Stinging Insect Identification In Coastal Carolina

There are many species of stinging insects that live throughout North Carolina. Stinging insects can be dangerous to people because of their ability to deliver painful, venom-filled stings. Insects like wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets have stingers that they use to hunt food and to defend themselves and colony from danger. When living outside and away from people, these pests are important to our ecosystem, pollinating crops and preying on nuisance insects.

Are Stinging Insects Dangerous?

Stinging insects can be very dangerous. You should never provoke these insects or purposely come into contact with them. Their stings are not only painful, but their venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions. In the case of a group attack, or highly allergic people, their stings can cause anaphylaxis. Stinging insects that build their nests in the ground in a high traffic area, or on a home, pose the most significant risks to people.

Why Do I Have A Stinging Insect Problem?

Unfortunately, almost any yard or outdoor space can become a home for stinging insects. Any property that offers a place to nest, and that is near food and water, is a place that stinging insects may decide to call home. Depending on the species, stinging insects feed on a variety of things, including other insects, proteins, nectar, honeydew, and sweets. They forage for food in gardens, on flowering trees, in garbage cans, and outdoor eating areas. Also, clogged gutters, birdbaths, ponds, and pools provide stinging insects with easy access to water.

Where Will I Find Stinging Insects?

Where stinging insects decide to nest varies by species, but most prefer to nest outside and are either aerial or ground nesters. Those that place their nests up off of the ground build them on tree branches, inside tree cavities, on utility poles, in doorways, and under decks. Ground nesters often build nests in the abandoned nests of small animals, under woodpiles, and in shrubs or bushes. If given the opportunity, stinging insects sometimes place their nests inside homes in chimneys, attics, or behind walls.

How Do I Get Rid Of Stinging Insects?

Eliminate stinging insects from your property with the help of the professionals at Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators. Trying to tackle pest problems on your own is difficult, time-consuming, and ineffective.

For over two decades, Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators has solved pest problems for home and business owners throughout Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover counties in North Carolina. Our qualified and dedicated staff solve local pest problems using the latest products, techniques, and pest control services. To start maintaining a stinging insect-free home or business, reach out to Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators today!

How Can I Prevent Stinging Insects In The Future?

Keep stinging insects out of your Wilmington, NC home with the help of Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators and the following stinging insect prevention tips.

• Keep stinging insects out of your home by placing a cap on your chimney, fixing holes along the roofline, and repairing torn screens.

• Fill in ground holes to discourage ground nests.

• Trim tree limbs back away from the exterior of your house.

• Limit the amount flowering vegetation planted on your property

• Remove fallen trees and tree stumps from your property.

• Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans and compost bins to stop stinging insects from foraging for food in them.

• Make sure outdoor eating areas clean and free of food debris.