Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects are pests that have a stinger located on the end of the abdomen or tail that they use to defend themselves or to paralyze prey. Stinging pests are beneficial because, as predators, they help to control populations of mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.

Some of the most well-known stinging insects that live in Alabama and pose a threat to people and our pets include:

• Wasps

• Yellow jackets

• Bald-faced hornets

• Mud daubers

• Scorpions

The scorpion is the only stinging pest in our area that is not an "insect." Scorpions are a type of arachnid and are related to spiders and mites.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Stinging insects are dangerous; some species are aggressive and some possess venom that, when injected, is strong enough to cause serious allergic reactions in people. Stings from these insects are painful and can cause allergic reactions that range from mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening reactions may occur.

In the case of mud daubers and scorpions, stings usually only occur after stepping on them or otherwise accidentally coming into contact with them. On the other hand, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets are known for their aggressive nature and won't hesitate to sting if you become a perceived threat. Also, they have smooth stingers and can sting multiple times.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Properties with large populations of insects and other prey for stinging pests to hunt are very attractive to wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mud daubers, and scorpions. Wooded areas, fields, meadows, and yards are all places where stinging insects look for sources of food, water, and shelter. Properties that have a lot of trees or flowering vegetation, gardens, or are located near water sources are most attractive to stinging insects.

Yellow jackets and other stinging insects like to forage for food inside recycling bins, trash cans, compost bins, and outdoor eating areas. Stinging insects can ruin outdoor events and make spending time in your backyard uncomfortable, stressful, and dangerous.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Scorpions prefer to live outside, but if the weather becomes too hot and dry, they move inside, seeking a more humid environment. Outside, scorpions like to hide under woodpiles, fallen trees, behind tree bark, and in mulch. Inside, basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and laundry rooms all make great hideouts. You'll often find scorpions climbing on walls and in sinks and tubs.

Yellow jackets are ground nesters and build nests under shrubs, woodpiles, rocks, mulch, inside ground holes, or in the abandoned nests of small animals. Wasps, mud daubers, bald-faced hornets all place their nests in similar areas up off the ground—in the branches of trees, in shrubs, in door frames, and on rafters under roof eaves. They also nest in chimneys and behind wall voids.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

If you are looking to eliminate stinging insects from your property, reach out to the professionals at Prewett Pest Control. Through advanced technology and convenient and modern services, we offer our customers exceptional wasp control and removal services. Get rid of stinging insects and keep them from returning to your residential or commercial property, by reaching out to the experts at Prewett Pest Control. Contact us today to learn more about our local and effective stinging insect control services in Auburn, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding communities!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

To help stop stinging insects from taking over your Alabama property, we want to offer some easy-to-execute pest prevention tips:

• Keeping stinging insects out of your home and away from your family by making sure screens are in place and intact. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.

• Place a cap on the chimney and cover vents.

• Repair damage to wooden doors or window trim.

• Limit the amount of flowering vegetation you plant close to your home's exterior, especially at entry and exit points.

• Cut back tree branches and overgrown shrubbery away from your home's exterior walls.

• Remove things like tree stumps, fallen trees, and repair ground holes that could provide sheltered nesting spots.

• Get rid of water sources by keeping gutters free of debris, repairing leaky fixtures, and not overwatering garden areas.