Stinging Insects

Residents of San Antonio will encounter stinging insects because they’re common in our area. These pests are incredibly common so you’re going to encounter bees, hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets. It is pertinent to take steps to defend yourself from these pests. Although they can be beneficial pollinators, they’re dangerous too. Therefore, you don’t want to let them linger around your property. You’ll want to wipe out their colony as soon as possible. Once you’ve done that, you can sleep soundly knowing you’ll be safe in your backyard. However, you should leave these pests alone if you find them in Mother Nature.

In Texas, there are many stinging insects. Some of the most common stinging insects in our area include bald-faced hornets, honeybees, paper wasps, carpenter bees, and yellowjackets. Below, you’ll learn more about these pests and you’ll discover ways to identify them.

Which?

Before you can do anything about the problem you’re facing, you’ll need to identify the species. Otherwise, you won’t know how to fix the issue. You can identify the stinging insect species by looking at the pest and its nest. Use what you find and compare it with the information provided below.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are common in Texas. Although they’re mildly aggressive, they still bite people from time to time. To reduce the risks involved, try to stay away from their nests. Never put your hand close to paper wasps because you will get stung. Paper wasps build nests that are smaller than other stinging insects, and they’re round and gray. The inner portion has a honeycomb pattern. Although paper wasps nests can be built elsewhere, they can be found near eaves and overhangs.

San Antonio is home to several paper wasp species, including European Paper Wasps and Northern Paper Wasps. The latter has brown bodies with a few deep orange spots. On their bellies, you will find stripes that are either white or yellow. European Paper Wasps have yellow and black stripes. Their antennas are orange.

Yellowjackets

You cannot approach a yellowjacket nest because these stinging insects are very aggressive. When dealing with a yellowjacket infestation, it is wise to work with a qualified professional. When the colony gets larger, yellowjackets become more aggressive. A yellowjacket nest can house thousands of stinging insects simultaneously. A black or gray material that resembles paper will normally cover the outer portion of the nest. Their nests can be found near attics and porches. Unfortunately, some species will build nests underground and this makes them very difficult to avoid.

Yellowjackets have black antennas. Their abdomens have yellow and black stripes. They’re fast fliers and soar across your property with their legs tucked against their bodies.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are just as aggressive as yellowjackets. Again, they’re going to become more aggressive as the pest’s colony gets larger. In general, they’re more aggressive in late summer and early fall. It is best to stay away from their nests around this time. Nests can house many stinging insects. They’re large and shaped like a teardrop. Bald-faced hornet nests are found on trees, bushes, and building sides.

These stinging insects are white and black. Their thoraxes, abdomens, and heads are larger than other stinging insects.

Honeybees

Thankfully, honeybees are less aggressive than other stinging insects. Still, you don’t want them to ruin your property. Some people bred honeybees so they won’t be aggressive at all. These pests do not sting when they’re properly bred and trained. Their hives are created using wax and feature intricate combs. Wall cavities, rocks, and hollow trees are often sites of honeybee nests. Honeybees are unique because they can use the same nest for multiple years. They store honey in their nest to ensure that they have enough food to survive throughout the cold, winter months.

These pests are yellow or orange. They have fuzzy, brown bodies.

Carpenter Bees

Finally, San Antonio residents are going to encounter carpenter bees. The good news is that they’re less aggressive than other stinging insects. Their nests can be approached without them becoming aggressive. Their nests are much different since they bore holes in wood. Unfortunately, this means that they’re going to destroy wood surfaces on decks, porches, and siding. The hole is roughly 3/8” in diameter. The wood is discarded. Carpenter bees used the hole to care for their young.

Bumblebees and carpenter bees look similar. Carpenter bees are slightly larger. The primary species of carpenter bee in our area has a black and yellow thorax. Its abdomen is shiny and hairless. A male will have a yellow spot on his face.

Dangerous Or Not?

Most people realize that stinging insects can be dangerous. Since they can sting, they could hurt you. Suffice to say, you don’t want to get stung by stinging insects. Another issue is that some of these pests can sting multiple times. Some people are allergic to their stings and that can be deadly. Underground nests can be difficult to avoid. As for visible nests, it is a good idea to stay away from them. One unique thing about stinging pests is that no male stinging insect can sting. They will attempt to defend their nest though. As a stinging insect colony grows, the insects will get more aggressive.

Why Do You Have Stinging Insects?

Stinging insects approach properties because they’re looking for suitable nesting locations. If they can build a nest on your property, they will.

Removing An Infestation

Unfortunately, it can be dangerous to try to get rid of stinging insects on your property. If you’re not careful, you’re going to get stung. In the worst-case scenario, you’re going to get stung multiple times and it could be incredibly dangerous. Although you can use DIY sprays, doing so is not a good idea. These sprays could be risky since you’re going to anger the stinging insects. As soon as you spray the nest, the pests are going to attack you. You can try waiting until the sun goes down because they’ll be less aggressive at night. Still, the risks are immense.

Working with a San Antonio professional exterminator is the best way to minimize the risks.

Safe Treatments

We recommend working with a qualified exterminator since they’ll offer safer treatments. Our company strives to provide the safest treatments in the industry. When you work with us, you’ll be in good hands from start to finish. Our technicians always eliminate pests using the latest EPA-registered products. We know that these products are effective and safe. Therefore, we can protect you while removing the stinging insects swiftly. Call us to find out about the steps we take to protect you and your loved ones.

Stinging Insect Extermination Costs

When we remove stinging insects, we’re going to set the price based on several factors, including the type of stinging insect you have. We’ll also consider the size of the property, the location of the nest, and the size of the nest. You’ll receive a bid price from our exterminator before the procedure begins.

When Can You Begin?

Call us immediately. Don’t let stinging insects ruin your property. When you call our office, you can expect to hear from us within 24 to 48 hours. We’ll help you schedule an appointment so it is only a matter of time before the pests are gone.

Preventing Stinging Insects From Invading

It is difficult to stop stinging insects from building nests on your property. Therefore, we recommend signing up for our home service program. Pay an annual fee and we’ll send an exterminator to your home three times a year. During their visit, the exterminator will check your property and home for pests. If they find any, they’ll get rid of them quickly. The annual fee will cover the inspections and treatments. Contact us to learn more about our home service program now.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.