How To Identify the Pest, the Nest and the Threat - European Hornets

The Pest: European Hornets . . .



European hornets are large in size, between ¾ and more than 1 inch. They are brown with yellow abdominal stripes and a pale face.

The nest: European hornets build paper carton nests that are usually covered in a brown paper envelope as protection. Typically, the nests can be found in hollow trees, barns, out buildings, hollow walls of houses and attics.

The threat: European hornets are considered beneficial insects because they control many pest species.  However, if their nest is located near a structure, control is warranted.

If you're concerned that you have European hornets in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

The above information was provided by Missy Henriksen, Vice President of Public Affairs, NPMA Executive Director, Professional Pest Management Alliance. 

Reference: www.pestworld.org

How To Identify the Pest, the Nest and the Threat - Baldfaced Hornets

The Pest: Baldfaced Hornets. . .

Baldfaced hornets are largely black in color, with a mostly white face.


The nest: Baldfaced hornets build aeriel nests out of paper carton. The nests are usually in exposed locations, often on trees, utility poles, overhangs or other structures. The nests can be quite large, growing to 14 inches in diameter and 24 inches in length.

The threat: Baldfaced hornets are considered beneficial insects because they control many pest insect species. However, if their nest is located near a structure, control is warranted.

If you're concerned that you have bald-faced hornets near your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

The above information was provided by Missy Henriksen, Vice President of Public Affairs, NPMA Executive Director, Professional Pest Management Alliance. 

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Summer Insect Health Risks - Bees, Hornets, Wasps, and Yellowjackets

Over the next few blog posts I am going to share with you excerpts from an article by Dr. Jorge Parada for the National Pest Management Association on summer insect health risks.

Bees, hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets are really beneficial to the balance of nature. They pollinate plants and flowers and help give us fruits and vegetables. They also eat other harmful pests such as grubs and flies. However, they give us anxiety about being stung, particularly is you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for suffering severe allergic reactions.

Although typically a source of great anxiety for fear that they might sting you, in fact, bees and yellowjackets rarely do sting unless provoked. So, the number one rule is not to panic and swat at a bee when it comes for a visit. If it lands on your skin, just blow gently rather than smack at it.

More aggressive species such as wasps can sting in painful attacks if they feel threatened or if you wander too close to their nest. While painful, most insect stings usually result in a limited local reaction, with pain and swelling.

Unfortunately, about 3 percent of people have more widespread allergic reactions, with rash and hives. The most extreme cases of allergic reactions are called anaphylaxis and symptoms include tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness or even life threatening shortness of breath and drop in blood pressure. If these symptoms arise, call 911.

If you are allergic to stinging insects you should know how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times. If stung and the stinger is still in place, first remove the stinger. Then clean the area with soap and cold water and apply ice. Benadryl and over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment may help calm the reaction. Consider taking a pain reliever as needed.

If you're concerned about bees, wasps, hornet, or yellowjackets  around your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

 Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

Reference: www.pestworld.org

About Bald-Faced Hornets

This atypically large black-and-white relative of the yellow jacket gets its common name from its largely black color but mostly white face. It is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest.

Bald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. They live in colonies that may contain between 100-400 members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer.

If you're concerned that you have hornets in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

*Answers to Name That Bug (from 9/22/11 post)
1. Bald-Faced Hornet
2. Brown Recluse Spider
3. Deer Mouse
4. Silverfish

How good did you do? Let me know!

Autumn Pests

As cooler weather becomes more routine and many insects species have reached their annual population zenith, we see significant surges of activity from fleas, ticks, crickets, ants, spiders, etc.

This is the time of year, too, where numerous instances of yellow jackets and hornets are sighted around homes. Any observed entrance and exit locations should not be sealed as this will trap them in the wall. They will bore holes through interior walls to escape and enter your home.

So, what's the best way to deal with this autumn pests? Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009.

If you're concerned that you have yellow jackets or hornets nesting near your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
Serving Central Massachusetts
www.davespestcontrol.net