Stinging insects are a common nuisance for homeowners in Covington, LA. They can build nests and swarm in your yard, threatening your family and pets. Some of them can also cause allergic reactions or transmit diseases. To avoid a painful encounter with a bee or wasp this summer, the experts at Ja-Roy Pest Control are sharing what you need to know about avoiding stinging insects during the warm season.

Types of Stinging Insects in Your Yard

Many types of stinging insects can invade your yard. Knowing which type you have can help you create an effective strategy for preventing or eliminating an infestation. Here in LA, the most common types of stinging insects you’ll see include:

Bald-faced hornet: This is a large wasp with a black and white pattern on its head and body. It can grow up to 0.8 inches long and has a powerful sting. It builds large paper nests in trees, shrubs, or buildings.
Bumblebee: This fuzzy bee has a black and yellow or orange pattern on its body. It can grow up to 0.6 inches long and has a mild sting. It builds small nests in the ground, under logs, or in wall cavities.
Carpenter bee: This large bee has a shiny black body and yellow hairs on its head and thorax. It can grow up to 1 inch long and has a mild sting. It drills holes in wood to make nests.
Cicada killer wasp: This large wasp has a black and yellow pattern on its body and orange wings. It can grow up to 2 inches long and has a mild sting. It digs burrows in the ground to lay eggs on cicadas.
Honeybee: This small bee has a brown and yellow pattern on its body. It can grow up to 0.5 inches long and has a moderate sting. It builds honeycombs in hives or hollow trees.
Mud dauber: This slender wasp has a black or metallic blue body and yellow markings. It can grow up to 1 inch long and has a mild sting. It builds mud nests on walls, ceilings, or eaves.
Paper wasp: This medium-sized wasp has a brown or black body and yellow markings. It can grow up to 0.8 inches long and has a moderate sting. It builds paper nests under eaves, ledges, or branches.
Yellowjacket: This tiny wasp has a black and yellow pattern on its body. It can grow up to 0.5 inches long and has a painful sting. It builds paper nests in the ground, under logs, or in wall cavities. One yellow jacket prevention method is to seal any cracks or holes in your walls or roof that could provide them with a nesting site.

How to Prevent Stinging Insects From Nesting and Swarming in Your Yard

Your yard likely has everything a stinging insect could want – food, water, shelter, and nectar from plants and flowers. So, what can you do to deter them from building nests near your home? Use these tips to keep stinging insects away from your space:

Keep your trash cans tightly closed and away from your house.
Dispose of garbage regularly and do not leave food scraps outside.
Remove any standing water from your yard, such as birdbaths, buckets, or puddles.
Seal any cracks or gaps around your house that stinging insects can use to enter or nest. Use caulk, mesh, or steel wool to block them.
Trim back any overgrown vegetation from your yard, including grass, weeds, bushes, or vines.
Avoid planting flowers that attract stinging insects, such as lavender, mint, or sunflower.

Stinging Insect Prevention

A bee or wasp infestation is no joke. While a single sting may not seem like a big deal, a full nest of angry insects could be dangerous – especially if you have an allergy. That’s why it’s always best to get professional help for stinging insect prevention. A licensed pest control company can inspect your property, identify the type and source of stinging insects, and apply the best treatment methods.

Hornet, bee, and wasp prevention is essential to avoid painful stings and allergic reactions. Call JA-Roy Pest Control Services Inc. for the best pest control services for residential and commercial customers.