Top Five Stinging Insects To Avoid This Summer

by Lauren Bullington, Arrow Exterminators

Summer is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors, but whether it’s at the pool, in the backyard or a neighborhood park, an encounter with a stinging insect can quickly spoil the good times. Unfortunately, the scorching heat has these pests out in full force looking to ruin your outdoor fun. In an effort to create awareness, we have identified the top five stinging insects you are most likely to encounter this summer including: wasps, yellow jackets, red imported fire ants, mosquitoes and hornets.

“Stinging insects not only leave behind painful bites, they send more than half a million people to the emergency room each year,” says Arrow Pest Expert Shay Runion. “We are encouraging homeowners to become familiar with our list and the tips to prevent an encounter with these potentially dangerous pests.”

1.     Wasps: Wasps are the most aggressive on the list. They are very territorial of their nests but what makes this stinging insect unique is they do not need to be provoked to sting, often attacking people for no apparent reason. Wasp nests are often found on roofs or in plants.

2.     Yellow Jackets:  Yellow jacket nests are commonly found in the ground, basement or attic. These insects are very territorial of their nests and will become hostile if they feel their colony is threatened. The sting of a yellow jacket can be very painful.

3.     Red Imported Fire Ants: A fire ant sting is painful and often results in a raised welt. Fire ants are highly organized so quite often victims of a fire ant attack receive multiple bites from more than one ant. Fire ant mounds are typically found in landscaped areas or near a structural foundation.

4.     Mosquitoes: The infamous mosquito has been particularly brutal this year due to the unseasonably mild winter in our area. Mosquitoes pose as a significant health risk and can carry diseases such the West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water and will travel up to 14 miles in search of a meal.

5.     Hornets: Like other stinging insects on our list, hornets are aggressive in nature and often attack in large numbers leaving behind multiple stings. Hornet nests are often built inside tree trunks or buildings but can also be found in aerial locations.

Check back tomorrow for some prevention tips to help avoid summer stings. For more home improvement tips, “like” Atlanta Home Improvement magazine on Facebook.