Why are Stinging Insects so Angry? 

 

It gets to be late summer, and just when you begin to feel like you’ve grown accustomed to what the season brings, along comes some angry stinging insects to cause a commotion!  

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Late summer and early autumn are typical times to find stinging insects around your home and yard. 

While many stinging insects are important pollinators, they are also a serious health threat to humans. Millions of Americans are at risk for stings that will lead to an allergic reaction, especially from insects such as wasps and yellow jackets, which can sting multiple times.  

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So, Why do Stinging Insects Attack?  

Many of the hornet and yellow jacket species that sting us are social insects. Social insects live in colonies, and social insects treat those colonies as humans do their families. In the spring a single solitary queen will emerge from winter dormancy and begin the task of starting the family. The workers mature over the summer and become very busy killing insects to feed the larvae in the nest. 

 

Until midsummer, the most common reason for an attack is if an insect feels its nest is under attack (to protect the nest).  

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Many species of stinging insects will build nests in the vicinity of humans, so even walking near a nest by your home could potentially pose a threat to a stinging insect. In fact, not only will an individual insect have an issue with your presence, but they will also release a pheromone and communicate to the rest of the nest inhabitants to take notice of you.  

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Things change when the queen begins laying her final brood, producing future kings and queens that will soon leave to establish their own colonies. Once the kings and queens depart the nest in late summer, the workers are left behind with nothing remaining to protect. Their only priorities become feeding themselves and ensuring their own survival. They are especially drawn to sugary foods—something humans often provide in abundance—which is why August and September tend to bring the highest number of yellow jacket stings.  

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Some helpful tips: 

• Instead of swatting at a stinging insect, try gently blowing it away from a distance. 

• If you are being attacked, stay calm and try not to flail your arms, but do run! It’s best to try and find some kind of barrier to distance yourself from the stinging insects, such as inside a car or building. Jumping into water is not advisable.  

• Wear shoes when walking in a grassy area. 

• Carefully inspect areas in your yard for nest activity before you do work in those areas. 

• Remove crumbs and spills from an outdoor eating area immediately. 

• If you notice a hive, it is always best to call a licensed professional to remove it safely! 

 

Why Use Safeway Pest Management For Stinging Insects?  

Safeway Pest Management has been offering professional residential pest control and management services for clients since 1956. We actively participate in the National Pest Management Association and the Wisconsin Pest Control Association. We’re proud to say we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and also belong to the Waukesha Alliance and Muskego and Mukwonago Chamber of Commerce.  

  

Our team is up for any job big or small. With many years of experience under our belt, you can count on us to provide consistent and high quality service at reasonable rates. Not only do we take care of your pest problems but help advise and provide recommendations on preventative measures to give you peace of mind. Give us a call today at 262-679-4422 with any questions or to schedule service.