Complete Guide To Stinging Insects In Raleigh

Types Of Stinging Insects That Call Raleigh Home

We have quite a mix of stinging insects in our Raleigh service area. While stinging pests fall into three categories you're likely aware of (bees, wasps, and hornets), there are differences between them that they share across categories. There are also several species of each. Let's take a look at these stinging pests and break them down by common traits. 

• Some are solitary insects. These don't gather into a swarm to attack. In fact, they rarely attack at all. The primary concern with these pests is that you can accidentally sit on one while attempting to relax in your yard.
• Some are social insects. These stinging pests defend their nests aggressively. If you get too close, they'll let you know it.
• Some have barbed stingers. These pests can only sting you once because their stinger gets stuck. This often leads to the death of the insect.
• Some have smooth stingers that have no barbs. These pests can grip onto you and sting multiple times.
• Some create aerial nests. You'll find these paper structures on tree branches, in bushes, on the exterior of your home, and under rooflines.
• Some create nests in the ground. These pests can surprise you while you're tending to your landscaping, or when you're mowing your lawn.
• Some create nests in structural voids. If they find a route to the interior of your home, they can give you an unwanted surprise.

As you can see, there is quite a variety. These traits are not limited to a particular category. For example, all bees are not solitary, and all wasps are not social. There are social wasps, bees, and hornets, and vice versa. Stinging insect identification is helpful because knowing facts about these pests can help you with stinging insect management, control, and prevention.   

Why Stinging Insects Are Such A Problem For Raleigh Homeowners

You may think the answer to this heading is: "It is because they sting." While you would certainly be right, there is more to it. An insect that stings can cause problems you may not even realize. Let's begin by looking at the humble carpenter bee.

• Carpenter bees rarely sting. They are solitary bees. The primary issue with these pests is that they tunnel through wood. If you see holes that are perfectly circular or you notice damage to your back deck railing that looks like it could be morse code, you have a carpenter bee problem.
• Bumble bees sting—more than you might think. They are social insects with smooth stingers. Unlike other bees, they can sting you several times, and if you get close to a bumble bee nest, you're likely to regret it. The good news is that they don't swarm. But they will defend their nests if they are disturbed.
• Yellow jackets are highly aggressive little wasps that swarm in defense of their nests. If you're worried about insect bites and stings, these are the pests to keep watch for in your yard. They often create nests in the ground.
• Paper wasps create aerial nests and are known to defend their nests aggressively. They sometimes create nests in wall voids, making removal difficult, and presenting a stinging threat indoors.
• The hornets in our area are cousins to yellow jackets. They share their aggressive behavior patterns. But it is essential to know that their stings are considered more dangerous.
• All stinging insects can present a hazard for anyone with a stinging insect allergy. A bad reaction can create a life-threatening situation.

When it comes to dealing with stinging pests in Raleigh, the best solution is proactive management. You'll definitely want to see these wasps before they see you. Let's look at how stinging insect prevention works. 

Stinging Insect Prevention Steps Every Raleigh Resident Should Know

The goal of stinging insect prevention is to consider the reasons these pests enter your yard and find their way into your home. If you alter conditions that are favorable to these pests, you can deter them. Each pest is somewhat different, and some of these tips are specific.

• Certain wasps are attracted to sources of protein, and the scent of rotting meat will attract them. It is essential that you keep trash in covered containers and wash your containers when they start to have an unpleasant odor.
• Wasps that are hunting for protein are attracted to yards that have lots of insects. You can deter insects by keeping lights off at night or by altering light conditions. For example, you can replace white outdoor lighting with yellow lighting solutions. Insects are not attracted to yellow light.
• All stinging insects are attracted to sources of nectar. If you have a lawn weed problem, it is likely that stinging insects will move in. One step toward a solution is to address lawn weeds.
• Stinging insects drink water. If you have a moisture problem resulting from a clogged gutter or leaking pipe, you can start to have a stinging insect problem.
• Stinging insects are attracted to sweet smells. If you have perfume, candles, or air fresheners, they can lure stinging insects to your property.
• Carpenter bees are attracted to sources of wood. You can specifically deter these pests by painting wood and by capping the ends of wood with metal flashing.
• Wasps and bees that get into wall voids are a pain. You can avoid that pain by using a caulking gun or expanding foam to fill in gaps, cracks, holes, and general entry points.
• Some wasps will create nests in bushes. Trim your landscaping and keep things neat to deter these pests.
• Wasps that create nests in the ground are not generally burrowing insects. For example, yellow jackets use holes created by burrowing animals. If you want to prevent a yellow jacket problem, it helps to fill in holes. Keep in mind that uneven mulch applications can create pockets large enough for yellow jackets, so make sure to rake the mulch that you are applying too your landscaping.

Simple steps like these can make a big difference when it comes to preventing issues with bees, wasps, or hornets, but are they enough? It depends on your threshold of tolerance. If you have zero tolerance for stinging insects, contact a professional. Let's look at a few more reasons why it may be time to call a professional.