It can be quite an ordeal when a stinging pest gets into the house--at least for some people. You might be the type of person who just grabs the fly swatter and takes care of business. But, for some, a single wasp appearing in the bathroom can turn into a comical event where a full layer of sweat clothes are put on, snowmobile gloves are equipped, and a broom is used to dispatch the poor, unsuspecting bug. And events like this sometimes end with broken mirrors, lights, windows, and other sensitive items. But, you're not going to call a professional to deal with one invader, right? Of course not. Even if you don't have the courage to go into mortal combat with that stinging bug, you probably know someone who does. But, before you decide to call that untrained individual to deal with a full-blown infestation, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Things Can Go Wrong
Let's start with the obvious problem that can arise from not calling a professional to deal with your stinging pest problem: things can go wrong. Terribly wrong. If you, or someone you know, tried to take care of a paper wasp or yellow jacket nest on the side of the home from a ladder, personal injury is likely to be the result. These wasps are nest protectors and they will swarm out of their nest to attack anything that threatens it. If you're on a ladder, you're going to have a hard time getting away.
Another place stinging pests like to make their home is in a cavity of a home, garage, or shed. When they do, it may seem like a good idea to address one of these nests from inside the structure. Not only can this be toxic, you would be surprised how bees, wasps, and hornets can find you even if you leave the room and close the door.
When taking care of any nest or hive it is important to wear protective clothing. Don't trust your hooded sweatshirt and overalls to keep you safe from being stung. If there is an opening in your defenses, those insects will find it.
Not All Stinging Pests Are The Same
When dealing with a stinging insect infestation on your Rhode Island property, it is important to know what pests you're dealing with. Honey bees, carpenter bees, hornets, cicada killers, paper wasps, and yellow jackets all have different habits and habitat preferences. Here are a couple of examples:
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While paper wasps are aggressive about protecting their nests, some hornets put those paper wasps to shame. If you don't know you're dealing with hornets, you may approach a nest and immediately find yourself surrounded by angry insects. This is because some hornets have two or three sentries that fly around their nest, keeping an eye out for threats.
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If you have cicada killer wasps, you're not going to deal with them like you would yellow jackets. While both of these wasps can create nests under the ground, cicada killer wasps are solitary wasps, and widely considered a lawn pest rather than a stinging threat. Yellow jackets, on the other hand, are one of the most aggressive stinging insects in the United States.
Professionals Know
There are important rules and guidelines that must be followed when dealing with stinging pests. Professionals know the guidelines and ordinances that are in place to protect the environment, laws like the EPA's Pollinator Protection Act, which was instituted to protect bees and other pollinators from pesticide exposure.
When called to deal with a bee issue, your pest management professional knows that bee infestations often resolve themselves as migrating bees sometimes come to rest on a piece of property for only a short time and then move on. Thus, no action is required. They also know how to appropriately remove a hive and remand it to a beekeeper.
Methods and products vary. Professionals know what is needed, when it is needed, and how to apply treatments in a conscientious way.
If you have an infestation of stinging pests on your Rhode Island property, call the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions for a free inspection. When stinging pests invade, we know what to do.
