Are You Noticing Stinging Pests?

Spring in Tennessee is for cooking food on the grill, going to baseball games, and getting the pool ready for the warm weather but, sadly, it is also a time when stinging insects start to appear. They buzz around on our balconies. They buzz around our bushes. And sometimes, they buzz around inside our homes--if they find a way in. This is also the time of year when they establish nests. You may have even seen them doing this, and shut down the operation quickly. But, while it is easy to take care of a small starter nest on your porch, under the roofline of your shed, or out on your balcony, there are many places stinging pests create nests that are not so easily seen, and not so easily dealt with either.

In Tennessee, we have many stinging pests that come back every single year. Some are not much of an issue, like those big, fat bumble bees. Bumble bees are great pollinators and, like honey bees, they are not inclined to sting humans. Others stinging insects aren't so docile--in fact, some can be a real pain.

It is no fun when a yellow jacket nest is established in a hole somewhere in your yard. That is a ticking time bomb that is waiting to go off one day while you're mowing your lawn. Vibrations through the ground are a common agitator for these stinging pests that prefer to create their nests in holes that animals have dug out. But you don't have to cause vibrations to get yellow jackets agitated. These are aggressive, social wasps. If they feel threatened, they will sting. And, to make matters worse, yellow jackets are drawn to the foods we eat. If you intend to throw some food on the grill or into a trash bin, you can expect yellow jackets to take notice. Keep food smells contained to prevent unwanted attraction.

While paper wasps are easily dealt with on your back deck, they can be a significant problem if they create nests in high places, under your roofline, or on eaves. And, when paper wasps establish a nest in a spot that gives access to your home through a vent, gaps around pipes, unprotected windows and doors, or a hole chewed by a rodent, you could get these pests in your home. Inspect the exterior of your home and make sure all gaps, holes, and cracks are filled. Make sure to have damaged screens repaired. And look for signs of paper wasp activity. If you have wasps coming and going from your house, call a professional.

Stinging pests can be a serious issue. But it isn't an issue you have to live with. When you have ongoing pest service from All-American, those nests won't be allowed to develop into a painful problem. Stinging insects are just one of the many invasive pests we guard against. Get complete protection in place today.