It’s happened to us all: We’re enjoying a good time on our patio when a wasp comes swooping in and sends us ducking and running back indoors. Stinging pests like wasps don’t always invade our space with evil intentions. In fact, they’re highly curious and just want to get a closer look of the large animals in their way. Unfortunately, some stinging insects in Illinois are more aggressive than others, and just one sting can send people with allergies directly to the hospital. It’s best not to put your friends and family at risk: Call a pest control expert to get rid of stinging pests safely.
Common Stinging Pests in Illinois
Bees and wasps use their stingers for defense, and only the honeybee dies after stinging someone. Other species, such as hornets and wasps, can pull their stingers back out of a person and use them again as a defense mechanism. Numerous stinging insects live in Illinois, causing problems for homeowners and commercial businesses alike. Whether you’re trying to protect your family, employees, or customers, be on the lookout for these common pests:
- Bald-faced hornets
- Bumble bees
- Carpenter bees
- Mud daubers
- Paper wasps
- Yellow jackets
We could also include mosquitoes on this list; however, mosquitoes don’t have a stinger. They use their proboscis (snout-like appendage) to penetrate human skin and to feed on our blood. Though they’re not related to yellow jackets or wasps, mosquitoes still cause a problem of their own across the state of Illinois.
Home Remedies for Stings
If you don’t suffer from bee allergies, you can treat your wound easily at home with some basic supplies. Applying ice for up to 20 minutes will numb the pain and reduce the swelling. You can also apply honey to your wound and wrap the area with gauze for an hour. Some other homemade remedies to try include:
- Applying toothpaste to the wound for 15 to 20 minutes
- Using baking soda and vinegar as a paste
- Relieving the pain with a few drops of lavender oil
- Remember: If you’re allergic to bee stings, you should see your doctor right away. A simple bee sting can cause itching, shortness of breath and dizziness in those with sensitivities. It’s can be a life-threatening situation and can’t be cured with over-the-counter products.
Professional Pest Control for Stinging Insects
When stinging insects build a nest outside your doorway, don’t do anything risky like swatting it down with a broom handle. The pest control professionals at Terminix Anderson can identify the problem species and use the appropriate methods to eliminate the infestation. It’s best to keep a distance when dealing with wasps and other stinging insects. Protect yourself and your family; let our team will remove the troublesome pests and reduce the risk of stings around your home.
