As the warmer months approach, so does the arrival of stinging insects that can disrupt outdoor activities. If you own a home in lower Michigan, upper Indiana, or upper Ohio, you should prepare for stinging insects that might nest and swarm your yard.
Stinging insects can be more than a nuisance. They can also harm your health and threaten your safety. To enjoy your yard without fear of these unwanted visitors, you must take steps to deter them.
Identify the Stinging Insects in Your Area
To keep stinging insects away, start by knowing the kinds of insects in your region. Various types of stinging insects have different behaviors, habitats, and preferences. Here are some brief descriptions of the most common stinging insects in Michigan:
- Bald-faced hornet: This wasp has black and white markings and hangs its paperlike nest from trees or buildings. It stings repeatedly and fiercely defends its nest.
- Bumblebee: This fuzzy bee with yellow and black bands lives underground. It helps pollinate plants and can sting multiple times. It usually only attacks if someone provokes it.
- Carpenter bee: This large bee has a shiny black abdomen and makes its nest in softwood. It can damage wooden structures but rarely stings. It may act territorial and aggressive.
- Cicada killer wasp: This big wasp with black and yellow markings preys on cicadas. It digs in the ground to lay eggs and usually only stings if someone handles or steps on it.
- European hornet: This big wasp with brown and yellow markings nests inside hollow trees or walls. It stings repeatedly and is active at night. It harms plants by chewing on bark and leaves.
- Honeybee: This bee has a furry thorax and a smooth abdomen with dark and orange-yellowish bands. Living in hives with visible combs, it is vital for pollination and honey production. It stings once and then dies.
- Mud dauber: This slender wasp with black or metallic blue markings builds a mud nest on walls or ceilings. It stings only if someone disturbs it.
- Paper wasp: This slender wasp with long legs and a narrow waist hangs its paperlike nest from trees or buildings. It stings repeatedly and usually does not attack unless its nest is in danger. Wasp prevention can help you enjoy your outdoor activities without fear of stings.
- Yellowjacket: This wasp with bright yellow and black bands lives in the ground or cavities. It stings repeatedly and aggressively and likes sugary foods and garbage. Yellow jacket prevention is vital for avoiding painful stings and allergic reactions.
Stinging Insect Prevention
The last thing you want is a horde of bees or wasps inside of your home. Thankfully, prevention doesn’t have to be too time consuming or difficult. To prevent stinging insects from entering your house, follow these quick tips:
- Fill any holes or cracks in your walls, roof, or foundation.
- Cut any plants or branches that touch your home.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clear and clean.
- Use mesh or screens to cover any openings or vents.
- Get rid of any old or unused items they could use for shelter or nesting.
- Avoid luring stinging insects with food or water.
Call a Professional Exterminator
If stinging insects are bothering you in your yard, contact a professional exterminator who can get rid of them safely and efficiently. Griffin Pest Solutions is a trusted and reliable pest control company that can help you with any stinging insect problem.
Do not let stinging insects ruin your summer fun. Contact Griffin Pest Solutions today for a free quote on their stinging insect control services. Our team of fully licensed pest control technicians has proudly served local homeowners since 1929, and we implement Integrated Pest Management techniques to keep infestations from returning in the future. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or you just want peace of mind, we’ve got you covered!
