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You’ve likely encountered bees, wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. Well, these pests are stinging insects. All of them belong to the Hymenoptera order which is also home to ants. Remember that most stinging insects are problematic for homeowners, but they’re good for the environment. They can be beneficial pollinators. If they’re not bothering you or your loved ones, you should leave them. Before dealing with the problem, you need to find out which species you’re dealing with. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know how aggressive it is and how to get rid of it.
In Milwaukee, you’re going to encounter a handful of stinging insects, including honeybees, carpenter bees, bald-faced hornets, and others. Below, you’ll learn more about these pests.
Wasps, Hornets, Or Yellowjackets?
Don’t forget to find out which species you’re dealing with. Ultimately, this is the first step in the right direction. You’ll need to look at the stinging insect and its nest. Once you’ve done that, you can likely determine which species it is.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are not overly aggressive, but they will sting. In general, they will not attack people unless they get too close to their nest. Stay a safe distance away from the nest to avoid problems. Remember that paper wasps build small, gray nests. Their nests have a unique honeycomb design. These pests tend to build nests under eaves and overhangs. They can also build them on fences.
There are several species of paper wasps. For instance, you might encounter European Paper Wasps which have black and yellow stripes. Another common type is the Northern Paper Wasp. They have brown bodies and a few orange areas. On their bodies, you will find white or yellow stripes.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are very aggressive so you’ll want to avoid them. They tend to become more aggressive in late summer and fall because their colony will get larger around this time. Usually, they build large nests that can house thousands of yellowjackets. They cover their nests with black or gray materials that look like paper. Yellowjackets tend to build their nests in attics and under porches.
However, some can also build underground nests. Unfortunately, this will make them harder to spot so you’ll be more likely to get stung. Yellowjackets have yellow and black stripes. Their antennas are black.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects. Again, these pests become more aggressive in late summer and fall. As the nest and colony get bigger, the stinging insect becomes more aggressive. Remember that stinging insects build large nests that can house many stinging insects. Their nests resemble an upside-down teardrop and tend to be attached to sides of buildings, trees, and bushes.
These stinging pests are unique because they have white and black smooth bodies.
Honeybees
Honeybees aren’t as aggressive as other stinging insects in Milwaukee. They can be bred to be gentle. When this happens, they generally will not sting. Honeybees build nests with extensive combs. In most cases, their hives are built on wall cavities. They can also be constructed on rocks and hollow trees. Honeybees are unique because they can use the same nests for several years. To achieve this goal, they’re going to store honey in their nests.
These stinging insects are orange or yellow and they have a fuzzy body.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees aren’t overly aggressive. People can approach their nests without worrying about getting attacked. Carpenter bees drill holes into wood surfaces, including siding and decks. Their holes tend to be 3/8”. The wood is tossed away and the cavity is used to care for its young. Carpenter bees look similar to bumblebees. The type of carpenter bee in our area has a black and yellow thorax that is fuzzy.
If you find a small, yellow spot on their face, you’re dealing with a male.
Dangers
Some stinging insects are dangerous, but some are not. Some will attack as soon as someone approaches their nest. However, you generally don’t have to worry about carpenter bees or honeybees. These pests are less aggressive than the others. When dealing with stinging insects, male members of any species will not sting. They’re not capable of stinging. Remember to pay close attention to the size of the nest. As it gets larger, the stinging insect becomes more aggressive. Unfortunately, you may encounter ground nests.
They’re harder to see and more difficult to avoid. If you step on a ground nest, you’re going to get stung.
Reason Stinging Insects Invade
Stinging insects are searching for places to build nests. If they can find a place to build a nest on your property, they will.
Eradicating The Stinging Insects
Stinging insects need to be removed from your property as quickly as possible. These pests can attack humans and pets. Plus, they’re going to damage your property. You may experiment with DIY chemicals to no avail. Plus, you need to remember that some of these sprays are dangerous. If you misuse them, the risks will be incredibly high. It doesn’t help that these pests are going to attack as soon as you spray. If you’re not careful, you might get stung multiple times and that could be deadly.
Work with our pest control technicians. We’re skilled and experienced. We can take care of the problem while keeping you safe every step of the way.
Safe Treatments
Although you’ll want to eliminate the pests, you don’t want to expose yourself to health hazards. Work with us because we’re ready to help. We offer safe treatments. Our company strives to provide eco-friendly treatments to guarantee satisfactory results. When necessary, we use EPA-registered products. Doing so allows us to tackle the problem without posing a risk to anyone involved.
Service Costs
Please note that our price depends on several factors, including the type of stinging insect you have. Our technician will also consider the size of your property, the nest size, and the location of the nest. We’ll give you a bid price before the procedure begins.
When Can You Start?
We want to help you remove the stinging insects from your property as swiftly as possible. Contact our office and we’ll get back to you in 24 to 48 hours.
Avoiding Future Stinging Insect Infestations
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep stinging insects away from your property. Staining the wood around your home can help. You’ll also want to learn more about our home service program. You’ll need to pay an annual fee. When you do, we’ll visit your home three times each year. We’ll inspect and treat the property when necessary. The annual fee will cover the inspections and treatments.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
