STINGING INSECTS: WASPS AND HORNETS
QUICK FACTS ON STINGING INSECTS
There are many types of stinging insects that pose various levels of threats to humans. If a nest is found on your property, keep yourself and other members of the family away and do not attempt to remove it on your own. Depending on the species, a nest could contain hundreds (if not thousands) of stinging insects, which could swarm and sting en masse if they are disturbed or feel threatened.
Below you will find more information about popular stinging pests in our area. Follow the associated links to learn more about their habitats, habits and threat levels. For more information about bees, go to our "Bees" page.
Stinging insects are most active in the summer and early fall when their nest populations exceed 60,000. Some 500,000 people are sent to the hospital emergency room every year due to stings from insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants.
Bald-faced hornets usually appear in late summer when populations are largest. Bald-faced hornets build paper nests at least three or more feet off of the ground, usually in trees, shrubs, on overhangs, utility poles, houses, sheds or other structures. These nests can be as large as 14 inches in diameter and more than 24 inches in length. Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space.
Mud daubers construct nests of mud; many short mud tubes, usually about 1" long, side by side. They usually build their nests in a sheltered site, such as under eaves, porch ceilings, in garages and sheds left open, in barns and attics, etc. Mud daubers do not defend their nests. In fact, open pipe mud dauber stings are fairly rare. These insects are typically considered nuisance pests, and are actually beneficial as they help control spiders.
Paper wasps hang their comb nests from twigs and branches of trees and shrubs, porch ceilings, the tops of window and doorframes, soffits, eaves, attic rafters, deck floor joists and railings, etc. While not an aggressive species by nature, paper wasps will sting if they are disturbed or their nest is threatened.
Yellow jackets are social insects that live in nests or colonies with up to 4,000 workers. They are most active in the late summer and early autumn when a colony is at its peak. Yellow jackets feed on sweets and proteins, and therefore these pests commonly invade outdoor events. Yellow jacket stings pose significant health threats to humans, as they are territorial and will sting if threatened. They are known to sting repeatedly and can cause allergic reactions.