Skip to Content
Summer brings sunny days, backyard barbecues, pool parties and more time outdoors. It also brings increased activity of stinging insects. An exciting summer day can quickly go downhill from a painful sting or even a trip to the emergency room. Below are a few facts on stinging insects and how to manage them.
How dangerous are stinging insects?
Stinging insects are estimated to send approximately a half a million people to the emergency room each year. For many people, a sting is painful but only requires washing the sting site and some hydrocortisone cream for relief. Unfortunately, stings may be life threatening without quick medical intervention for people who are allergic to stinging insects.
What are some of the common stinging insects found around homes and structures?
Some common stinging insects found around properties include honeybees, yellow jackets, paper wasps, bald faced hornets, and European hornets. All of these stinging insects have different nest structures, so locating and identifying the nest is crucial for management.
When are stinging insects most active?
Stinging insects become active in the spring but are most active late in the summer and early fall. The colonies of many stinging insects in late summer grow to large numbers and are actively foraging for food to maintain the colony. The colonies will begin to die off in late fall when the temperatures cool down, except for the queen who will overwinter to start a new generation the following year.
What CSI product is good for stinging insects?
Stryker Wasp and Hornet Killer aerosol is an excellent option for stinging insects. The spray reaches up to 20 feet, keeping PMPs a safe distance from stinging insects while getting the job done. It has quick contact kill, so stinging insects won’t have time to release alarm pheromones and recruit their nest mates.
