Bees and Wasps: Understanding Stinging Insects in Your Area
Bees and wasps are two types of stinging insects; while these insects are related, they are different species with varying appearances. Wasps typically have a narrow waist because of a small tube that connects the thorax to the abdomen. Bees usually have a more round or oval body shape.
We consider both wasps and bees to be eco-important. Bees are responsible for pollinating the plants, trees, and crops we need to survive. Wasps also help pollinate, but their primary importance comes from their feeding habits. Wasps hunt and feed on insects, helping to control populations of nuisance insects and garden pests.
Understanding the Risks: Are Bees and Wasps Dangerous?
Insects that sting, like bees and wasps, are dangerous pests; their ability to sting and fly and quick movements threaten people and animals alike. Not all bees and wasps are aggressive, but they certainly won't delay guarding themselves or their nest against a perceived threat. Unfortunately, doing things like walking across your lawn, gardening, pruning trees, or taking out the trash can put you in direct contact with stinging insects and result in a painful sting.
Not only are stings from bees and wasps painful, but people allergic to their venom can also experience a localized, whole-body, or in some cases, life-threatening reaction. Not sharing your home with bees and wasps is essential to the health and safety of yourself and your family.
Why do I have a bee and wasp problem?
Bees collect and feed nectar and pollen to the young bees back at the nest and store it away to feed the rest of their colony. Wasps prey upon insects that they can bring back to the nest to feed their larvae. Pollen, nectar, and insects are abundant in our Phoenix yards and attract various stinging insects to our outdoor spaces. In addition to food, our yards are popular with bees and wasps because they offer these pests water sources and safe, sheltered spots to create their nests.
Where will I find bees and wasps?
There are many places you will find bee and wasp nests. Where exactly they build their nests depends on the exact species. Some bees and wasps are solitary, and each female builds its own nest. Other species are social, meaning they live together in large groups.
Common places we discover stinging insect nests include some of the following:
- Tree branches and tree hollows
- Within shrubs or vines
- Under roof eaves and decks
- Inside ground holes or the abandoned nest of small animals
- Within rock or wood piles
- In attics, chimneys, and wall voids
Additionally, a stinging insect may decide to build a nest inside a grill, car, or lawnmower that isn't in use. They also like building their nests inside play structures, sheds, garages, and behind outdoor light fixtures.
At your first notice that stinging insects are swarming your property, reach out to a professional to safely and quickly remove these dangerous insects.
How do I get rid of bees and wasps?
Partner with Eco Valley Pest Control to eliminate unwanted, dangerous bees and wasps from your Phoenix property. We understand that each property we treat is unique, and we work with our customers to ensure we meet individual pest control needs. Our experts will identify the stinging insects on your property, locate where they are nesting, and safely remove them and their nests from your home or yard. To learn more about pest control in Phoenix, please call today.
How can I prevent bees and wasps in the future?
To make your Phoenix property less attractive to bees and wasps, take advantage of these easy-to-execute prevention tips:
- Plant plants near your home's entrances and sitting areas that repel bees and wasps, like basil, citronella, marigolds, and eucalyptus.
- Cut back tree branches, shrubs, and bushes from your home's exterior.
- Fill in ground holes and bare spots on your property.
- Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans and recycling bins to keep wasps out.
- Screen in outdoor porches or other seating areas to keep stinging insects out.
- Remove woodpiles and other yard debris from your property.
Don't share your property with bees and wasps longer than necessary; remove them from your property with the help of a local home pest control professional. Call Eco Valley Pest Control for help with stinging insects in Phoenix.
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