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Autumn Stings

It’s officially fall, which means Michigan’s woods and fields are buzzing with stinging insects fueling up for winter; and some of them are grumpy.

Yellowjackets are especially not in the mood to be trifled with as they can be really intolerant this time of the year. As things begin to wind down in the fall, they can become aggressive.We receive numerous calls each fall season with homeowners claiming to have a nest somewhere on their property Homeowners will notice singleton bees and wasps hanging out around their doors, windows, and soffits; they searching for any crevice to squeeze into.  Yellowjackets often nest in the ground in colonies that can reach 4,000 to 5,000 workers. The entrance holes they are searching for might’ve been there since spring— but autumn is when the colony reaches its largest and when the insects become feisty. One reason is the last hatch consists of next year’s queens, which are the future of the colony.

Encounters

Swat a stinging insect and you might trigger and even more threatening response: Like a honeybee, a dying yellowjacket releases a pheromone that alerts the nest. Meddling or even stepping in the wrong place can trigger a full-on attack with the wasps swarming and pursuing.

Humans are most likely to encounter stinging insects as they look for food. Their diet somewhat changes. Throughout the summer wasps are predators, feeding on other insects. In the fall they develop somewhat of a sweet tooth. Fermenting fruit, colas, ciders, fruit juice, become more attractive to the wasps. Because of this, they tend to linger about orchards, cider mills, picnic areas, outdoor restaurant seating, and barbecues— all popular fall hangouts for Michigan residents.

Similar to mosquito bites, wasp stings contain a protein that can cause itching. They can and will sting multiple times, along with hornets. Both wasp and hornet stings can be painful and swell for up to 24 hours as they inject venom into their victims.

Honeybees, on the other hand, have a barbed stinger and can only sting once, as they die after stinging. The stinger remains in the victim’s skin until someone removes it. You can easily scrape it out with a fingernail or with a credit card.

Overall, avoiding these insects in any season is the best method to prevent stings. Knowing the correct precautions to take not only keeps your fall season safe but above all, fun!

For more information on how to distinguish stinging insects from one another, be sure to check this out!

Here are some examples of nests to avoid:

Stinging insectsstinging insectsstinging insectsstinging insects

Miller, Korin. “Is That Stinging Insect a Bee, Wasp, or Hornet? Here’s Exactly How to Tell.” Prevention. 18 May 2020, www.prevention.com/life/a32389815/bee-vs-wasp-vs-hornet-difference/.

Busy Bees

When many picture a bee, the first species that comes to mind is often the bumblebee. The same goes for wood-boring insects; many assume them to be termites. What many do not expect is that there is a species of bee that bores into wood. Carpenter bees, like their relative the bumblebee, are large, black and yellow insects whose life only spans up to a year. Female carpenter bees rarely sting, only when provoked, and males completely lack the ability to. They are, however, quite territorial and are typically the gender that most people come into contact. Males will hover closely to people and structures, especially attracted to sudden movements, but do no more than create unnecessary fear. Though not particularly harmful to humans, carpenter bees can be a significant threat to wooden structures, affecting their integrity.

Found throughout the US, bees bore into raw wood and deck timbers, especially if it is weathered or has starter holes. As a result, a large number of bees can cause damage to log and wood-sided structures. In the case of thinner wood, such as siding, this damage can be severe. Contrary to popular belief, these bees do not eat the wood; they chew and live within it. Since they do not actually eat the wood they bore into, nectar from flowering plants is their primary food source. Some say that painting or staining wood will help to deter them, but they are known to damage that on occasion as well. The first signs of carpenter bee damage include small, smooth holes. A more advanced infestation may also include physically seeing bees hovering around the wood.

Carpenter Bee Nests

Unlike other common bees, such as honeybees, that live in colonies, carpenter bees are not social and build individual nests into trees or into the eaves, frames, or sides of buildings. Adult carpenter bees will overwinter in abandoned tunnels where they have stored pollen. The bees that survive the cold months will emerge when the temperatures warm up to feed on nectar, mate and make new nests, called galleries. Reused galleries expand every year, and some have been known to grow up to 10 ft in length.

The female makes large, open rooms to lay her eggs in off of the main gallery, called cells. She will ensure that each cell has enough pollen and regurgitated nectar for her developing young to feed. She will lay one egg in each gallery and seal off the entrance with wood pulp. The eggs take approximately 36 days to develop to an adult where they will then excavate themselves from the cell and into the gallery. Furthermore, the developing larvae, especially in homes, can oftentimes be attractive to woodpeckers that will seek out developing carpenter bees and create more extensive damage to the existing holes.

Eradicating Carpenter Bees

In order to keep carpenter bees out of the home, it is essential always to inspect the perimeter. Seal any cracks and crevices you jay see along the foundation and walls with caulk; repair holes in screens on windows or doors, and keep the doors closed unless in use. Professional treatment is vital if you have an active infestation. Dusting in entrance holes and an exterior pesticide treatment on affected wood is the most effective method for control. Carpenter bees typically require multiple treatments throughout a season. To prevent re-infestation, caulk and seal off holes, refinishing, or replacement of wood is necessary.

If you believe to be experiencing problems associated with carpenter bees, it is crucial to call licensed wildlife professionals. We have been keeping structures free from carpenter ants for over 25 years and are eager to help today!

What’s the buzz about?

We want to save the bees, but keep them away from ourselves and our loved ones, right? Approximately 86 people die from run-in’s with these insects every year, typically from anaphylaxis which is commonly associated with an allergy. All bee species in Michigan are considered important pollinators, as they fly from flower to flower spreading pollen, so it is illegal to kill some species. Removal and control are the best methods to combat a bee infestation.

Bees make their hives in anything hollow; including tree stumps and unfortunately the walls of our homes or other structures. They are disturbed whenever the structure in which their hive is built is disturbed; the vibrations from any outside movement cause the bees to become very unhappy, and in many cases this is when stings occur. That being said, There are 3 main types of bees in Michigan, and it is important to know which ones you are dealing with in the event you notice them buzzing around your homes and/or structures this summer.

Bumble bees

Bumble bees are large insects that are black and yellow in color with a seemingly fuzzy appearance.  There are 15-18 different species of bumble bees in Michigan and the surrounding states. They are ground-nesting; their hives are usually smaller hives than honey bees. Bumble bees are important pollinators and are often found circling the purple cone flower. In recent years, due to a lack of these flowers in gardens, the bumble pee population has significantly decreased. Bumble bees like to keep to themselves, as they are not considered aggressive and only sting if they feel their nest has been threatened. Queen and worker bees have the ability to sting repeatedly, as their stingers are not barbed, so stinging does not kill the bee.

Carpenter bees

Carpenter bees are large insects whose life only spans up to one year. Females rarely sting and males completely lack the ability to, so they are not considered dangerous. True to their name, these bees bore into raw wood, such as deck timbers, especially if it’s weathered or has starter holes. As a result, this can cause severe damage to log and wood-sided structures. Contrary to popular belief, these bees do not eat the wood, they simply hollow out and live in it. Nectar from flowering plants is their main food source; so, like other native bees, carpenter bees are important plant pollinators, thriving in gardens and in some crops.

Honey bees

Honeybees are one of the more popular bees, despite representing only a small percent of bee species. They measure at about 15mm in length and range anywhere from golden yellow to black in color. They make their hives in anything hollow, such as tree stumps damaged by carpenter ants or inside of the walls of home or frequented structures can become damaged over time as the hive grows and is filled with honey. Honey is a sweet and viscous food substance derived from plants that serves various purposes to humans.  Honey not only contains some nutrients and antioxidants, but is considered to be a “less bad” alternative to white sugar and is low in cholesterol! The bees make honey as a food source for the winter months, so even experienced bee keepers must be careful as to how much honey they harvest from hives to sell.

During their mating season in the spring months, honey bees swarm which can cause quite a disturbance to customers. A honey bee stinger is barbed, so it is unable to remove the stinger upon stinging a person. They rupture their abdomen in an attempt to get away, which not only leaves behind the stinger but also part of its abdomen and digestive tract, plus muscles and nerves. This kills the bee, making the honey bee the only bee to die after stinging.

It is important to know that these bees are extremely beneficial and protected federally; so, it is illegal to kill them. Eradication must include the help of a licensed beekeeper, of which we have a couple to recommend.

Benefits of honey bees include:

  • Pollination
    • Honeybees are among the most popular of all the pollinators. They are an integral part of our ecosystem!
  • Honey
    • Honey has been used by humans for millions of years. It is not only a healthier alternative to white sugar but tastes wonderful on its own!
  • Beeswax
    • Used for candles and beauty products
  • Royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen
    • All of which have medicinal benefits

It is important to know that certain predatory wasps are commonly misidentified as bees. The yellow jacket, despite its black and yellow thorax, is in fact a wasp. Due to their intense aggression and ability to chase and sting victims, bees have gotten a bad reputation amongst people. We will discuss yellow jackets at length on a later date, but it is important to know that there is a difference upon discovering a hive. Bees, for the most part, just enjoy flying around mind their own while stimulating the ecosystem as they go.

Proper handling is important when dealing with any sort of bee or their hive, so it is important to call a licensed pest control professional. We have been keeping properties free of bees in Northern Michigan for 25 years, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

All About Stinging Insects

Bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets are one of the most common pest control issues we deal with at Hogarth’s Pest Control. Stinging insects are often unwelcome summer guests, nesting on homes, in trees, under decks and even underground. Though all stinging insects have multiple similarities, each have individual qualities that differentiate them.

Yellow Jackets

What many confuses as “bee stings” are actually stings from yellow jackets. Yellow jackets are the most aggressive of the stinging insects and typically nest underground. If you notice flying insects coming from an underground burrow, it is most likely yellow jackets and should be taken care of by a professional. Colonies can contain thousands of yellow jackets and can be easily provoked. Yellow jackets can also sting multiple times. All of our technicians are equipped with a bee-suit and protective equipment to combat even the worst type of nests. We highly suggest avoiding yellow jacket nests and calling Hogarth’s at the first sign of an issue.

Paper Wasps and Hornets

Bald Faced Hornets Nest
Bald Faced Hornets Nest

Paper wasps and hornets also form colonies but nest above ground, unlike yellow jackets. Both can inflict extremely painful, sometimes paralyzing stings. Their nests can be commonly found under decks, steps, and railings but are also built in trees and bushes. Nests can grow from a baseball to basketball-size in just days. Most customers aren’t even aware they have a nest until being stung. We suggest carefully inspecting areas around your home where paper wasps and hornets are likely to nest, especially if you have small children or pets.

Bees

Bumblebees are usually easy to distinguish based on their larger size. Their colonies are much smaller than other stinging insects, usually with only 100 individuals. Like yellow jackets, bumblebees can sting multiple times.

Honeybees are the gentlest type of stinging insect and typically nest in hollowed out trees or in homes where there is some type of cavity or opening. Honeybees only sting as a last resort, usually sacrificing their life to protect their colony. When it stings, the stinger rips from its body and the bee dies. We do not want to harm honeybees and instead refer clients with honeybees to our local beekeeper.

Combating Stinging Insects

Prevention is key to protecting your home from unwanted stinging insects. The best method is via exterior spray on the home to prevent bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets from building nests on your structure. We also offer individual nest removals, but preventing nests from being re-built can only be done by treating the home. We strongly suggest having a professional take care of these issues as they can be dangerous and can cause further issues if not handled properly.

Call Hogarth’s with all of your stinging insect needs, and be sure to prevent problems before they occur!

Stinging Insects

Many of us are aware that this is the time of year that we begin to see stinging insects (mainly bees, wasps, and hornets) swarming around our homes and gardens. Though these flying insects are out and about, they are not yet building nests. Instead, they are buzzing around looking for places to build their nests or to reinvest old nests. We deal with 3 main species of stinging insect including bees, wasps, and hornets.

Wasps

Commonly mistaken for a bee, Yellowjacket or Yellow Jacket is the common name in North America for predatory wasps. Yellow Jackets can pose a variety of issues to individuals across Northern Michigan. These wasps are extremely aggressive and should be left alone to be dealt with by a professional at all times.

Hornets

Bald Faced Hornets are black and white striped wasps. They’re larger in size than the Yellow Jacket or your average Honey Bee, however, they are more closely related to Yellow Jackets than they are to hornets. Bald-faced Hornets are an extremely aggressive stinging insect that should only be dealt with by a pest control professional.

Bees

Carpenter Bees are large, black and yellow stinging insects that  typically only live up to a year. Females rarely sting and males cannot sting. These bees typically bore into raw wood and and deck timbers, especially if it’s weathered or has starter holes

By enlisting the professional help of Hogarth’s Pest Control, you can ensure to keep your stinging insect problem under control. Hogarth’s Pest Control offers a preventative service to keep these insects from building nests on your homes. Though they will continue to fly around, we guarantee your home for the entire season against bees, wasps, and hornets building nests on your home. What’s even better about this service is that not only does it keep the stinging insects from building nests, it also keeps all crawling insects such as spiders and ants from getting inside your house. Hogarth’s wants to ensure that your summer is pest free, so give us a call if you are experiencing any flying or crawling insect issue!