Stinging Insect Identification & Prevention

What are stinging insects?

Stinging insects are winged pests that use their stingers to defend themselves and paralyze their prey. These insects are opportunistic pests and will build their nests on any Hawaiian property that offers them easy access to food and water.

Examples of stinging insects that live throughout Honolulu include wasps, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees. All three species have stingers extending from the end of their abdomen, ready to deliver painful, venom-filled stings.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

When living outside in places that are away from people, stinging insects pose little threat. It is when they decide to nest in our yards in a high traffic area or on our homes that they become dangerous. The more contact that you have with stinging insects daily, the higher the chance of being stung. Their venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions and sometimes severe allergic reactions in some people and pets.

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

In most cases, stinging insects become a problem on our property because it's offering them plenty of food sources and a sheltered location to build their nests. Stinging insects feed on a variety of things, including plant nectar, other insects, sweets, proteins, and honeydew that is produced by garden pests like aphids. Areas, where stinging insects forage for food, include garbage cans, compost bins, recycling bins, gardens, flowering trees, and outdoor eating areas.

Where will I find stinging insects?

Where stinging insects prefer to place their nests depends on their species. Most species do like to nest outdoors but, if given access, it is not uncommon for them to build their nest in a sheltered area of a home like a chimney or inside a wall void.

• Many wasps place their nests up off of the ground in trees, under decks, in door frames, under roof eaves, or on utility poles.

• Yellow jackets prefer to build nests in the ground or at ground level. They build their nests under woodpiles, bushes, between rocks, or in the abandoned nests of small animals.

• Carpenter bees build their nests in dead trees and stumps, rotting fence posts, old piles of wood, and under rocks. They also nest behind window and door frames, in decks, and in the structural wood found around pipes. They prefer softwoods and pieces of wood that are older and untreated.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

If you have discovered stinging insects in your yard or home, the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning is to reach out to Able Pest Management, LLC. Our team will come to your aid and develop a pest control program that is customized to meet the unique needs of your home and family.

Our highly trained and experienced professionals are passionate about eliminating pests through our proven treatment methods. If you are looking for exceptional pest control for your Honolulu home or business, reach out to Able Pest Management today!

How can I prevent stinging insects in the future?

Keep bees and wasps out of your Honolulu home and away from your family with the help of Able Pest Management and the following stinging insect prevention tips:

• Don’t overplant flowering vegetation near your home’s exterior or on your property.

• Remove fallen trees, logs, and tree stumps from your yard.

• Fill in any ground holes on your property.

• Place tight-fitting lids on all garbage cans and keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

• Caulk any openings in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.

• Repair holes found along the roofline, repair any torn screens and install caps on chimneys to keep stinging insects out of your home.

• Seal the spaces around where porch lights and other exterior lights attach to your home.

• Paint or stain wooden structures located on your home or property.