Goodbye Summer, Hello Stinging Insects

Bees and wasps are notorious for making themselves known this time of year. They’re buzzing around our local playgrounds, pools, and backyard barbecues – uninvited none the less. While no one wants to be stung, it’s an especially daunting time of year for people who have experienced allergic reactions from these aggressive pests.

You’re probably wondering why they wait until now to come out of hiding. The reason why bees and wasps are worse this time of year is simple: There are more of them. Stinging insects emerge from hibernating in early summer and run out of living space towards the end of summer and early fall.

Follow these tips to avoid getting stung by bees and wasps this year:

1. Keep food covered – Make sure to cover any food you have out at a picnic or cookout. This includes discarded foods in trash bins. A tight lid on food and trash will seal in the scents that attract stinging insects.
2. Drink out of clear containers – The last thing you want is a surprise in your cold beverage. Since stinging insects can sneak into cans unnoticed, it’s important that you can check that your drink is pest-free before drinking it.
3. Avoid wearing fragrances – Skip the perfume or cologne if you plan on spending long periods of time outdoors. Yellow jackets and other stinging insects love sweet-smelling fragrances. Try to stick to unscented shampoos, soaps, lotion, and sunscreens.
4. Adjust your wardrobe – You’ve probably been told to avoid wearing floral prints as they attract stinging insects. To avoid disappointing stinging insects, and from getting stung of course, stay away from dark colors and floral prints. Wearing closed-toe shoes, especially in grassy areas where hornets nest, is another good rule of thumb this time of year.
5. Remain calm – Swatting is the last thing you should do if you encounter a stinging insect. These fast movements may provoke them. Remaining calm and slowly walking away from the area will likely cause them to fly away without causing any harm.

Call Holder’s for Stinging Insect Control

While some stinging insects are beneficial, many are not, and can be very dangerous to us, our children, and our pets. Give the professionals at Holder’s a call today for stinging insect control or nest removal services. Our technicians are trained to safely eliminate wasps and hornets and can assist with safe honeybee hive relocation – ensuring the safety of your yard and our beneficial pollinators.