Stinging insects are not only an annoyance but can also cause pain and even severe medical reactions. That’s why it’s so important to know how to identify stinging insects and how to prevent them from nesting on your property.

Let’s look at the most common stinging pests in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area (DMV) and what you, as a homeowner, can do to keep your home sting-free.

Identify Stinging Insects in the DMV Region

There are many species of bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets around the world. Here are the ones specific to the DMV region you should know about.

Baldfaced Hornets

Baldfaced Hornets are black with white markings and are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their nests. Their nests are typically found in trees or shrubs and resemble grayish football-shaped structures. While their sting is painful, it's not considered dangerous unless you're allergic.

Carpenter Bees

Although often mistaken for bumblebees, carpenter bees are larger and have shiny abdomens. They burrow into wood to nest, potentially causing structural damage if this happens to your house. However, they rarely sting unless provoked, and only females have stingers, which are not venomous to humans.

Bumble Bees

Bumble Bees are robust, hairy, and typically black and yellow in color. They often nest in underground cavities or abandoned rodent burrows. While their sting is painful, they’re generally not aggressive unless their nest is threatened.

Eastern Cicada Killers

These large, solitary wasps have yellow and black markings. Their nests are burrowed in the ground. Eastern cicada killers aren’t typically aggressive toward humans unless handled or threatened. Their sting is primarily used to paralyze cicadas for their larvae.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are known for their long bodies and slender waists. They are usually brownish with yellow markings. They build paper-like nests under eaves or in trees or shrubs. While their stings can be painful, they’re not as aggressive as some other species unless their nest is disturbed.

Yellow Jackets

Often mistaken for bees, yellow jackets are yellow and black but have a slimmer waist. They build nests in various locations, including underground, in walls, or hanging from branches or overhangs. Their potent stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

When are Stinging Insects Most Active?

Stinging insects are most active during the warmer months, especially from late spring to early fall. They’re particularly active during late afternoon hours when temperatures are higher. That’s when they actively forage for food and build their nests. In fact, bees cannot fly at night, though they do sometimes crawl around.

However, this doesn’t mean you’ll never encounter a stinging insect at night. Your best bet is to always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in hot weather.

How to Prevent Stinging Insects In and Around Your Home

While these preventive measures are not foolproof, they are highly effective in safeguarding your home and family against major stinging insect infestations.

Tightly Close All Trash and Recycling Bins

Stinging insects can access food sources and nesting materials from open trash cans. Keep your bins tightly closed to reduce the attraction of these insects to your property and minimize the risk of infestations and stings.

Keep Your Windows Closed

Closed windows act as a physical barrier that prevents stinging insects from entering your home. Screens on your windows and doorways will further reinforce this protective measure.

Clean Your Outdoor Areas

Regularly cleaning outdoor areas removes debris, food residues, and standing water that can attract stinging insects. Eliminating these attractants makes the environment less hospitable to these pests.

Don’t Feed Pets Outside

Feeding pets indoors prevents leftover food from attracting stinging insects. It reduces the chances of these insects being drawn to your yard or patio, thereby decreasing the risk of encounters and stings. Keep your pet’s food and water bowls indoors or promptly remove them after outdoor use.

Remove or Cover Water Sources Around Your Home

Stinging insects love stagnant water. Remove or cover water sources such as birdbaths, stagnant pools, or leaky faucets to prevent stinging insects from accessing water and establishing nests nearby. By denying these pests essential resources, you discourage them from making homes on your property.

Reduce the Bugs That Act As Prey For Stinging Insects

Don’t let stinging insects find reliable sources of food on your property. Disrupt their food chain by making your property less attractive to smaller bugs and insects.

Seal Your Home’s Holes and Gaps

Sealing holes and gaps in your home's exterior prevents stinging insects from entering and nesting inside structures. By eliminating potential entry points, you'll reduce the likelihood of indoor infestations.

Call a Professional Pest Control Service

Professional pest control services offer expertise, resources, and targeted treatments to effectively manage stinging insect populations. This often includes both preventive measures before stinging pests emerge for the summer and extermination services should you find a nest or infestation.

Get Rid of Stinging Pests With CroppMetcalfe

Homeowners in the DMV area can enjoy peace of mind from stinging pests with CroppMetcalfe pest control services. Contact us today to learn more about our inspection, removal, and prevention services for your home and our guaranteed pest control service plan!

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