow Jacket
Yellow jackets (Vespula spp.) are banded yellow or orange and black and... more
First Aid For Stings
The health impacts from insect stings vary widely. Most people experience pain, itching, redness, and localized swelling, which can be reduced with over-the-counter antihistamines and an ice pack. Cleansing the affected area with soap and water can also help prevent infection.
Conversely—... more
Preventing Bee Stings
Here are some general tips on avoiding insect stings;
Don’t swat at flying insects. If they land on you, gently brush them off, and then walk away.
Observe the flight pattern of the insects to determine their nest site, and then avoid it.
Avoid floral perfumes, lotions and hair... more
Bees are fuzzy
Bees are fuzzy, flying insects with yellow and black stripes. There are two common types of bees: honey bees and bumble bees. Bees are beneficial to humans because they pollinate plants, whereas wasps and hornets help out by eating other insects. However, all three can be hazardous. Stings can... more
Handling a bee or wasp sting
Some bees leave stingers, and others don't. The first step is to remove any stinger that may be left in the skin as its continuing to pump venom.
Next, follow these steps.
Use soap and water to wash the affected bee or wasp sting area. Much of the bee or wasp venom is
sitting on the... more
Why are bees attracted to people?
First, most bees aren’t going to hunt you down and attack you. They are just as afraid of you as you are of them. They want to stay out of your way. However, they are attracted to sweet scents, and if you have on perfume or cologne, they may see you as their next meal. Our scents are... more
Carpenter bees are considered a nuisance
Adult carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are considered a nuisance because they excavate tunnels into the wood of buildings. Repeated years of infestation can cause serious structural damage. Carpenter bees have a worldwide distribution. There are seven species found in the United States of... more