Bees, Wasps & Yellow Jackets

What types of stinging insects are most common in Virginia?

Stinging insects are a common problem in Roanoke, Virginia and surrounding areas especially during late summer and early fall when their nests are full and food supplies are getting low.  While beneficial, stinging insect can also be troublesome.  Here In Virginia, the most common types of stinging insects property owners encounter are wasps, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees.  

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Yellow jacket stings and stings from wasps and bees can be very painful. After a sting occurs, a raised red welt may develop, which can last from a few hours to many days.

Stinging insects have stingers they use to inject venom into their prey. They also sting as a means of defense. Unfortunately, stinging insects often mistake people walking by their nest for predators and come out stinging. Their venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions, and in the case of someone allergic to their venom or because of multiple stings, a severe allergic reaction or even anaphylaxis could occur. 

Why do I have a stinging insect problem?

Our yards provide stinging insects with everything they need to survive, including secluded sources of shelter and access to plentiful food sources. They are opportunistic, and the reality is that any yard or property can potentially become home to them. Things like flowering vegetation, gardens, open trashcans, compost bins, woodpiles, leaky outdoor fixtures, and clogged gutters attract stinging insects. 

Where will I find stinging insects?

Different species of stinging insects have different nesting preferences.

• Wasps prefer high nesting spots and hang their nests from tree branches, shrubs, underneath porch ceilings, deck railings, roof eaves, and in the corner of doorways.
• Yellow jackets nest in the ground and place their nests in the soil under rocks or woodpiles, and between rocks crevices. If they find their way into your house, they’ll build nests in wall voids or the attic.
• Carpenter bees are a solitary species and place their nests in untreated softwoods like cedar and pine. You will find their nests in fences, decks, wooden play structures, outdoor furniture, wood shingles, and roof eaves.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

When it comes to dealing with stinging insects, the best way to eliminate them and prevent them from returning is with the help of a professional. By partnering with Star City Pest Control & Wildlife Services, you will have peace of mind knowing your stinging insect problems will be solved.

Our dedicated pest control experts take pride in providing the home pest control services necessary to help home and business owners get rid of bees, wasps, and yellow jackets.

Serving Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, and surrounding areas, you can count on our local pest control company to provide you with the pest control services you need! Schedule your free pest inspection today. 

How can I prevent stinging insect activity?

To make your property less attractive to stinging insects and to prevent stings, our local pest control pros recommend the following stinging insect prevention tips:

• Place all trash in containers with locking lids.
• Make sure compost bins have tight-fitting lids on them.
• Rinse out cans and bottles before placing the item recycling bins.
• Remove fallen trees, stumps, woodpiles, and other debris from your yard.
• Cut branches back from the outside walls and roof of your home.
• Seal up gaps around the exterior of your home.
• Place tight-fitting caps on chimneys.
• Replace loose or missing roof shingles.
• Varnish, stain, or paint any wood on your home or that you use to build wooden structures on your property.
• Use hardwoods instead of softwoods to build on your property.