Swarming Insects

Nothing can ruin outdoor plans quicker than an invasion of wasps or Yellow Jackets. Because of their aggressive nature and tendency to travel in swarms, they can make outdoor areas unusable very quickly.  

Northern California has the perfect climate for these species to flourish - an abundance of flora, temperate summers, and mild winters. This climate allows colonies to grow quite large and survive for several years. Colonies of wasps and Yellow Jackets can be found in campgrounds, parks, and urban areas throughout the region.  

Though they are two distinct species, wasps and Yellow Jackets share numerous similarities. Wasps and Yellow Jackets are most active during the summer time and daylight hours, although a warm spring can hasten the colonies arrivals. In later summer, both species find food sources growing scarce and are more prone to attacking human food sources, drawing them nearer to people. Unfortunately, the majority of bug sprays will not deter wasps or Yellow Jackets from coming close to people.  

Both species often build nests on trees, rocks, and homes. Because of their tendency to build nests under the eaves of homes, it can require special equipment and specialization to remove the nests safely. After pesticides have been applied to a nest, the dead insects falling from the nest can still sting a person standing underneath.  

Northern California has seen a sharp increase in these invasive species in recent years as the long term droughts have eased up. The additional water supplies and foliage has led to 70-80% increases in the number of incidents being reported in the Bay Area in 2017.  

Both the  Yellow Jackets and wasps are more prone to attacking people than the common honeybee and caution should be used around them. Both species are willing to attack people if their nests are disturbed or they feel that their queen has been threatened. Their nests can be identified by their paper-like appearance and hexagonal structure. It’s best to avoid the area where they have built their nest and call us at Air 2 Ground Pest Control for removal.

Though foragers will not normally attack people, a simple swat can be enough to cause their tempers to flare. It is also hard for people outside enjoying the outdoors to identify whether the flying insect landing on them is a forager or a queen.  

According to The University of Kentucky Department of Entomology,  both Yellow Jackets and wasps are considered a “serious threat to public health” due to increased incidence of allergic reactions. In the event of an allergic reaction to a sting, medical attention should be sought immediately because allergic reactions can be life threatening. Multiple stings increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction even in someone who did not previously have an allergy.  

Carpenter Bees are often mistaken for Bumblebees by the general public. They have a shiny abdomen, whereas Bumblebee abdomens are completely covered with dense hair. Carpenter Bees naturally nest in soft wood trees but find the wooden structures of your home an equally inviting residence. Carpenter Bees do not eat wood like termites, rather they bore into the wood and make themselves at home. A sure sign of Carpenter Bees is piles of sawdust on the ground and stains from feces on the wood itself. Let unchecked, this bee can cause major damage to your home.

The Bald Face Hornet. Just the name invokes thoughts of a cartoonish figure. This insect is not one you want to run into, and if you are not careful, you may just run into them. They build their nests three or more feet off the ground, in trees, homes, building overhangs, and shrubbery. This an aggressive creature that will attack when something enters their space. Hornets are one of the insects that most often trigger allergies and cause serious medical issues. 

Call us today at Air 2 Ground Pest Control. We are experts in removing these dangerous insects from your home and property and making your days and nights safe from harm.