Bzzzz! Don't Let Wasps, Hornets, and Yellow Jackets Sting Your Summer Fun
​

While the warm Wisconsin summer brings sunshine and outdoor adventures, it also welcomes unwanted guests: wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. These buzzing menaces can turn picnics into panic attacks and backyard barbecues into battlegrounds. But fear not! B.E.S.T. Pest is here to educate you on these stinging insects and offer safe and effective solutions to keep your summer sting-free.

​Stinging Squad
While often lumped together, these stinging insects have distinct characteristics:
​
Wasps: Slender with long legs, wasps are omnivores, feeding on insects and sweet nectar. They build papery honeycombs or nests above ground and are generally less aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. Mud Daubers, Great Black Wasp (also known as the Katydid Hunter) and Paper Wasps.

Hornets: Larger than wasps, hornets are carnivores, primarily preying on other insects. They build large, papery nests in trees, eaves, or sheds and can be aggressive if threatened. 

• European Hornets look like giant yellow jackets (yellow and black and sometimes a brown and yellow color). 
• Bald Faced Hornets have distinctive black and white markings,  (Did you know that a “Bald Faced Hornet” actually isn’t a hornet? They are members of the yellow jacket and wasp family and only got their name due to their larger size and aggressive behavior)

​
Yellow Jackets: Smaller than hornets with bright yellow markings, yellow jackets are social insects with a fondness for sugary treats.  They'll be drawn to picnics, open drinks, and trash cans. Like hornets, they build nests in various locations: underground, on the exterior of buildings using paper, or in sheltered areas like wall voids and attics. Be aware - yellow jackets are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings.

Bees: Valuable contributors to healthy ecosystems, and many species are gentle unless provoked.

• Honey bees: Busy social bees known for their golden bodies and role in pollination. They produce honey and live in large colonies.
• Bumble bees: Plump, fuzzy pollinators with black and yellow markings. They're social bees but less aggressive than honey bees.
• Carpenter bees: Solitary bees with a shiny black abdomen. They don't produce honey but bore holes in wood for nesting.

​The Stinging Truth: Risks and Concerns
Beyond the discomfort and fear they evoke, stings from wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can pose serious health risks:

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals have severe allergic reactions to stings, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Anaphylaxis: In rare cases, stings can trigger life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
• Disease Transmission: While uncommon, these insects can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Salmonella.

DIY Dangers: Why Going Solo is a No-Go
While tackling these pests yourself might seem like a quick fix, it's crucial to understand the hidden dangers. Disturbing a nest can trigger a swarm attack, exposing you and others to multiple painful stings. Locating and safely accessing hidden nests requires specialized equipment and knowledge you may not have, and using over-the-counter insecticides can be ineffective and even harmful if used incorrectly. Trusting the professionals at B.E.S.T. Pest ensures safe, targeted solutions with lasting peace of mind.​

B.E.S.T. Pest: Your Sting-Free Summer Ally
Instead of risking your safety and health, let B.E.S.T. Pest handle the stinging situation:

• Expert Technicians: Our trained and certified professionals possess the knowledge and equipment to safely identify and eliminate nests.
• Targeted Treatments: We use effective and environmentally responsible methods to eradicate the problem at its source.
• Preventative Strategies: We help you identify and seal entry points to prevent future infestations.
• Guaranteed Results: We stand behind our work with industry-leading warranties, ensuring your peace of mind.

Don't let wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets ruin your summer! Contact B.E.S.T. Pest today for a free consultation and enjoy a sting-free season filled with sunshine, laughter, and memories.

Remember:

• Early detection is key. Contact B.E.S.T. Pest at the first sign of activity.
• Avoid attracting these insects by keeping food and drinks covered outdoors and disposing of trash properly.
• Never attempt to remove a nest yourself, especially if you have allergies or are unsure of the species.
• By partnering with B.E.S.T. Pest, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer. Let's make it a sting-free season together!​

Call 920.698.9933 to set up a thorough inspection (inspection fee applies) and a customized plan to reclaim your home