Understanding The Threat: Identifying Common Stinging Insects
Stinging insects appear all over Chicago, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. Identifying the species is often essential for treating an infestation, so you should be aware of all the different bees and wasps in Chicago.
Wasps can be distinguished from bees by their narrow “waists” and smooth bodies. Around Chicago, you might find paper wasps, European hornets, yellow jackets, and mud daubers.
Paper wasps, yellow jackets, and European hornets all build nests out of a paper-like material called cellulose. You can often find these hanging from trees or off of buildings. European hornets can be active day or night. Mud dauber wasps differ in that they build their nests out of mud. These wasps are black and can be over 1 inch long.
The bee species most concerning to Chicago homeowners is the carpenter bee. These insects are between ¼ to 1 inch long. Like bumble and honey bees, carpenter bees are black and yellow. However, you can identify them by their smooth abdomens, fuzzy heads, and thoraxes. Carpenter bees are solitary and drill holes in wood to create galleries where they lay their eggs.
Stings And Health Risks: The Dangers Of Stinging Insect Encounters
Most stinging insects in the Chicago area are not aggressive toward humans. They will, however, sting out of self-defense. Anyone approaching a bee or wasp nest should take precautions against being stung. Many people experience relatively mild reactions to bee and wasp stings. You'll have a more severe reaction if you’re allergic to wasp and bee venom. If you develop shortness of breath, extensive swelling, dizziness, or nausea after being stung, you should see a doctor.
Carpenter bees create additional problems for homeowners as they drill holes in wood. Unlike termites, carpenter bees don’t eat wood. Instead, they hollow out smooth “galleries” to hide their eggs. Eventually, a carpenter bee infestation can lead to structural damage, which can take years. However, it’s best to catch carpenter bee infestations as early as possible to minimize damage.
Because these insects will defend themselves and their homes, the best way to get rid of a wasp or bee nest is through a professional pest control company.
Safety First: The Importance Of Professional Stinging Insect Control
With Aerex Pest Control, you can trust that you’re getting the best possible treatment in the Chicago area. All of our technicians are certified through the Illinois Department of Public Health and have training from an entomologist. Our bee and wasp treatments are scientifically researched, proven effective, and safe for home use.
When you call to set up an appointment, you can expect the following from our technicians:
- Prompt response time
- Thorough inspection of your home and property
- Professional demeanor
- Safe wasp and bee nest removal
- Further treatments as needed to remove stinging insects and prevent further infestation
We pride ourselves on our Chicago-based pest control. You need professional bee and wasp removal services in Chicago; we’ve got you covered.
Stay Ahead Of The Buzz: Tips To Prevent Stinging Insects
Once we’ve removed any existing nests from your property, there are steps you can take to prevent stinging insects from ever coming back. It’s most important to remove anything that attracts stinging insects to your yard and then make sure they can’t get inside your house.
One of the biggest things you can do to keep wasps and other insects away is to cover food outside, including any outdoor trash cans. Wasps seek out just about any food to feed their young, from plants and insects to human food.
Carpenter bees prefer bare, untreated wood, so you can prevent them by painting or staining the wood around your house, making it more difficult for the bees to drill into the wood.
Make sure you seal any cracks or holes in the walls so no wasps or bees can get into your house. You should also keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. If you’re going to open windows, make sure they have intact screens with no large holes.
Bee and wasp prevention can be difficult, so remember that Aerex Pest Control always has your back. Call today to learn more about our options for safe home pest control in Chicago.