Take time to evaluate stinging insects before treatment

Greg Pettis, East Coast Product Representative, Nature-Cide

When it comes to taking out stinging insects, it can be easy to get caught up in protecting the public — and forgetting that our product choice and application method need to be a part of the equation. I am usually interested in making sure I don’t get stung in the process of eliminating the threat. But I have to remind myself that, in my “shock-and-awe” attack on an infestation of wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, bumble bees, cicada killers or other stinging insects, I don’t get carried away and make an irresponsible treatment that exposes non-targets such as people or pets to my products.

When considering your product choice, the first thing to do is make sure the site is on the label — and in many states, the species itself is on the label, too. Then, look for the best treatment technique, with a delivery system that will get the job done and allow you to get to a safe zone.

Unfortunately, there are times when you have to make an application over an area that you would prefer not to, in order to save the day. In these instances, I prefer to consider an appropriately labeled all-natural spray or dust, to lower the risk of any potential hazard if the insects displace the product when emerging from their nest after application.