Stinging Insects More Aggressive in Late Summer

July 29, 2015 | By Business Wire News

READING, Pa.

In the second half of summer, stinging insect nests have grown quite large and the numbers of bees and wasps are almost at their peak. Yellow jackets, paper wasps, hornets and other common stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year according to the National Pest Management Association. Because insect stings can cause severe allergic reactions in both adults and children, the Rentokil family of pest control companies (Ehrlich Pest Control, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X Pest Control), offers prevention tips to help avoid these pests during the late summer months.

As the season progresses into late summer and early fall, yellow jackets are of particular concern. Yellow jackets are very aggressive this time of year as they scavenge for human foods (like soda, juices, candy, hot dogs, and hamburgers etc.), and they will readily sting any person who stands in their way. Yellow jackets are trying to gather as much food as possible for their hive during late summer and early fall. This food is to help the newly produced queens survive the winter, while the rest of the hive members will die off from the first frost.

The ability to identify a stinging insect nest is important. Paper wasps build open and exposed nests that resemble upside down umbrellas, while hornets will typically build papery-covered nests that sit in trees. Yellow jackets will also build nests with a papery covering, but their nests are typically located in wall or ground voids. Each of these stinging insects can be quite aggressive when feeling threatened—which commonly happens when a person inadvertently walks past or gets too close to a nest.

To avoid being stung, do not swat or run rapidly away from a yellow jacket, as quick movements can provoke an attack. Instead, a person should remain calm and motionless and then move slowly away from the area. Reduce the chances of attracting these pests by covering all food and beverages consumed outside, and by keeping a thumb over a soda can in between sips.

“If you notice an insect nest outside your home, do not approach the nest or treat it yourself,” said Nancy Troyano, PhD, entomologist for Rentokil. “Contact a pest management professional who can identify the type of insect nest and provide effective treatment, as well as wear the proper personal protective equipment to do the job safely.”

For more information on stinging insects and prevention, visit Ehrlich Pest Control.

About Rentokil – North America

Rentokil – North America is part of Rentokil Initial plc, one of the world’s largest and most diverse business service companies, operating in 69 countries worldwide. J.C. Ehrlich Pest Control (www.jcehrlich.com), Western Exterminator (www.westernexterminator.com), and Presto-X Pest Control (www.prestox.com) are all part of the Rentokil family of pest control companies in North America. They provide commercial and residential pest control, bioremediation, bird control, vegetation management, deer repellent services, wild-animal trapping and termite control from more than 200 local offices in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.