Stinging Insects

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects have a stinger that they use to hunt prey and defend themselves from danger. Where a stinging insect decides to nest determines whether they are unwanted or helpful pests.

Out in nature, away from people, stinging insects are very beneficial, helping to pollinate plants and keep populations of nuisance insects in check. However, when stinging insects place their nest near or on our homes, they become dangerous, unwanted pests. Some of the most common stinging insects in our area of North Carolina are paper wasps, yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets, and mud daubers.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Stinging insects can deliver painful, venom-filled stings that, in some people, trigger allergic reactions. Though not all species are aggressive, you should always take great care to avoid contact with stinging insects and their nests. When stinging insects feel threatened, their only means of defense is to use their stinger.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Stinging insects live and breed outside and will take advantage of any property that offers them suitable sources of food and shelter. If your property provides plenty of flowering plants and trees to forage for food, insects to feed their developing larvae, and areas of secluded shelter to create their nests, stinging insects will turn your property into their home.

Where will I find stinging insects?

You’ll commonly encounter stinging insects during the summer and fall months when their colonies are at their largest size, and the workers are out and about foraging for food. Depending on their species, stinging insects will create aerial or ground nests.

Their umbrella-shaped nests commonly identify paper wasps. They place these nests up off the ground in trees, under decks, in door frames, under roof eaves, or on utility poles. Mud daubers build their small distinctive nests out of mud. They usually place their nests in protected areas under overhangs, within tight crevices between rocks, and in attics.

Yellow Jackets are ground-nesters. They prefer to place their nests in the ground under woodpiles, bushes, or in the abandoned nests of small animals. Bald-faced hornets like to nest in hollow trees, in barns, attics, garages, and behind wall voids.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

Eliminating household pests is a job best left to professionals. Get rid of stinging insects and other household pests from your Wilmington area home with the help of the local experts at Jay Taylor Exterminating. With over 80 years of experience in the industry, we know how to get pests out and keep them out! We deliver high-quality pest control and exceptional customer service that you can count on.

For homeowners looking to maintain a pest-free household, reach out to Jay Taylor Exterminating Co. and learn about our residential pest control solutions!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Avoid attracting stinging insects to your North Carolina property by implementing some of these stinging insect prevention tips in and around your home:

• Don’t overplant flowering vegetation near your home’s exterior.

• Remove fallen trees from your yard.

• Fill any ground holes in your yard. 

• Seal holes found along the roofline and keep caps on chimneys. 

• Replace torn or loose window or door screens.

• Place woodpiles away from the outside of your home.

• Caulk any openings in your home’s exterior walls.

• Keep tight-fitting lids on all garbage cans and keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.