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Professional Stinging Insect Extermination In Santa Monica CA
The classification “stinging insect” is utilized in reference to species with stingers. The hornet, yellow jacket, wasp, carpenter bee, and honeybee are just a few examples of stinging insects. What may surprise you is the ant species also fits the stinging insect classification. While some stinging insects tend to put their stingers to use every chance they get, others tend to be standoffish and rarely sting.
Stinging insects “Hymenoptera” are both nuisance and helpful pests. As a nuisance, the stinging insect invades human living spaces, building nests so extensive that they can house hundreds, if not thousands of live insects. Stinging insects are helpful to industrial, commercial, and independent farmers. They carry pollen from male plants to female plants, a process is known as “pollination.” Without pollinators, there would be no watermelon, strawberries, corn, cucumber, or green bean. The same thing can also be said about some flower species – fennel, aster x frikartii, butterfly weed, bee balm, and lantana.
The most commonly reported stinging insect sightings in Santa Monica include the carpenter bee, honeybee, bald-faced hornet, paper wasp, and yellowjacket.
How To Successfully Differentiate Between The Wasp, Hornet, Carpenter Bees, And Yellowjacket?
Stinging Insect – Paper Wasp
The paper wasp gets its name from its extraordinary paper-making skills. The insect turns raw wood into a paper-like material that is later utilized to construct honeycomb-shaped nests. The aggressive stinging insect will not hesitate to sting an animal or human trying to access its nest.
The paper wasp nest is round, light gray, and generally small in size. The nest’s most distinguishable characteristic is its honeycomb design, which is similar to the honeybee honeycomb. Paper wasp nests can be found hanging underneath eaves, fence posts, decks, porches, garages, and eaves.
The insect is easily identified, thanks to its long legs, large size, orange antennas, and black and yellow-striped body. The paper wasp is oftentimes mistaken for the yellowjacket, but its larger size sets it apart. The two most common paper wasp species found in North America include the Northern and European paper wasp.
Stinging Insect – Yellowjacket
The yellowjacket is one of the most aggressive stinging insect species. The insect’s aggression level is at its highest in the fall and summer season, which is when the nest reaches maximum capacity. The yellowjacket nest has a holding capacity of several hundred thousand. Like the paper wasp, the yellowjacket utilizes raw wood to generate a paper-like material for the construction of its nest. The nest can be found underneath the ground, sheds, porches, decks, and shrubs.
The body is black with yellow stripes while the antennas are solid black and the six legs are yellow in color. During each flight, the yellowjacket ticks its hind legs up against its body to gain momentum and speed.
Stinging Insect – Bald-Faced Hornet
The bald-faced hornet is another highly aggressive stinging insect. Like the yellowjacket, the bald-faced hornet’s aggression level is at its highest in the summer and fall seasons or when the nest reaches maximum capacity.
The bald-faced hornet’s nest is shaped like a teardrop and can easily be spotted hanging in trees, under eaves, in tall grass, shrubs, and sheds. The body and head are a mixture of white and black. The wings, legs, and antennas are solid black. The insect’s head and thorax are slightly larger than many other stinging insect species.
Stinging Insect – Honeybee
The honeybee is not an aggressive stinging insect unless provoked. Some honeybee strains have been bred specifically for producing honey. Advocates describe the insect as being “gentle” and “timid.” The hive can grow extensively, holding several pounds of delicious, fresh honey. The hives, constructed from wax, can be found in hollow trees, rock formations, and cracks in the side of buildings.
The honeybee has an extensive lifespan, compared to most other stinging insect species. In a controlled climate, the honeybee can easily survive up to several months. The female honeybee has a lifespan of up to 45 weeks while the male is expected to live no longer than 12 weeks. The queen honeybee, on the other hand, has a life expectancy between two and seven years.
The adult has a fuzzy yellow/orange body with black stripes. The wings are translucent-like while the legs are dark brown or black.
Stinging Insect – Carpenter Bee
The carpenter bee species is comprised of both males and females. Only the female has the stinging capability, which she rarely puts to use due to her timid personality. Carpenter bee nests are extremely difficult to detect. Unless you know exactly what to look for, you could unknowingly encounter a carpenter bee nest. Of course, you will be brought to your senses with the female ramps up her buzzing.
The carpenter bee shares many of the same physical characteristics as the bumblebee. Instead of having a hairy abdomen like the bumblebee, the carpenter bee’s abdomen is a clean glossy black.
Carpenter bee nests are hidden in decaying wood behind a 3/8-inch bored hole. The male has a pinpoint-sized yellow dot on its face and black and yellow body while the female’s body is solid black.
Do Stinging Insect Pose Dangerous For Humans And Animals?
Stinging insects generally mind their own business until a human or animal gets too close to the nest. Some stinging insect species will not think twice about attacking human or animal predators. For example, yellowjackets attack predators in groups while carpenter bees generally attack in pairs. Whatever the case may be, stinging insects pose some risks to humans and animals, but only when provoked.
Underground yellowjackets and carpenter bee nests are the most difficult to detect. You could walk upon these nests without even knowing it until you receive an audible warning – louder than normal buzzing.
Yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets are believed to be the most aggressive stinging insect. When you are outdoors, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stinging insect nests can be found just about anywhere you could think of, making them difficult to ignore.
Why Is My Property Under A Stinging Insect Attack?
Many stinging insect species are drawn to rotting wood and wood structures. Others just need a safe place to build their nests. In any case, all properties are a stinging insect target.
How To Safely Eradicate Stinging Bees And Their Nests?
Special equipment, safety gear, and experience are required to safely eradicate a stinging bee infestation. Our professional stinging bee extermination targets stinging bees in all phases of the life cycle. Once the colony is fully eradicated, we move in to remove the nest. We do not recommend inexperienced individuals to tackle a stinging bee colony or nest, even the gentle honeybee.
We have found, the best time to approach a stinging insect nest is after dark. At this time, the insects have calmed down, but the danger still exists. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Santa Monica exterminators when facing a stinging insect problem.
Does Stinging Insect Pest Control Pose Environmental Risks?
Chemical-based pesticides and insecticides do contain ingredients that could harm the environment. However, exterminators have found ways to utilize these products with minimal risks to humans and the environment. To further minimize these risks, our exterminators have joined forces with pesticide manufacturers and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
We always follow the directions on the back of the container to a tee. In addition to this, we apply the EPA pesticide guidelines to every pest control strategy.
How To Determine The Cost Of Professional Stinging Insect Extermination
There are several factors to consider when determining the overall cost of professional extermination. These factors include the following:
- Stinging insect type
- Nest and property size
- Severity of infestation
- Nest location
- Treatment
When Can I Expect The Exterminator To Perform The Stinging Insect Inspection After My Request Is Submitted?
We can process a stinging insect inspection request between 24 and 48 hours. Our customer support will reach out to you after your request is processed regarding an appointment. You are free to choose a date that will fit your schedule to avoid any potential inconveniences.
What Should I Do To Protect My Family From A Repeat Stinging Insect Infestation?
We highly recommend routine visual inspections of your property. Early detection will ensure a quicker, easier, and smoother pest control process. We are readily available to assist with the development of a doable, realistic inspection plan. Our exterminators will demonstrate each step of the inspection, so all of your property is covered.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.