How to Enjoy a Sting-Free Summer!

It’s officially Summer! Welcome sunshine, outdoor fun, and dreaded stinging insects! While these buzzing critters can be a nuisance, they also pose serious health risks. Each year, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized due to insect stings, with reactions ranging from painful welts to severe allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. 

Follow These Best JP McHale Pest Expert Tips to Prevent a Painful Sting This Summer!

Our Top 4 Stinging Insects to Watch Out For:

1. Wasps have slender bodies with narrow waists, and smooth, shiny exoskeletons, typically yellow and black. They are aggressive and can sting multiple times.

• Prevention:

• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outside.

• Seal garbage cans tightly.

• Avoid wearing bright colors and floral patterns that attract wasps.

2. Bees are fuzzy, with thicker, more robust bodies, and are usually yellow and black or brown. Honeybees can only sting once, unlike wasps, as their stingers are barbed and get stuck in the skin.

• Prevention:

• Plant bee-repelling plants like eucalyptus, mint, and citronella.

• Avoid wearing strong fragrances that attract bees.

• Keep windows and doors closed or screened.

3. Hornets are larger than wasps and bees, with a robust body and a more pronounced head. They have white and black or reddish-brown markings and are extremely aggressive.

• Prevention:

• Seal any cracks or holes in your home's exterior to keep hornets out.

• Immediately clean up food sources like fallen fruits and sugary drink spills. 

• Be cautious around areas where hornets have nested before.

4. Yellow Jackets have stocky, smooth bodies with distinct yellow and black stripes. They are often mistaken for bees but can be more aggressive when disturbed, and can sting repeatedly.

• Prevention:

• Avoid leaving food out, especially sugary and protein-rich foods.

• Wear closed-toe shoes when walking in grassy areas.

• Keep outdoor garbage areas clean and sealed.

Important Note: Call your doctor immediately if swelling progresses or if the sting site appears infected call your doctor immediately! 

For more information on our JP McHale Stinging Insect Protection contact us at (347) 309-5947 or email sales@nopests.com.