Living in Jacksonville, you know how much of a nuisance stinging insects can be. Wasps, hornets, and bees are common in our area, and they can make it hard to enjoy your yard or even feel safe in your own home. These insects can build nests near your house, and if you’re not careful, you or your family could get stung. It’s important to know how to deal with these pests so that you can keep your property safe and comfortable.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different types of stinging insects you might see in Jacksonville. We’ll also give you some tips on how to keep them away from your home and what to do if you find a nest on your property. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to handle stinging insects like a pro.
Identify Stinging Insects
Before we get into how to prevent and remove stinging insects, let’s talk about how to tell them apart. In Jacksonville, you’re most likely to see wasps, hornets, and bees. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
Wasps are usually longer and thinner than bees. They have a narrow waist and long legs that hang down when they fly. Some common types of wasps in Jacksonville are paper wasps, yellow jackets, and mud daubers. Paper wasps build nests that look like upside-down umbrellas, while yellow jackets build nests underground or in hollow spaces like wall voids. Mud daubers build small, tube-shaped nests out of mud.
Hornets are a type of wasp, but they’re usually larger and more aggressive. The two most common types of hornets in Jacksonville are European hornets and bald-faced hornets. European hornets are brown with yellow stripes, while bald-faced hornets are black with white markings on their faces. Both types of hornets build large, papery nests that can be found in trees or on the sides of buildings.
Bees are usually rounder and fuzzier than wasps. They have a thick waist and short legs. The most common types of bees in Jacksonville are honey bees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. Honey bees are small and orange-brown in color, and they live in hives that can be found in trees or on the sides of buildings. Bumblebees are larger and have black and yellow stripes, and they usually nest underground. Carpenter bees are large and black, and they drill holes in wood to make their nests.
Prevent Stinging Insect Infestations
Now that you know how to identify stinging insects, let’s talk about how to keep them away from your home. The best way to deal with these pests is to prevent them from building nests on your property in the first place. Here are some tips:
Keep your yard tidy by mowing your lawn regularly and trimming back any overgrown bushes or trees. This will make your property less attractive to stinging insects looking for a place to build their nests. You should also clean up any fallen fruit or other organic debris that might attract these pests.
Make sure your home is well-maintained by sealing up any cracks or crevices in your exterior walls and repairing any damaged screens on your windows and doors. This will help keep stinging insects from getting inside your house. You should also keep your garbage cans sealed and away from your house to avoid attracting these pests.
Avoid leaving sugary drinks or food outside, as this can attract stinging insects. If you’re eating outdoors, make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs right away. You should also avoid wearing strong fragrances like perfume or cologne when you’re outside, as this can attract bees and wasps.
Identify Nests and High-Risk Areas
Even if you take steps to prevent stinging insects from building nests on your property, there’s still a chance that you might find one. It’s important to know what to look for so that you can take action quickly. Here are some common nesting sites for each type of stinging insect:
Wasps: Paper wasps often build their nests under eaves or in sheltered areas like garages or sheds. Yellow jackets usually nest underground, but they can also build nests in wall voids or other hollow spaces. Mud daubers build their nests on the sides of buildings or other structures.
Hornets: European hornets and bald-faced hornets both build large, papery nests that can be found in trees or on the sides of buildings.
Bees: Honey bees usually build their hives in trees or on the sides of buildings, while bumblebees nest underground. Carpenter bees drill holes in wood to make their nests.
If you see a lot of stinging insects flying around a particular area of your property, there’s a good chance that there’s a nest nearby. You should also be on the lookout for any signs of damage to your home or other structures, as this could indicate that stinging insects are building a nest inside.
It’s especially important to be aware of stinging insect nests near high-traffic areas like entryways, decks, and patios. If someone accidentally disturbs a nest in one of these areas, they could be at risk of getting stung multiple times.
Safe Removal of Stinging Insect Nests
If you do find a stinging insect nest on your property, it’s important to remove it safely to avoid getting stung. The first step is to assess the situation by identifying the type of insect, the size and location of the nest, and the time of day and weather conditions.
If the nest is small and easily accessible, you may be able to remove it yourself using protective gear like long sleeves, pants, and gloves. You can also use an insecticide designed specifically for the type of insect you’re dealing with. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid getting stung.
If the nest is large or in a hard-to-reach area, it’s best to call a professional pest control service like Zenpura. They have the tools and expertise needed to remove the nest safely and effectively. A professional can also help you identify any other potential nesting sites on your property and take steps to prevent future infestations.
Dealing with Stings
Even if you take precautions, there’s still a chance that you or someone in your family could get stung by a wasp, hornet, or bee. It’s important to know how to recognize the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction and how to provide first aid for stings.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to a sting may include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and fainting. If someone experiences these symptoms after getting stung, seek medical attention immediately.
For milder reactions, you can provide first aid by removing the stinger (if it’s still attached), cleaning the affected area with soap and water, applying ice to reduce swelling, and taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve itching and other symptoms. If the person who was stung has a history of severe reactions to stings, they may need to use an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and seek medical attention right away.
Conclusion
Dealing with stinging insects can be a real challenge, especially in a place like Jacksonville where they’re so common. But by following the tips in this blog post, you can take steps to prevent infestations, identify nests, and remove them safely if necessary. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about how to handle a stinging insect problem on your property, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for help. With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep your home and family safe from these pests and enjoy your outdoor spaces all season long.