Stinging Insects in Richmond
As winter draws to a close and the temperatures begin to rise, you’re probably going to be faced with the onslaught of insects that spring and summer bring. From ants to cicadas, insects will invade your home and yard, posing a major nuisance. Worst of all, the springtime means that stinging insects like bees, wasps, and hornets will be back, building their nests on your decks and porches. Stinging insects are important to the environment, especially bees, but they can become a serious problem if they are nesting on your property. Stinging insects are very territorial, and may swarm or sting when they feel threatened, or if you just get too close. If you need stinging insect nest removal in Richmond, Henrico, or Hanover, contact the experts at Critter Authority today! Our team of pest control technicians can safely remove stinging insect nests from your property, without any stinging incidents. Call us today to get on the schedule at (804) 492-2804!
Types of Bees in Richmond
The Richmond area is home to several different types of bees. Honey bees are the most famous, and also the most protected. Honey bees are extremely vital to pollination, and therefore, must be handled by professionals. Honey bees are golden yellow with black stripes, and they are not aggressive, only stinging when provoked.
Bumblebees are very common in the Richmond area. Bumblebees can easily be identified by their stocky frame, often covered in yellow, fuzzy hairs. Bumblebees are very important to pollination, but unlike honeybees, bumble bees do not live in well-organized hives. Instead, they tend to live in underground nests, inside old rodent burrows or under leaf litter. However, bumblebees can also build their nests inside attic spaces or soffits, where they may come in contact with you.
Carpenter bees can also be found around the Richmond area. This species of bee has a shiny, black abdomen and is not aggressive. Instead, the main problem with carpenter bees is the damage they can create to the wood in your home. Carpenter bees hollow out wood in order to lay their eggs, and then the larvae are eaten by woodpeckers, who will drill into the wood and make it much worse.
Types of Wasps in Richmond
Paper wasps are the most common type of wasp in Richmond. These stinging insects are named for the cellulose material they build their nests out of. Paper wasp nests are in the shape of an upside down umbrella, and are often built on decks and porches, inside light fixtures and sheds, or anywhere else they can hang a nest from. Paper wasps are aggressive, stinging when you get too close to their nest. Paper wasps possess the ability to swarm and sting repeatedly, so it’s important to NOT attempt to remove a paper wasp nest yourself.
Yellowjackets are a smaller species of wasp, known for their extreme territoriality. Yellowjackets are even known to chase people and pets. Yellowjackets build cellulose nests similar to paper wasps, and they commonly build their nest under the ground, inside yards. However, yellowjackets will also build nests on eaves and inside attic spaces.
Cicada killer wasps, despite the scary name, are not as aggressive as other species of wasp, and will only sting if disturbed. However, these ground-dwelling wasps may disrupt your lawn and your garden with their large burrows.
Mud daubers are a species of wasp that are easily defined by their extremely narrow waist and their distinctive nest, which they build out of mud on porches, eaves, and inside sheds. Mud dauber nests often look like organ pipes made out of mud. These wasps usually will not sting unless their nest is threatened.
Types of Hornets in Richmond
There are also several different types of hornets in the Richmond, Henrico and Hanover areas:
European hornets are large and brown in color, typically with orange stripes across the abdomen and a pale face. European hornets are mostly active at night, and are very attracted to porch lights, oftentimes banging into windows in an attempt to get inside. European hornets may nest inside attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, sheds, and barns. These insects won’t sting unless threatened, however if they build a nest inside or near your home, you might find yourself in conflict with them.
Bald-faced hornets: these large hornets are known for their distinctive black and white coloring, with an all-white face. They will aggressively defend their nest, which can be a problem for homeowners as they tend to nest under eaves, on porches and decks, around light fixtures, and even inside children’s playhouses.
Now it’s time for the ultimate question: Are murder hornets in Richmond?
No, the Asian giant hornet, known as “murder hornets” never made it anywhere near Virginia. If you thought you saw a murder hornet, it was most likely a European Hornet.
Stinging Insect Control and Removal in Richmond, Henrico, and Hanover
Richmond is home to many different types of bees, wasps, and hornets, but it’s important to not attempt to remove stinging insect nests from your property without professional assistance. Bees are extremely important to the environment, and must be handled with extreme care. Wasps and hornets don’t have the same protections, but these insects are typically aggressive, known to swarm anything that disturbs their nests. Additionally, wasps and hornets do not have barbed stingers, which allows them to sting multiple times. The safest way to deal with bees, wasps, and hornets is to contact a licensed pest control company to come remove their nests. Critter Authority can help, our team of experts has the tools, training, and experience necessary to safely remove stinging insect nests without the risk of any stings. Contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at (804) 492-2804!