Stinging Insects

Below is a list of our region's most common stinging insects. These stinging insects are the species most likely to find their way into our North Carolina yards to nest or forage for food. Out in nature, stinging insects are helpful pests, but they pose significant dangers to people and pets and are largely unwelcome in our yards. Stinging insects in our area include:

• Bald-faced wasps

• Honey bees

• Hornets

• Mud daubers

• Paper wasps

• Yellow jackets

When stinging insects buzz around your property, it can be difficult to identify them accurately. The best way to know which stinging insect species has made themselves home on your North Carolina property is to reach out to a local professional.

Stinging insects are dangerous to have nesting in high traffic areas of our yards. The more times you have to walk past a nest or foraging site, the more likely you will be stung by a bee, hornet, or wasp.

Stinging insects have a stinger extending from the end of their abdomen. They use their stinger to defend themselves, and predatory species use it to inject their venom into their insect prey. Predatory stinging insects capture other insects to bring back to the nest to feed their developing young. 

Things found in most of our yards that are most likely to attract the attention of stinging insects include:

• Open trash cans and recycling bins.

• Lots of flowering trees, plants, and landscaping.

• Areas of standing water.

• Trees, tall grass, woodpiles, shrubbery, and other nesting sites.

North Carolina provides stinging insects with plenty of outdoor spaces to build their nests, well away from people. However, stinging insects regularly end up in our yards because they offer things they can't pass up, like easy access to food, water, nest-building materials, and sheltered nesting spots.

If you see a consistent number of stinging insects in your yard, it is likely because they have built a nest on your property. Some stinging insects build nests in the ground, while others prefer a nesting site up off the ground.

While most stinging insects prefer to nest outdoors, they sometimes end up nesting in our homes because they provide a safe, dry spot for them to build a nest. Wall voids, chimneys, vents, and attics spaces are frequent places where we discover stinging insect nests in homes.

Don't let stinging insects prevent you from fully enjoying your North Carolina yard. Take action against stinging insects by reaching out to the local pest control experts at Otho's Pest Management. We will inspect your property, find their nests, and perform effective treatments to eliminate them.

With over 44 years in the pest control industry, you can trust us to solve your property's pest problems in a cost-effective manner that meets the unique needs of your property. To learn more about our stinging insect control services for Asheboro homes, call today.

Use the following strategies to prevent stinging insects from taking over your property.

• Keep garbage and recycling bins tightly sealed.

• Harvest garden areas regularly.

• Limit the number of flowering plants around your home, especially near entrances, exits, and windows.

• Don't leave leftover food outside for long periods.

• Reduce excess moisture around your property by fixing leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and low-lying areas.

• Keep grass cut short and fill in ground holes. 

To learn more about stinging insect control services in Asheboro, reach out today!