Stinging Insect Control You Can Count On

(Harm Scale: 1/5 – Least Harmful)
Ground bees are small, often 1/2 inch long, with a fuzzy appearance, typically brown or yellow in color. They nest in the ground, creating small holes in lawns or gardens. These bees are usually non-aggressive and only sting if disturbed. While their sting is painful, it’s rarely dangerous, and they pose little threat unless allergic reactions occur.

(Harm Scale: 2/5)
Cicada killers are large, about 1.5 inches long, with a black and yellow coloring. They have a robust, intimidating appearance but are generally non-aggressive unless provoked. Their sting can be quite painful, but they rarely sting unless threatened. Although their presence can be alarming, they pose a minimal risk to humans and pets.

(Harm Scale: 2/5)
Mud daubers are slender, dark-colored wasps around 1 inch long. They are known for building mud nests on structures like eaves or sheds. Mud daubers are solitary and non-aggressive, typically only stinging if directly threatened. While their sting can cause discomfort, it is usually mild and not life-threatening. Mud daubers are beneficial for controlling spiders, which they prey on.

(Harm Scale: 3/5)
Carpenter bees are large, resembling bumblebees but with shiny black abdomens. They are often seen hovering near wooden structures, as they drill into wood to create nesting tunnels. While males can’t sting, females can if provoked. Their stings are not life-threatening but can be painful, and they cause damage to wood over time.

(Harm Scale: 4/5)
Paper wasps have slender bodies and are about 1 inch long, with smooth black or brown bodies and yellow markings. They build nests out of paper-like material, often under eaves or tree branches. More aggressive than bees, paper wasps will sting if they feel their nest is threatened. Their sting is painful and can cause swelling, and they can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

(Harm Scale: 5/5 – Most Harmful)
Yellow jackets are small, around 1/2 inch long, with black and yellow striped bodies. These aggressive wasps build nests in hidden places like underground burrows or wall cavities. They will sting multiple times without provocation, and their sting is extremely painful. Yellow jackets are more dangerous than other stinging insects due to their aggressive nature, especially in large numbers, and can cause severe reactions in both humans and pets.

(Harm Scale: 5/5 – Most Harmful)
Hornets are large, aggressive wasps, usually about 1.5 to 2 inches long, with black and white or yellow markings. They build large, paper-like nests in trees or under eaves. Hornets can sting multiple times and are more aggressive than other wasps, especially when defending their nests. Their sting is very painful and can lead to severe allergic reactions.