News

Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, oh my! Summer activities and stinging neighbors

Photo: Metro Services, Saga Communications


Bugs are a part of life. Insects fill an important niche in the ecosystem. It can be hard to remember this when you’re swatting away flies inside the house and dodging some dive-bombing wasps as you try to operate the grill for a barbecue. 

Keeping life harmonious with the various life in the world can be a hassle, but Bio Bug can help you figure out how to keep your family safe while finding the best course of action for bugs near the home. 

Hornets, yellowjackets and wasps are known for their aggressive defense of their colonies from perceived threats. Considering removal of the insects from near your home or in your garden can be a good idea if there is a risk to you and your family’s health.

Bio Bug’s Steve Cornwell wants people to be wary of when they spot what looks like a nest or colony on or near their property and leave action to the professionals. 

“Treating a wasp, hornet or yellow jacket nest can be painful or even dangerous and is better left to the professionals. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets release an attack pheromone when they feel threatened which then makes the entire nest agitated and aggressive,” Cornwell said. “Yellow jacket nests can between 4,000 and 5,000 yellow jackets. That is a numbers game that you don’t want to play. Most people can handle one or two stings, but often people treating nests suffer dozens of stings and have to seek medical help. Professionals have the knowledge, experience and equipment to safely and efficiently eliminate these stinging insects.” 

Sugary foods and meat will attract more wasps to your area, especially as summer ramps up. Be sure to keep an eye on foods left out and what stinger-equipped insects are in the area. 

Various species of hornets and wasps have differently shaped nests, which’ll tell you about what insects reside inside that colony. When in doubt on whether a nest is still occupied or what you may be looking at, calling an expert will ensure the risk is handled with care and knowledge. 

Recent Headlines

12 hours ago in Business, Heating and AC Expert, Lifestyle, Local, Local Experts, Native Advertising

Protect against costly repairs with a properly heated home this holiday season | Sponsored

The bitter cold can make water lines brittle and at risk of cracking when temperatures shift.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass

On most October nights, fishing guide Bill Wetzel can be found navigating the shores of Montauk, New York, in a modified 4x4 pickup truck, rumbling over boulders and thick sand as he scans the surface of the Atlantic for signs of life.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.

2 days ago in Crime, Education, Local, Trending

Former Bellingham coach, safety director arrested on child rape charges

He had left the district earlier this year to take a job in another district.

Bellingham Traffic