Wasp stings are a serious threat to public health due to a large number of people having an allergic reaction to them. Allergic reactions account for roughly a quarter-million emergency room visits each year. Unfortunately, of those allergic reactions approximately 100 people die annually. Contrary to belief, wasps are not necessarily aggressive unless their colony is threatened. When the colony is threatened a coordinated assault is launched on the perceived predator. When this happens, the release of alarm pheromones is released attracting other colony defenders to the intruder. One of the more aggressive stinging insects is the yellow jacket. People that are allergic to them should be especially careful from August through October when the yellow jacket numbers peak due to looking for food sources to take back to the developing queens. Just like wasps, they don’t attack unless threatened.
Keep Your Family Safe From Stinging Insects
However, their nests may not be immediately noticed by an unsuspecting victim as they are usually small and placed under protective overhangs on houses and garages. They also build ground nests that can’t be seen until it’s too late.
In order to avoid unnecessary stings, you can do the following around your property:
- Minimize attractive food sources by keeping trashcans covered with tight-fitting lids.
- Avoid leaving open containers unattended that contain sugary drinks such as soda, because they are attracted to sugary substances.
If you have a nest problem near your home, it is best to have it professionally removed by a company like Terminator Termite and Pest Control. Yellow jackets, wasps and other stinging insects play a supportive role in gardening; therefore, it is only recommended to destroy the nests if they are located near your home or property that would threaten the safety and well-being of the people living there. Contact Terminator Termite and Pest Control today keep your family safe from stinging insects.