Should I Call a Pest Control Company to Get Rid of Wasps or Bees in Tallahassee, FL?

Tallahassee, FL, is warm enough year-round for stinging pests to thrive. These insects may also cause damage to structures like businesses and homes, and pose a danger to people in the area. Bees and wasps are the most common stinging insects that cause problems in homes and commercial structures, and each one takes specialized skills and specific equipment to remove.

Africanized “Killer” Honey Bees

Africanized honey bees are essential for a healthy ecosystem and overall prosperous environment, but no one likes these insects in their home or on their property. They don’t remain in the same hive forever, so they’ll gladly build nests in spaces like attics, crawlspaces, in walls, and other enclosed spaces. When outdoors, killer bees prefer hollow cavities in trees, old tires, barbeque grills, fences, and water meter covers. Garages, sheds, chimneys, and other small structures are another favorite for Africanized honey bees.

So are these bees dangerous? Africanized honey bees have a proven history of reacting strongly to people or animals they find threatening, and they have the potential to kill large animals such as horses. Africanized honey bees have also killed around 1000 people since their introduction in 1956. If these bees decide that you are a threat, they have the capability to fly up to ¼ mile in pursuit. You cannot – outrun them. If you jump in a pool for a temporary escape, they’ll wait for you to surface. The only way to escape killer bees is to run into a sealed structure such as a house.

Paper Wasps

Now that we know killer bees aren’t a problem you want to address on your own, are paper wasps dangerous? Although paper wasps are only moderately aggressive, they will readily sting if they feel their nest is being threatened. It goes without saying that it’s hazardous to try and remove a paper wasp nest on your own.

Paper wasps will build their nests wherever they can find space around your home or commercial property. Common nesting spots can be within decorative lights, on swing sets, decks, by fascia boards, in rafters, and secluded spaces like attics, garages, and sheds. Paper wasp nests may also start small, but they can host up to 100 paper wasps at any given time. This is why it’s highly recommended to call in a professional as soon as you spot a nest.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets nest in wall voids, attics, and in the ground outdoors. Their nesting behavior can be startling if they start flying indoors with no warning. Yellow jackets have the ability to come in from outdoors, access wall voids, and fly around your house. Another unfortunate but common situation can happen if yellow jackets are nesting in the ground on your property. If you don’t notice their activity, you can easily run their nest over with a lawnmower or step directly on it with flip flops or even worse, bare feet.

These vicious pests are dangerous if disturbed. Yellow jackets have the ability to sting multiple times and will defend their nests if they feel threatened. As the summer season comes to an end, they become more aggressive since many are dying off as their natural food sources die.

DIY Removal Methods

If you go on YouTube or search on Google for ways to get rid of stinging insects at home, you’ll probably come across the following “effective” solutions that don’t involve professional pest control services.

• Gasoline poured into the nest entrance
• Store bought repellent sprays
• Bleach and Ammonia mixture poured into the nest entrance: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
• Boiling water dumped into the entrance of the nest

All of these strategies are extremely dangerous. When you disturb or pose a threat to any stinging insect nest, no matter what species, they will swarm you and attack. Never take the risk. If you find a stinging insect nest on your property, it’s time to call the professionals at Capelouto.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

If you find a stinging insect nest on your home or property, call Capelouto Termite & Pest Control immediately so we can assist with the issue quickly. To learn more about our stinging insect removal services, click here.