Date Posted: May 31, 2018
Category: Stinging Insects
Winters in Maine can be harsh, but at least during the winter you don't have to be concerned about stinging insects. When the weather warms up, out come the bees, wasps, and yellow jackets to plague you on your South Portland property. Here are a few things you should know to avoid getting stung.
Bees - Honey bees have a narrow, oval-shaped body with golden-yellow and brown bands. They are covered in pale hairs and have a visible barbed stinger. These bees will deliver a painful sting if they feel their colony is threatened, or if they are brought into close contact with a person. A bee is only able to sting one time. It loses its stinger after stinging.
Wasps - There are a wide variety of wasps in Maine and they come in many colors. Most wasps, though social insects with the ability to swarm, are generally passive when found by themselves. The concern is when these wasps feel as though their nests is in danger. They have a strong nest protection instinct.
Yellow Jackets - These are black with yellow markings, measuring around 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch long with a painful stinger on their abdomen. Unlike stinging bees, one yellow jacket can sting repeatedly, since they do not lose their stinger.
While all stinging pests can cause painful wounds, they are especially dangerous to individuals who have an allergic reaction to their venom. A single sting can lead to anaphylactic shock.
How To Protect Yourself From Painful Stings
Other than staying inside all summer long, here are some other strategies you can use to avoid being stung:
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Remove half built paper-wasp nests. (This is not advisable once nests are fully established).
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Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and long pants made from thick material.
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Use citronella candles to ward off many flying insects.
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Plant wormwood plants, as these are believed to deter yellow jackets
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Limit flowering plants since these attract stinging insects.
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Eliminate food sources outside such as pet food, leftover barbecue foods, and open trash receptacles.
How Big Blue Bug Solutions Can Help
When spring has sprung and stinging pests begin to plague you, the best thing to do is to call in the professionals. It is dangerous to remove nests on your own. The pest control professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions have the experience and training necessary to properly and safely remove nests on your South Portland property. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.
