Tag Archives: Stinging Insect Control

Hornet or Yellow Jacket – How to Tell the Difference

Hornet or Yellow Jacket - How to Tell the Difference
Hornet or Yellow Jacket – How to Tell the Difference

Stinging pests are a serious problem for a lot of New Jersey homeowners. But most of the time, they’re not really sure what type of pest they’re dealing with. Hornets and yellow jackets are two of the pests that get confused the most.

Before contacting NJ yellow jacket control or hornet control, here’s how you can identify which pest is in your yard.

The Similarities Between Yellow Jackets and Hornets

Both yellow jackets and hornets are types of wasps. But people often refer to them as bees, which is incorrect. The stings of both are quite painful, but that’s where their similarities end.

The Differences Between Hornets and Yellow Jackets

In most cases, you can tell the difference by just looking at them closely. Yellow jackets have distinct black and yellow markings, like their names suggest. Hornets also have yellow marks but with a reddish-brown color instead of black.

Both pests can sting repeatedly, but the yellow jacket’s stinger has barbs and sometimes gets lodged in its victim. Like a bee’s stinger, if it gets left behind then the insect dies. Hornets, however, don’t lose their stinger and their stings tend to be more painful.

Contact a NJ Yellow Jacket Control Specialist for Help

Whether you’re dealing with hornets or yellow jackets, both are a menace this time of year. Stern Environmental has the expertise to rid you of them. Contact us today to learn more.

What to Know About Our NJ Spring Yellow Jackets

What to Know About Our NJ Spring Yellow Jackets
What to Know About Our NJ Spring Yellow Jackets

Spring has sprung, and with it pests are pouring forth. Among the most dreaded: Yellow jackets. These troublesome wasps are feared by homeowners, who look to NJ pest control pros for help dealing with these aggressive pests, which are capable of stinging repeatedly.

Be on the Lookout for Spring Yellow Jacket Nests

You’ll find the paper-mache-like nests of these wasps in the ground and around homes and other structures, such as animal burrows, attics, crawlspaces, and other wall voids and enclosed cavities. Constructed of a mix of wasp saliva and chewed, weathered wood, the layers of yellow jacket nests are camouflaged with surroundings and often unrecognized as the hazard they present.

Avoid Attracting these Pests

Yellow jackets feed on meat from garbage and animal carcasses, as well as sugars from fruit, sweetened beverages, and beer, bringing them into frequent contact with humans. These sugars support new developing queens in late summer, the only members of the colony that survive the winter.

Control the Pests

Never plug wasp nests in an outside wall. This can force wasps into living areas. The best method of treatment is registered insecticide dust. This is spread directly at the opening of the nest, where wasps pick up and transport the dust to others, destroying the colony.

Get yellow jackets to buzz off. Ensure a safe home with the help of the NJ pest control professionals at Stern Environmental today.

Some Bees Build Nests Underground – What to Know

Some Bees Build Nests Underground - What to Know
Some Bees Build Nests Underground – What to Know

For many people, the idea of nesting bees usually brings to mind a vision of a beehive with resident bees buzzing in, out, and around the opening. This is true of some, but other bee species prefer the ground to set up their nests.

Signs of Ground Nesting

One prolific species found in the midwestern and northeastern portions of North America is Colletes. This busy bee is a loner, meaning the female takes care of constructing her nest. While she is considered to be solitary, it is not uncommon for a multitude of females to build their nests’ side by side.

In this case, you may find small mounds of soil or sand with a hole in the middle where the female lays her eggs. Depending on the landscape, the nests may be visible.

The Handling of Bees

Not all bees can sting. For example, the male Colletes inaequalis does not have a stinger, and the female uses her stinger only if being attacked.

Bees serve an important ecological service in providing pollination for fruit, trees, and flowers. Therefore, using chemicals to eliminate them is not always the best option. NJ pest control specialists are aware of this and take precaution when removing bees from a property.

For information about bee removal, the type of services we provide, and an inspection, contact Stern Environmental. Our NJ pest control experts handle problems quickly, efficiently, and safely.

How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property

How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property
How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property

When bees, hornets, or wasps invade your home’s structure, it’s important to address the situation as quickly as possible. Removing stinging insects is not something you want to attempt and why contacting a NJ pest control service is necessary.

Eliminating the “Sweet Zones” of Your Home

Most everyone has come across a beehive, wasp or hornet’s nest dangling from the eave of a roof or seen the insects flying in and out of crevices in a wall’s exterior. These “sweet spots” are the perfect location when bees, hornets, and wasps are on the lookout for prime real estate locations to build their nests.

One way to make the prospective location a less than desirable building spot is to apply a bug spray specifically formulated for these three insects. If there are no signs, yet, of any insect activity, spray along the eaves, around windows and doors, and any other place you’ve previously seen the insects. Douse the areas thoroughly so the scent will dissuade the insects from building.

If bees, wasps, or hornets have already set up a residence, contact a NJ pest control service immediately.

At Stern Environmental, we take our job seriously to provide the best services available. If you’re experiencing a hornet, bee, or wasp problem, our NJ pest control technicians are trained specialists who can take care of the situation. Call to set up an immediate appointment and be sting free.

Ground Bees: Not All Bees Make Honey or Hives

Ground Bees: Not All Bees Make Honey or Hives
Ground Bees: Not All Bees Make Honey or Hives

Are you wasting countless hours searching for bee hangouts around your business? How can you stop the onslaught of not-so-friendly buzzing from upsetting your profits? Save time and money by exercising a different tactic.

All bee species and their nesting habits are not the same. Only about 30 percent of bees nest in above ground hives. When bees are driving your employees or clients up the wall, it’s time to employ the ground bee removal experts!

No Bees, No Honey. No Way!

Of the 20,000 bee species in the world today, the honey bee is the only species that actually makes honey. Are you’re worried that your efforts to rid your commercial site of bees disrupts honey production? Environmental experts are ready to help.

At Stern Environmental, our knowledgeable staff does the research for you ensuring your business is protected. Many underground nesting bees aren’t social or aggressive in nature. Our experts know each bee species’ unique habits and the specific steps to take to ensure your profit and customer security.

Making the Call

Do you need an expert opinion to help formulate your next plan of action? Is ground bee removal a viable option for your current bee situation? Stern Environmental helps you control any bee problems you may be facing. Visit our website today to find out how we can help. Schedule an appointment today and we’ll keep your business abuzz with profit!