Stinging Insects are some of the most common sources of irritation for people in the New England area. Although many of these bugs are helpful pollinators and keystone organisms for our ecosystem, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets often get aggressive when threatened and can give you a painful sting. Insects that sting are usually most aggressive when someone or something comes near their nests. And many can pose a threat to those with allergies or other health concerns. So it is best to get professional help when looking to get them taken care of.
Insects that Sting
You may encounter many insects that sting in Southern Maine. Some of the most common stinging insects in our region are honey bees, bumblebees, yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets. If someone with allergies to stinging insects gets stung, they may experience serious symptoms such as changes in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or excessive swelling.
Paper wasps are normally brownish with yellow marks, with long bodies that reach about ½-¾ of an inch in length. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets all have similar body shapes, with the head and antennae at the top, the thorax and wings in the middle and then the long abdomen in the back. The abdomen is where you will see the stripes or markings. Each of these stinging insects make nests by chewing wood and mixing it with their saliva to create a paper mache type material. They will live in that nest with their colony and queen.
Bees in Maine
Bees in Maine are our most helpful pollinators. You may see them floating around your yard, lazily hopping from flower to flower. Bumblebees and honeybees are usually quite docile, and though they are technically labeled as insects that sting, they only sting when threatened. Bees in Maine are very social insects that live in a nest or hive, full of hundreds of bees that form their colony. Their hive will have the traditional hexagonal shaped chambers and bees usually make hives in cavities above-ground. You may find them in tree hollows, concrete bricks, or even behind siding and brick. They are an important organism to our ecosystem, and we understand that you may want to keep them around your garden or yard. So if you do want to keep these blossom loving bugs in your area, please let us know, so we can keep them safe.
Hornets and Jackets
Professionals call several wasps species yellow jackets as a general term because most people wouldn’t recognize their scientific names; Vespula maculifrons and Vespula squamosa. Hornets, on the other hand, are identified as Dolichvespula maculata. They look similar and live very similar lives, but one way to know which one you’re dealing with is if you find their nest. Hornets will create their nests above ground usually in trees or bushes, as well as in the eaves of your home or on your porch. Whereas yellow jackets will build nests underground, in abandoned animal holes, under dense vegetation, or other enclosed spaces. The other is to take a good look at the bug. Jackets will have the yellow and black stripes running down their abdomen, while hornets are mostly black with little accents of white on their head and lower end of the abdomen.
So if you are looking to deter them from your home, you may try filling any rodent holes in the yard, or any empty enclosed spots along the exterior of your home. And definitely keep an eye on your trees and bushes for any nests above ground that look like a round, gray, papery mound. Always be careful when dealing with hornets and yellow jackets as their sting can pack quite a punch. If you do get stung, make sure to check for a stinger left behind and seek medical help if you think you need it looked at by a professional.
Pest Control Southern Maine
If you notice a growing nest on your property and don’t know what to do, don’t worry. When dealing with stinging insects, it is best to call us, as Green Shield Pest Solutions has professional technicians who will eradicate this threat from your home. Our qualified people are trained and will inspect the property thoroughly, making sure to check for nests and signs of pests. Not only does it make your home and property look better, but it also helps you feel safe in your own yard. So you can finally have that barbeque you’ve been wanting to have. If you need pest control in Southern Maine, Green Shield Pest Solutions is here to help. Call us for a consultation today. We look forward to meeting you.