Bug Facts - Things that Sting

Bug Facts…

Things That Go Sting!

All stinging insects defend their nests and food, but Yellow Jackets are the most aggressive. They are also better at stinging:  Yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, whereas bees have a barbed stinger and can sting mammals only once.  You can easily ID Yellow Jackets by their thin "waists", as opposed to Bees’ thick waists.  Yellow Jackets also have no body hair like bees do.

Both of these Stinging Insects are persistent pests, because they look for food far away from their nests.  Consider the following steps to make your home less attractive to them:

·   Limit availability of sweet drinks and greasy foods. Soft drinks and fruit drinks are their favorites, as are barbecued meats. These attractive food odors drift for long distances.

·   Clean up spilled food and beverages immediately.

·   Cover pitchers and dispose of all empty drink containers. Use caution drinking from cans, because you can’t see if a stinging insect has flown inside of it!

·   Cover standing food or put it away as soon as possible.

·   Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids & keep trash area clean.

·   Avoid sweet perfumes, colognes and deodorants.

·   Consider a professional ongoing, preventive program.

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