Tag Archives: Stinging Insect Control

Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?

Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?
Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?

We see them all the time whenever we’re outdoors; insects. Whether crawling, walking, or flying, Mother Nature has provided a smorgasbord of insects for us to share the environment.

This works out fine unless we happen to get in the way of one of these social species: the hornet.

About the Hornet

There are two genera; Vespa (22 species ) and Provespa (3 species). The Provespa species, unlike the Vespa, are nocturnal. In North America, the European Vespa hornet is most prevalent.

Hornets are often confused with yellowjackets due to their similarity in appearance. Their distinguishable characteristics include a distinctive head and an elongated rounded abdomen. In size, some species can grow to over two inches long.

Stirring Up a Hornet’s Nest

There’s an old saying about “stirring up a hornet’s nest,” which means when applied to a human situation you want to avoid causing trouble. When applied to hornets, this is something you don’t want to do deliberately for any reason. They’re already an aggressive species without any provocation, but when their nests are in danger, they become even more so and attack anything in sight including humans and pets.

Due to their aggressiveness, hornet nest removal is best left to a professional service with trained staff and appropriate solutions. At Stern Environmental, our hornet nest removal process will rid your home or commercial building of these unwanted pests. Call today to schedule an appointment.

How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?

How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?
How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?

You’re outdoors enjoying the clear skies, brilliant sunshine, and comfortable temperatures poking your garden or maybe you’re trimming tree branches or bushes and out of nowhere, an aerial assault leaves you with a painful sting or multiple stings.

You look around for the out-of-control pilot and realize you’ve happened upon a wasp or hornet’s nest and they’re reacting with pinpoint precision.

Wasps vs Hornets

Wasps are most aggressive when provoked. This is usually if you’ve interfered with a nesting spot. Removal of their nests is best left to the services of a wasp abatement professional for this reason. The nests may be clearly visible hanging from the eaves of a home giving you ample opportunity to steer clear, but if they’re hidden behind the siding, you can find yourself in a hurtful predicament when doing any type of outdoor home improvement project.

Hornets, on the other hand, are aggressive without any particular provocation and they’ll do it repeatedly. For many, the stings of both the wasp and the hornet can cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which, if not treated, can result in a deadly outcome. An estimated 1,500 people die annually due to anaphylactic reactions.

While you may think it’s safe to handle the situation on your own, you have no idea how many stinging pests you may be faced with. For the proper help with wasp abatement, contact the experts at Stern.

Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests

Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests
Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests

Just the thought of hornets is enough to make some people shudder. These pests are often a problem for NY and NJ homeowners and business owners. Still, do you know how to correctly identify them and their nests? Once you know you have hornets on your property, you’ll be able to make plans to deal with them. This should include calling NJ & NYC pest control specialists for assistance.

What do Hornets Look Like?

Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets are often confused for one another, yet they’re all very different. A hornet’s color is usually white and black, while the others are yellow and black. This is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between them.

Also, hornets have much smaller waists than the others. One characteristic that sets hornets apart is the fact that their stingers are not barbed. This means they are able to sting repeatedly, without losing their stingers and dying.

What do Hornet Nests Look Like?

Hornet nests are gray and shaped like an oval. They appear to be made out of paper, but the material used to make them is actually wood and saliva. You’ll find their nests are often high above the ground, hidden out of sight.

Do you have a hornet problem? NJ & NYC pest control experts can help you get rid of them. Contact us here at Stern and we’ll provide you with the help you need.

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!

The Mayo Clinic: Tips for Bee Sting Prevention and Sting Treatment

The Mayo Clinic: Tips for Bee Sting Prevention and Sting Treatment
The Mayo Clinic: Tips for Bee Sting Prevention and Sting Treatment

The warmer months are here, and that means the bees are out. Hopefully, your children are enjoying the nice weather, and you are too. Still, you need to know how to treat bee stings when they happen. You also should know how to prevent your family and loved ones from getting stung. The Mayo Clinic has some great information that you will find quite helpful. Keep in mind that if you’re in need of NJ & NYC pest control, we’re here to help.

Treating Bee Stings

For mild reactions to bee stings, remove the stinger immediately. You can use your fingernails or tweezers to do this. Wash the area and apply an ice pack or a cold compress.

For moderate reactions to bee stings, do all of the above, and also take Ibuprofen or another pain reliever. This will help manage pain and keep the swelling down. You may want to elevate the area or apply an ointment if it itches.

Preventing Bee Stings from Happening

Stay calm if you come across a bees’ nest in your yard. Walk away from it slowly. Also, wearing closed-toed shoes will protect you from getting stung on your feet. You should take care to remove anything from your yard that might attract bees.

NJ & NYC pest control is your best option when dealing with bees. Here at Stern Environmental, we’re happy to help. Please contact us for immediate assistance.