Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

Stinging insects are pollinators and vital to the success of the environment and our food supply. Those that are predatory help by feeding on nuisance insects, keeping their populations in check.

Bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps are the stinging insects most likely to forage for food in our yards. These stinging insects can also make their presence more permanent by building a nest there.

Though each species has unique physical features and behaviors, all stinging insects have a stinger that extends from their hind end. They use their stinger to defend themselves against threats or to paralyze their insect prey.

While not all species are aggressive, all stinging insects can be dangerous. The venom they inject with their stings is potent enough to trigger allergic reactions and, in some people, life-threatening allergic reactions.

Two things are most likely to increase the chance of you or a family member being stung when trying to spend time in your yard. The first is a large number of stinging insects regularly foraging for food there. The second is when they build a nest in a high-traffic area of your property.

If stinging insects make it difficult for you to enjoy your yard safely, reach out to a professional for help!

Stinging insects live and breed outside. They don't respect property lines and will move anywhere that provides them with food, water, and shelter. Any of our yards, trees, or gardens can become home to stinging insects.

Stinging insects build their nests in a variety of locations. Their main concern is finding a place that shelters them from predators and the weather. They also like to build their nests in areas with reliable food and water sources.

Some species build their nests in trees, shrubs, and under roof eaves above the ground; others make them closer to the ground within woodpiles, tree stumps, and under decks or similar structures. Some stinging insects are ground nesters and build nests in the ground using holes dug by other animals.

Our homes also provide stinging insects with suitable nesting spots. You'll regularly find stinging insect nests in attics, wall voids, chimneys, vents, or behind light fixtures.

The easiest and safest way to get rid of stinging insects from your property and stop them from becoming an issue again is to partner with a local and experienced professional.

At Womack Pest Control, we provide personalized and exceptional pest control solutions in Rockville, MD. We know how to keep the stinging insects in Maryland out of your home and yard and away from your family.

Call today, and let's work together to solve your problems with stinging insects and other pests!

You can do several things around your yard to make it less attractive to stinging insects. Here are our top stinging insect prevention tips:

• Keep trees and shrubs on your property well pruned.
• Remove standing water from your property.
• Limit the number of flowering plants that you have planted in your yard.
• Don't place flowers near your home's entrances.
• When eating outside, make sure to cover food and drinks.

For more information about stinging insects and how to keep them from taking over your greater Maryland yard, please call today!