Category Archives: Wasps

Ants, Insect Control, News, Stinging Insects, Wasps

They Call Them “Velvet Ants” But They’re Really Wasps

Ant or Wasp?
Ant or Wasp?

Don’t let the name “Velvet Ants” fool you. While they may have some of the characteristics of an ant in color and size, in actuality, they belong to the Mutillidae (wasp) family.

About Velvet Ants

The female is especially ant-like due to her velvety exterior, which has a furry texture. Most are black or brown, like ants, and may be marked with red, orange, or yellow rings. While females are wingless, males do have wings and look more like wasps. Other species are known for their excruciating sting and some are capable of making a squeaking sound.

Studies on velvet ants show the insects are prone to attacking flies and beetles. Females spend much of their time hunting wasps and bees in their ground nests where she’ll lay eggs inside wasp or bee pupa. When the young wasps hatch, they feed on the pupa. Velvet ants produce young once a year.

Their stings are very painful and may cause a rash or an allergic reaction.

Velvet ants are difficult to control, especially if attempting to do it on your own. For the best results in NJ wasp abatement, you need a professional pest control service.

NJ wasp abatement is one of the services we handle at Stern Environmental Group. If you’re experiencing problems with velvet ants, let our experienced staff take care of the problem safely. Call us today to schedule a free home inspection.

Bees, Insect Control, Stinging Insects, Wasps

Tips to Preventing Customer Bee and Wasp Stings on Your Restaurant’s Patio

Identifying Hornets and Their Nests Can Help Reduce Stings.
Identifying Hornets and Their Nests Can Help Reduce Stings.

NJ restaurant bee and wasp abatement is a critical step in keeping your customers sting free. While patrons dining in the restaurant’s patio area might like a little “bite” to their meal, there’s no doubt they’d rather it be in their food than on their bodies.

Types of Stinging Pests

The following are known problem makers due to their attraction to nearby nesting places (eaves, trees) and accessibility to food, fragrances, bright colors, and proteins.

  • Honeybees
  • Bumblebees
  • Paper Wasps
  • Yellowjackets
  • Hornets

Single Stings versus Multiple Stings

Whether a customer is stung once by a honeybee or multiple times by a single aggressive wasp, it causes pain to the victim. In the case of those who are allergic to bee stings, it can be a fatal situation if an antitoxin isn’t administered within minutes of the incident. For restaurateurs with outside dining, the possibility of this type of situation should be avoided at all costs.

Bees and wasps usually stick to themselves, but if provoked, or their hunt for food takes them to your customers, stings may be part of your diner’s menu. Avoid attempting removal of hives or honeycombs yourself. Leave that to the professionals.

If you’re in need of NJ restaurant bee and wasp abatement service, Stern Environmental has the personnel and equipment to keep the buzz at bay. Give us a call if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Bees, Insect Control, News, Pest Management, Stinging Insects, Wasps, Yellow Jackets

Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets – What You Need to Know Part Two

Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets - What You Need to Know
Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets – What You Need to Know

In our last post we talked about how you can properly identify hornets, wasps and yellow jackets. We also discussed how you can avoid an encounter with them on your property. Of course, sometimes these insects just get out of hand. When that happens, you need the help of NJ & NYC pest control experts.

Taking NJ & NYC Pest Control Into Your Own Hands

Far too many homeowners and business owners make the decision to remove wasps, hornets and yellow jackets themselves. This is a dangerous decision that could result in painful stings.

Destroying nests early on in their development can be effective. However, usually nests aren’t spotted until they’re well underway. You want to avoid doing any of the following:

  • Trying to flood nests under the ground with water
  • Pouring gasoline or kerosene on nests
  • Vacuuming a nest

Also, commercial traps may be little more than a waste of money. Professional pest control keeps you safe, and it gets the job done properly.

The Methods of Experienced Pest Control Pros

Hive removal is the most effective way to take care of your hornet, wasp or yellow jacket problem. The professionals at Stern Environmental understand the best ways to do this. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a worry-free summer without fear of being stung by any of these pests? We can make it happen for you!

If you have questions, please contact us right away!

Bees, Insect Control, News, Nuisance Wildlife Control, Pest Control, Stinging Insects, Wasps, Yellow Jackets

Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets – What You Need to Know Part One

Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets - What You Need to Know
Hornets, Wasps, Yellow Jackets – What You Need to Know

Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets are a big problem for many in our area. They build nests rather quickly, and become territorial once they do. Their stings are painful, and if you’re a homeowner or a business owner, they can cause a lot of issues for your property.

At Stern Environmental, we’d like to take some time and give you some more information about these pests. It’s important to know how to identify them, how to prevent them, and most of all, how to get rid of them. If you’re in need of NJ & NYC pest control, we can certainly help you with that.

Identifying Hornets, Wasps and Yellow Jackets

These words are often used to describe the same insects, but they’re all really quite different. For instance:

Hornets – Their bodies are black with pale yellow markings. They’re not aggressive at all.

Wasps – Their bodies are slim with legs that hang down. They will sting when they feel attacked.

Yellow Jackets – Their bodies are shiny and sleek, and they deliver painful stings.

  • Preventing Hornets, Wasps and Yellow Jackets

There are several steps you can take to prevent attacks from these pests. You can:

  • Inspect areas outside for nests
  • Avoid perfumes or colognes
  • Wear light-colored clothing outside

Of course, sometimes these insects need to be controlled. Your NJ & NYC pest control specialists at Stern Environmental are always here to lend a hand. Contact us right away!

Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Stinging Insects, Wasps

Tips to Having Your Backyard be Wasp-Free This Summer

Keep Wasps Out of Your Home and Garden
Keep Wasps Out of Your Home and Garden

Summertime means outdoor activities, cookouts, fun by the pool, and taking care of a vegetable or flower garden. While it’s entertaining to enjoy the many activities a backyard provides, one thing you don’t want to share the fun with is a stinging wasp.

To keep your yard wasp free takes a little planning but well worth it to keep NJ stinging insect control working at peak performance.

Safety is important when working with wasps. Unlike bees that don’t usually sting unless provoked or their nest is in danger, wasps don’t need a reason to attack.

Tips to Be Wasp Free

• Blend lemongrass, clove, and geranium essential oils with dish soap and water. Put in a spray bottle and apply to target areas where wasps congregate or where they’ve previously had a nest.

• Combine 2 tablespoons dish soap with water, place in a spray bottle and coat hanging nests.

• Planting a mint plant will help dissuade wasps in the garden. A more potent option is blending mint oil with water and applying to affected areas.

• Seal any cracks, holes, or crevices around doors, windows, siding, or the space where power lines or cables enter the home.

When you’ve done all you can to remove wasps but find you need the services of a NJ stinging insect control specialist, all you need to do is call the professionals at Stern Environmental and we’ll take care of it.