Stinging Insect Identification Guide

Stinging insects use a stinger found at the end of their abdomen to inject venom. When hunting, predatory species use their stingers to paralyze their prey, and all stinging insects use their stinger to defend themselves against threats.

Stinging insects can be solitary and live and nest alone, or they can be social and live and nest in large groups. Some of the most common stinging insects in our area of Idaho include:

• Hornets
• Mud daubers
• Yellowjackets
• Wasps

For people severely allergic to stinging insects, their presence in your yard is a huge concern. Being stung by one or more stinging insects can lead to a serious or even life-threatening allergic reaction.

Even if you are not severely allergic to stinging insects, having their nest in a high-traffic area of your Meridian home is never ideal. As you and your family try to move around your yard, you will be in regular contact with these stinging pests. The more contact you have, the more likely a painful sting will occur.

Depending on the species, Stinging insects feed on sweets, proteins, or a combination of both. Our yards often provide these common Meridian pests with abundant food sources, and if they decide to make their presence permanent, many places of shelter to build a nest.

Examples of things found out in most of our yards that provide stinging insects with a food source include:

• Flowerbeds
• Fruit trees or berry bushes
• Outdoor eating areas with leftover food and sugary drinks
• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Pet food

Mud daubers are solitary, and each female places their nests in areas that provide a lot of shelter and protection like under roof eaves, in rock piles and woodpiles, and under decks and porch ceilings. They also like to build nests inside garages, sheds, and barns.

Yellow jackets build their nests aerially (up off the ground), in the ground, or under things like fallen trees. Yellow jackets build their nests in our yards in the places that put them into easy reach of gardens, trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor eating areas.

Hornets and wasps build their nests in multiple areas. Common spots include under roof eaves, porch roofs, decks, and tree branches.

Remove unwanted and dangerous stinging insects from your yard with the assistance of Sawtooth Pest Control. Trust us and our 18 years of combined experience to take care of your property’s stinging insect problems. Our professionals will accurately identify the stinging insects on your property and quickly and safely remove them and their nests.

If stinging insects are putting you and your family in danger, call us today and speak with one of our friendly experts about our home pest control and commercial pest control services!

Prevent stinging insects from taking over your home with the assistance of the professionals at Sawtooth Pest Control and the following helpful tips:

• Cut back shrubs and bushes from the exterior of your home.
• If possible, don’t plant new shrubs and trees near your home.
• Remove fallen trees and other yard debris from your yard. 
• Take away water sources by making sure gutters are clear and not overwatering gardens and flowerbeds.
• Fill in ground holes in your yard.
• Put lids on trash cans and recycling bins to keep yellow jackets and other stinging insects out.
• Clean up leftover food from outdoor eating areas to prevent it from drawing the attention of hungry stinging insects.