The time of year that we start to think about picnics, barbecues and outdoor fun is upon us. The temperatures are rising, the trees are budding, and flowers have started to bloom. But with all that comes stinging insects like bees and wasps. Are they really all that bad?
Are Bees & Pollinators Good or Bad for the Environment?
When you walk through the produce section at your local grocery store you probably don’t think too much about how all that fruit got there. Did you know that roughly 30% of our food and 70% of the world's crops are made possible by the pollination of bees and other pollinators? Your produce section would be half empty without bees. Even though bees are extremely beneficial they can still be a problem for some of us. Bees can be dangerous. Not only can bee stings be painful they can also create serious problems in those that are allergic to bee venom. These two reasons make it very important to be careful around stinging insects. Doing so can allow them to continue their important job of pollinating plants and keeping people and pets safe.
Bees & Wasps Identification
Bees are less likely to sting than wasps because they will die after they do it. They really need to feel threatened if they sting you. Honey bees have yellow and black stripes. Other bees can vary in color, from straight black to straight yellow, with some blue and green varieties, too. Bees tend to be fat little insects that are hairy. Wasps are thinner with a pinched waist and hairless. They come in many colors, though the most common stinging wasps are yellow and black. You can also tell the difference between the two by watching their behavior. Bees are more drawn to sweet smells like juice and soda and not interested in meat. Shooing them away is usually effective. Wasps live by eating other insects and spiders and will be drawn to meat. Wasps are more aggressive and shooing them away may result in a sting, perhaps multiple stings.
How to Avoid Bees, Yellow Jackets & Wasps
Many homeowners try DIY methods to keep stinging pests away, but they should really be avoided as they can be harmful to people and the ecosystem. So how can you avoid stinging insects?
• Avoid planting flowers close to your home
• Avoid wearing perfume, scented shampoos, deodorants or lotions outdoors
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing
• Keep an eye out for stinging insects when you are outdoors and barefoot to avoid stepping on them
• Keep trash tightly sealed
• Clean food and drink spills right away
• Do not try and remove a nest on your own
Stinging Insect Pest Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Bees are great for pollination but most of us don’t want to have them or wasps around our home where they can be dangerous to our family, friends and pets. Stinging pest infestations can be dangerous. Hive and nest removal needs to be left to the professionals. Contact the professionals at A-Tex Pest Management so you can enjoy your backyard all summer long!