Each new year when spring arrives, stinging insects follow shortly after. Yellow jackets, bumble bees, wasps, carpenter bees—all begin to stir once winter finally releases us from its cold clutches. Many people enjoy being able to go outside without putting on layer upon layer of warm clothing, but no one enjoys being stung by one of the many stinging insects that thrive here in Westchester, New York each spring and summer. Now that the weather is warmer, several types of stinging insects are busily buzzing about, building nests or gathering nectar.
Unfortunately, when yellow jackets or other wasps and stinging insects decide to build a large nest in your attic, under your deck, in a nearby tree, or in the soft ground next to your home, they can cause quite a few issues. Yellow jackets, in particular, can be quite aggressive when their nests are disturbed. Being stung by any stinging insect is never fun, but being stung multiple times is a nightmare no one should have to live through. Some people are allergic to the venom stinging insects inject into the skin when they sting, which can be very dangerous, even life-threatening in some cases, which is why it is best to never try to deal with stinging insects on your own.
Sometimes, the only thing you can do to try and prevent stinging insects from settling on your property in the first place is to avoid the mistakes many Westchester residents make to attract them and take as many preventative steps as you can.
- Many stinging insects (such as yellow jackets, bumble bees, etc.) are attracted to sweet scents, so leaving out soda cans, condiments, or any sweet food items on your property after a party or BBQ will draw stinging insects into your yard and give them a reason to stay.
- Along the same note, wearing strong perfumes or lotions when you go outside may potentially bring wasps right to you.
- Removing food and water sources for stinging insects will help deter them from deciding to stay on your property. This includes removing standing water sources and any food items you leave on your deck or patio.
You should never try to remove a stinging insect nest on your own because, once stinging insects have decided to nest on your property, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of them safely without professional help. Here at Parkway Pest Services, our pest experts are experienced in removing pests from properties safely and effectively. We offer Westchester homeowners year-round pest control so you can have a pest free home during every season of the year. Contact Parkway Pest Services if you would like to schedule a same-day service visit, or for more information about our pest removal and prevention options.