Just the thought of stinging insects like bees, wasps and hornets may make you think twice about going outdoors this summer. Whether you are worried about meeting up with solitary wasps flying around the yard, or you are afraid the yellow jackets might build another nest in the shed, the good news is that there are some simple steps that you can take that will help your family enjoy the outdoors this summer without falling victim to painful insect stings.

Understanding Stinging Insects

Stinging insects can lead either solitary or communal lives.  Bees, wasps, hornets and other stinging insects have generally developed the ability to sting so they can paralyze their prey. But the most common way that they use their sting is to protect the hive from threats. In some cases, a stinging insect may attack a human, in which case the stinging insect may actually die. For many bees, like honey bees, embedding their stinger in a victim actually leads to their death. Other stinging insects, like wasps, do not die when they sting which means that they can sting a victim multiple times. Bee stings can be much more than a simple nuisance. They can be extremely painful, causing painful swelling, redness and much more serious symptoms for those who are allergic. In fact, hundreds of thousands of Americans each year are sent to the hospital because of complications related to bee stings.

The best way to avoid being stung is to avoid attracting or aggravating the stinging insects in your area. You can do this in a variety of ways:

• Seal cracks and crevices in all structures so they cannot build nests.
• Keep food and sweet beverages covered when you are eating outside.
• Avoid wearing colorful floral prints when you are outside.
• Avoid sweet smelling fragrances that may attract stinging insects.
• Avoid swatting at bees, wasps and other stinging insects when they are around you.

Not All Stinging Insects Require Pest Control Measures

Under most circumstances, bees and stinging insects are considered helpful and beneficial insects that need not be eliminated from the environment. Many species of bees, like honey bees and bumble bees, play an important role in the ecosystem, pollinating flowers and various kinds of flowering trees. Mud wasps and hornets also help control populations of pests like spiders and other insects. Generally speaking, most species of stinging insects are not aggressive. They do not usually attack humans unless they are provoked. But if they feel their hive is under attack, stinging insects may protect their hive in large numbers. Therefore, when stinging insects build a hive in or near a structure on your property, it is a good idea to take some kind of pest control measures.

To take necessary pest control measures a licensed pest control professional should be contacted. The good news is that pest control professionals offer a number of different pest control services. For instance, rather than simply eliminating stinging insects, a pest control professional can safely remove the hive from your property and relocate them to an environment where they are less likely to hurt anyone. It is not advisable to try to eliminate or remove a colony of stinging insects on your own. Instead, contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.