Stinging Insect Control

• How big are paper wasps? The size of paper wasps range from 5/8-3/4 inches long (16-20 mm)
• What is the scientific name of paper wasps? Polistes spp
• Brownish in color with yellow or reddish markings
• Equipped with 6 legs and 2 antennas
• Oval-shaped with long legs
• Often referred to as umbrella wasps
• Tend to live in small and personalized colonies
• Considered to be social compared to other wasp breeds
• Known to feed off of nectar and other insects including flies, caterpillars, and ants
• Females are known to migrate inside during cold months after inseminated
• Strategically place nests in trees, porch crevasses, on top of windows and doorframes, deck railings and floor joints, and even in gutters
• Have been known to sting if they’re disturbed or if their nest is threatened
• Stings are known to be painful and also inflict allergic reactions
• Can be controlled and somewhat prevented by meticulously maintaining landscaping, walkways, railings, porches, and trees (if possible)

• How big are yellowjackets? Between 3/8-5/8 of an inch long
• What is the scientific name of yellowjackets? Vespula spp. 
• Black with yellow-striped patterns throughout
• Equipped with 6 legs and an antenna
• Found throughout the United States
• Oval-shaped with relatively short legs
• Live in large-sized colonies that consist of up to 4,000 worker bees
• Most active and bothersome during the late months of summer and early autumn, as their colonies are at their peak during those times
• Known to feed exclusively on sweet plants and vegetables and protein-rich plants
• Consume protein in their larval stage, unlike other similar insects
• Can be found essentially anywhere humans can be found, meaning it’s difficult to predict where they’ll end up building a nest
• Nests are built out of chewed up cellulose and can often be found in high-up crevasses and  holes in the ground
• Will sting if threatened, which is an issue because they feel threatened extremely easily
• Considered social insects that are not afraid of humans
• Led by a queen bee, whom lives over the wintertime and initiates a new colony each spring
• Pose a significant health risk to humans, as they’re known to sting numerous times as opposed to only one time
• Send approximately 525,000 humans to the emergency room each year in the United States alone, which is astronomically high
• Can be controlled and even prevented by managing garbage cans closely (ensure they’re cleaned regularly and not left untouched for extended amounts of time), and avoid strong-smelling perfumes in late summer and early autumn seasons

• How big are bald-faced hornets? Generally, between 1/2-5/8 inches, Queen bald-faced hornets are typically around 3/4 of an inch
• What is the scientific name of bald-faced hornets? Dolichovespula maculata
• Mostly black in color with a handful of white spots on body and face
• Equipped with 6 legs and antennas
• Long and thin in shape
• Can be found throughout the United States
• Known for being fast-moving and aggressive
• Build large paper-like, enclosed nests in trees that have been known to grow larger than a basketball over a month or two
• Can be controlled and possibly regulated by keeping a close eye on any potential paper-like nest forming in a tree around your home
• What do bald-faced hornets eat? Primarily flower nectar or juices. As members of the Vespidae family, they’ve also been known to live off of protein by eating other insects or small animals.
• How do bald-faced hornets reproduce? Queen bald-faced hornets lay numerous eggs inside her colonies nest which eventually hatch into larvae
• Do bald-faced hornets hibernate? Queen bald-faced hornets hibernate, usually inside a home owner’s shed or garage

Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests in exposed areas like under eaves and decks and can become aggressive if threatened. While generally less aggressive than yellowjackets, paper wasps will sting to defend their nests, posing a risk to anyone nearby.

• Yellowjackets are aggressive stinging insects that become especially problematic in late summer and early fall when their colonies are at their peak. Their nests are often hidden in walls, underground, or in other hard-to-spot areas, making them a serious threat if disturbed. Stomp Pest Control specializes in treating yellowjacket infestations and safely removing their nests, reducing the risk of painful stings and protecting your home. With our expert service, we ensure that yellowjackets are eliminated, keeping your property safe.

Bald-faced hornets are aggressive stinging insects that build large, football-shaped nests often found in trees, bushes, or under eaves. Known for defending their nests fiercely, they pose a serious threat if disturbed. Their painful stings and ability to attack in swarms make them a dangerous pest to have around your home, especially during the warmer months when their nests are most active. Keeping these pests under control is essential to ensuring safety in your outdoor spaces.

Carpenter bees are large, solitary bees that bore into wood to create nests, often causing damage to structures like decks, fences, and eaves. While they are generally non-aggressive, their tunneling can weaken wood over time, leading to costly repairs. Carpenter bees can be especially active in spring, and preventing their damage is important for maintaining the integrity of your home’s exterior.

Bumblebees are large, fuzzy bees that are generally non-aggressive and known for their excellent pollination abilities. They often nest in the ground or in sheltered areas like compost piles or beneath decks. While they are usually peaceful, bumblebees can become defensive if their nest is disturbed, posing a risk of painful stings. Having them nearby may become an issue if their nests are in high-traffic areas around your home.

Keeping your landscaping well-maintained is crucial in deterring bee and wasp activity since overgrown foliage provides an attractive, sheltered environment for wasps and hornets to build nests. Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes regularly to eliminate potential nesting sites. 

When possible, keeping walkways, patios, and decks clear of debris can help prevent these insects from hiding or nesting in these areas.

Wasps are particularly attracted to food waste and sugary residues. To prevent them from foraging near your home, ensure that all trash cans are tightly sealed with well-fitted lids and are regularly cleaned to eliminate food particles. 

Placing garbage cans a reasonable distance away from entry points like doors and windows will also help keep them at bay.

Bees and wasps are drawn to water sources, so fix any leaky faucets, remove bird baths, and ensure proper drainage in your yard.

Regularly inspect outdoor structures such as eaves, sheds, attics, and garages for early signs of nests. Wasps, hornets, and bees tend to build their nests in secluded or high-up locations. By catching nest formation early, you can address the problem before it becomes a larger infestation. 

If you notice even a small nest, it’s important to contact our pest control professionals immediately for safe and effective bee and wasp removal.

Bees and wasps may reuse or build near old nests, so it’s important to safely remove any from previous seasons.

Check for and seal any cracks in walls, eaves, or sheds where bees and wasps might build nests.