Bee, Wasp, and Stinging Insect Control
Paper Wasps
Several paper wasp species are found in the Greater Dayton area. They share common habits, including constructing their nests from paper that they make from chewed wood and saliva. Paper wasps usually feed on insects such as house flies and garden pests. But some can be dangerous to people, especially those who are allergic to stings. Unlike bees, paper wasps are not significant pollinators.
Honey Bees
The honey bee was introduced into the United States in Colonial America. Bees make combs of waxen cells placed side by side that provide spaces to rear young and to store honey. The bee colony lives on the stored honey throughout winters, and therefore, can survive for many years. Honey bees are highly social, beneficial insects who are vital pollinators. As such, they should never be killed unless absolutely necessary.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are wasps, not bees. They are insignificant as pollinators and are among the more highly aggressive wasp species. Yellow jackets are often pests around picnic areas, trash cans, and humming bird feeders. Unless their nest can be located and treated, complete control is difficult or impossible. Significant relief from yellow jackets can be obtained, however, through the use of baited traps.
Hornets
Baldfaced hornets are the most aggressive wasps found in our area. They can be distinguished from bees by their thin "waists" and their white or pale yellow markings. Hornets are the most aggressive wasp that is commonly found in North America. When threatened, a colony of hornets will mount an all-out offensive that can consist of hundreds or thousands of individuals. Such attacks can be fatal, especially to allergic individuals.
Carpenter Bees
It's not really fair to call carpenter bees "stinging insects" because the males have no stingers and the females very rarely sting. As stinging insects go, carpenter bees are pretty passive. But carpenter bees (sometimes called "borer bees" or "wood bees") are disliked because they bore holes in wood and make long tunnels provisioned with pollen and eggs. Over time, they can do serious damage.
For help with these or any pest problems, please contact us.