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Stinging Insects

Stinging Insects

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Stinging Insects
European Honey Bees

European Honey Bees

Pest Details
Color:
Golden-brown body with black bands; covered in fine yellowish hairs that give a fuzzy appearance.
Size:
Approximately ½ inch (12–15 mm) long. Queens are larger, up to 20 mm.
Legs:
Six legs, adapted for gathering pollen with special pollen baskets on the hind legs.
Shape:
Oval, segmented body with distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. The waist is slightly narrow; wings are clear and extend beyond the abdomen.

Pest Habits & Characteristics

Common signs of infestation:

  • Groups of bees entering and exiting a small hole or gap in siding, roofs, or walls
  • Persistent buzzing sounds within a wall or ceiling
  • Honey or wax residue seeping through walls or ceilings
  • Increased bee activity around flowering plants or water sources
Image Attribute
European Honey Bee
Preparation For Service

Preparation for service:

  • Do not attempt to seal the entry hole or spray chemicals yourself; this can drive bees deeper into the structure.
  • Keep children and pets away from the area.
  • Note the times of day when bee activity is highest and inform the technician.
  • If honeycomb is inside a structure, be prepared for possible wall opening and removal to prevent future infestations or odors from decaying honey.
Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp

Pest Details
Color:
Yellow with black stripes.
Size:
3/4" to 1" Inch Long.
Legs:
6
Shape:
Slender body with a narrow waist and long legs that dangle in flight.

Pest Habits & Characteristics

  • Visible nests hanging from eaves or other sheltered locations.
  • Presence of adult wasps flying around and building their paper cone nests.
    • Image Attribute
    Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
    Preparation For Service
  • Avoid disturbing the nests to prevent aggressive behavior.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent wasps from entering the home.
  • Inform the pest control professional of the specific locations of nests.
    • Mud Dauber Wasp

    Mud Dauber Wasp

    Pest Details
    Color:
    Black with a metallic blue or green sheen.
    Size:
    1/2" to 1" Inch Long.
    Legs:
    6
    Shape:
    Slender body with a long, narrow waist and elongated abdomen.

    Pest Habits & Characteristics

  • Mud nests attached to walls, ceilings, and other structures.
  • Presence of adult wasps flying near nesting sites.
  • Small, round holes in dried mud nests, indicating emerged wasps.
    • Image Attribute
    Keenan Pepper, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons & Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons combined
    Preparation For Service
  • Avoid disturbing the nests to prevent wasps from abandoning them.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent wasps from entering the home.
  • Inform the pest control professional of the specific locations of nests.
    • European Hornet

    European Hornet

    Pest Details
    Color:
    Brown/muted grey with muted yellow stripes and a pale face.
    Size:
    1-1.5" inches long
    Legs:
    6
    Shape:
    Long and robust body with a narrow waist and large head.

    Pest Habits & Characteristics

  • Presence of large hornets flying around nesting sites.
  • Large, paper-like nests in trees, attics, or wall voids.
  • Buzzing sound near nesting areas.
  • Increased hornet activity around outdoor lights at night.
    • Image Attribute
    Sven Teschke, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
    Preparation For Service
  • Avoid approaching the nest to prevent aggressive behavior.
  • Keep windows and doors closed, especially at night when lights are on.
  • Inform the pest control professional of the specific location of nests.