Stinging Insects-yellowjackets, killer bees and wasps

The fear of a bee, yellowjacket or wasp sting drives many people to run away screaming, arms flailing. That fear is not without merit as these insects, while ecologically important, typically send more than half-a-million people to emergency rooms each year.

Africanized “Killer” Bees

This bee species, which resembles its European honeybee cousin, has an aggressive nature. Although their venom is no stronger than that of the regular honeybee, the danger comes from the fact that “killer” bees attack in much larger numbers, usually the entire colony. In addition, “killer” bees will pursue their victim for up to 328 feet compared to only 33 feet for honeybees. Because their colonies are smaller, Africanized honey bees will nest in more unusual places such as water meter boxes, tree limbs, utility poles, junk piles, holes in the ground, even mail boxes, old tires, overturned flower pots – all spots susceptible for an accidental encounter with a human or an animal.

Because of the aggressive nature of these pests, only a pest control professional such as Allstar Pest Control should address an Africanized killer bee infestation.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are social insects and live in nests or colonies containing anywhere from 300 to 120,000 cells, each containing 1,000 to 4,000 workers at the peak of the reproductive season. These insects tend to build nests on trees and buildings, as well as in the ground. Unlike Africanized honeybees, yellowjackets are slow to sting unless their nest is threatened, in which case they become very aggressive. Unlike bees, yellowjackets are capable of stinging several times, inflicting severe pain. In some cases, people who have been bitten by yellowjackets can become hypersensitive to such stings, which means that any future encounters can be life threatening.

Just as with other stinging insects, removal of nests should be left up to professionals like Allstar Pest Control, who have proper equipment and experience to safely dispose of a nest.

Paper Wasp

Paper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material that they use to make their nests, and are sometimes called umbrella wasps because of the shape of their distinctive nests. These insects build their nests on twigs and branches of trees and shrubs as well as porch ceilings, soffits, eaves, attic rafters and similar covered places – all of which can put humans at risk of accidentally contacting the nest and inciting a wasp attack. Like yellowjackets, wasps can and do sting more than once. It’s also important to note that these insects often call for back up using alarm pheromones to help them defend the nest.

If you suspect you have a paper wasp infestation or find a nest on your home or property, contact Allstar Pest Control to find out about wasp treatments. Do not attempt to remove a nest on your own, as there is a high probability you will get stung.

German Roach Clean Out

The German cockroach is the most common cockroach species found worldwide. While German cockroach infestations occur in a variety of human occupied spaces, they are most often associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, nursing homes and other institutional facilities. 

Adult German cockroaches are recognized by their light brown to tan coloring with two dark, almost parallel stripes, located on their backs. Female German cockroaches tend to be darker than males. German cockroach nymphs are dark brown to black in color with the same dark stripes located on their backs. While German cockroaches have wings, they rarely fly. Instead, they prefer to run.

To prevent German cockroaches from infesting a home or business, people should maintain a clean kitchen by cleaning up crumbs, wiping spills and vacuuming often. Avoid leaving dishes pile up in the sink. It is also important to seal all entrances to the structure, especially around utility pipes, and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup. If there is evidence of a German cockroach infestation call Allstar Pest Control to inspect and treat the German cockroach problem.

German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year, so we will recommend a reoccurring service to address this rapid reproductive rate.

Rats and Mice Treatment

It’s not uncommon, especially during the winter months, to have an unpleasant encounter with a rodent who has made its way into a home uninvited. What many people do not realize, however, is that these pests can be much more than a nuisance. Rodents, such as rats and mice are associated with a number of health risks. In fact, rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of live or dead rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, and through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through fleas, ticks, or mites that have fed on an infected rodent.

In addition, rodent droppings can trigger allergies and transmit food borne illness such as salmonella, and as mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year, an estimated 70 times each day – prevention and prompt removal in case of an infestation is key. Call Allstar Pest Control to take care of your rats and mice issues.