Nisus Corp.: Stinging Insects

By Ron Schwalb, A.C.E., National Technical Manager

As pest management professionals (PMPs), we often may only begin to think about stinging insect controls moving toward mid-summer, when we start to get service calls from our clients about these particular pests. In reality, we should consider stinging pests as an integrated control approach that should be on our minds all year long.

Many stinging pests, such as paper wasp females, like to overwinter in nice warm structures inside cracks or gaps around windows and doors. They may also enter attic areas around soffits or other entry points. This is why some clients may see wasps flying inside the structure during the dead of winter. Doing a detailed inspection during the fall and winter months on the structure to find these locations of entry, treating with a labeled dust or other formulation, and sealing with caulking material or screening will keep these (and other) pests out of the structure.

In the spring, we should continue our inspections to look at possible sanitation conditions that could attract stinging pest populations. Old canvas, carpet scraps and other materials left outside or under sheds could be perfect locations for future bumblebee nests, and should be removed and discarded. Garbage cans with no (or damaged) lids, exterior recycle bins for soda cans and bottles, as well as other, similar sources are great food resource sites for yellowjackets. They should be sealed and cleaned regularly during the spring and summer seasons. Also, begin to inspect under eaves and porches for beginning nest sites of paper wasps.

In the summer, when activity is at the highest, inspect for established nest sites of paper wasps. You might want to spot-treat nests with the newest aerosol products that drop the wasps quickly. Don’t forget to inspect swing sets and storage sheds. Walk the yard to determine whether yellowjacket nests have become established — and if so, treat. Remember, it is the professional service you provide to the customer that is most important.