Ouch! Stinging Insects

Every summer I look forward to family gatherings, outdoor barbecues and fun by the pool. And every year without fail, wasps seem to get the impression that they’re invited to all of these outdoor functions. Not only am I frightened that the wasp may sting our precious Luna, but wasps pose a serious health risk to our families.

Did you know, stinging insects like wasps, bees and hornets send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. They are especially active during the second half of summer and early fall when the colonies forage for food that will sustain their queens during the long winter months.

So… Should I be worried about Stinging Insects?

Social wasps can pose a serious health risk to the public, as their venom has been known to cause serious allergic reactions that result in death. Although most wasps only attack when they feel provoked or in danger, some wasps can sting when seemingly unprovoked. Yellow Jackets are known for being the most aggressive in Ontario.

Contrary to popular belief, wasps can sting more than one time, unlike bees. If a wasp lands on you, it’s important to remain calm and wait for the wasp to fly away. Any sudden movements will make the wasp feel threatened, but you can also attempt to brush it away gently.

If you do get stung by a wasp, ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and pain. Should you believe you are having an allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away.

How Can I Prevent Wasps?

In early summer we strongly recommend walking your property to ensure that you have made your yard unfavourable to wasps and stinging insects. Look for the following:

Look for wasp activity and determine if any nests are already forming

It is easier to remove a newly formed nest than a full-sized nest later in the season

Remove garbage frequently

Keep trash cans and recycling covered

Ensure all windows and doors are properly screened

Avoid using sweet-smelling perfumes and outdoor scented candles

When eating outdoors, cover all food

As a precautionary measure, traps can also be purchased from a local hardware store. These traps are useful to deter wasps from outdoor gatherings in the short term.

I Waited Too Long And Now I Have A Huge Nest! HELP!

Nest removal can be extremely dangerous, especially when the colony has been well established and large. Caution should always be taken when approaching a nest and professional help is highly recommended. Our team of trained professionals will complete an inspection of your property, treat and remove active nests and dispose of any contents appropriately. Contact us today at (416) 998-9473 to properly treat nests at your home. We guarantee quick and effective service for Stinging Insect infestations that pose an immediate health risk.

There Are Wasps Living In My House!Structural colonies should always be addressed by a professional pest control company. If improperly treated, because these stinging insects may make their way into your home and pose a greater health risk to you, your family and pets. These structural nests should never be caulked or sealed as it may divert active wasps further into wall voids and into your home. Don’t wait, contact our team of professionals today to resolve your wasp issue in a quick and effective manner.

About the Author:

Amanda Pereira, the Operations Manager at GreenLeaf Pest Control, is always happy to help customers with their pest issues. She is a proud Golden Hawk graduating with an Honours BBA (Marketing) from Wilfrid Laurier University. In her spare time, she likes to walk and take pictures of nature.

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