We hear a lot about how bees are vitally important to crop pollination and that these important creatures are endangered. But if that’s the case, why is it they seem to show up en masse every time we have a cookout? Jokes aside, it is important to preserve the bee population, but hornets and wasps are a whole different insect.

This article will give you some tips on how to avoid these stinging insects around your home and gardens this summer.

Summer is Party Time – For Stinging Insects

Summer is the active season for flying stinging insects like wasps, bees, and hornets. These creatures will generally leave you alone unless you’re trying to eat something deliciously sweet outside. Since that is kind of the definition of summer, we better talk about ways to avoid these creatures.

The obvious reason for staying away from these insects is their sting, of course. Anaphylactic shock is an extreme physical response to being stung by these insects. For many of us that are allergic, this can be a life-threatening situation if we are stung. Even if you aren’t allergic, being stung once is painful. But hornets, wasps, and some types of bees can boil together and sting in a large group of insects if they feel threatened.

Each year, people and pets die in this country from being swarmed and stung. Keeping your home and yard clear from nests is an imperative for anyone in our region, especially because Nevada is home to some very aggressive strains of stinging insects.

Protecting Yourself from Stings

There are several things you can do to try to avoid these insects:

  • Remain alert to nesting behaviors. Watch for a large group of insects flying around a particular area of your home. Look up – wasps like to nest on the eaves of a home or shed – and, look down, for hornet’s nests in the ground.
  • Check your pool, too. Bees and wasps like to take a drink, now and again, so you’ll find them sunning themselves on a pool raft or float.
  • Never drink from a soda can without looking inside first. Gross, right? But wasps and bees will crawl right inside that can of Diet Coke.
  • Move slowly and stay calm. If you freak out at that football-sized nest on the corner of your home, it may be perceived as a threat to the insects. True story! So, stop waving your arms and dancing around, back away, and call us.
  • Don’t wear red. Did you know these insects are attracted to bright colors? To them you look (and maybe smell) like a big walking flower. So, how about a nice tan outfit this summer, instead?

We also recommend keeping your flip-flops on when walking through the grass. Stepping on a bee is not a lot of fun, especially if you are allergic. If you’re being troubled by flying insects this summer, don’t hesitate to call us. We can help you safely remove these creatures so you can continue to enjoy the sunshine.