Showing posts with label paper wasp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paper wasp. Show all posts

Monday, August 6, 2012

Wasps, Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets! Stinging Summer Pests

I've been up on rooftops a lot lately!  Not just because it's fun either!  I've been taking care of yellow jackets and paper wasps!  We've also been taking care of ground nests and nests that are not high up in the eaves of houses.  Bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are some of the least favorite and most feared pests of summer. 

I have been asked a number of questions regarding pest control for bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets.  Here are a couple of the questions and my answer.

  • How do you manage to avoid being stung?  I have, but often do not use, a special bee suit.  Mainly it is a matter of knowing the pest, knowing my products, timing and method of treatment.  I manage to avoid stings most of the time.  I do occasionally get a sting which I treat with benedryl (if there is significant swelling), baking soda mixed with water to help draw out the venom (or the membrane of an egg if baking soda is not available).  If ever I were to have trouble breathing after a sting, I would dial 911.  I had to add that because for me, most bee and wasp stings are a minor irritation, but for some, bee and wasp stings present serious allergic reactions that require immediate emergency medical attention.

  • What is the worst time for bees?  Late summer and early autumn are the time of the year here in the northwest when bees and wasps are most aggressive.  This is the time of year that bees are more inclined to sting and aggressively defend the nest. 

And to close, here is a video by national geographic on paper wasps.  I think this particular video takes place in Costa Rica, but it was really interesting to see.  I hope you enjoy!



I'm here for all your pest control needs!  Give me a call or send me an email.

Micah Wood
Peak Pest Management LLC
503-998-4322
360-607-1933
206-790-8285
www.peak-pest-management.com
micah@peak-pest-management.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

Bugs! 41 States Have A "State Insect." Fun Fact Friday

I was checking out the Encyclopedia Smithsonian (tons of great info).  I am going to be honest, I was just paging through reading because I enjoy learning more about bugs-- pest or not!  I came across a page there listing state bugs!  Only 41 of the 50  have state bugs.  I was considering assigning pests to those states that have not chosen one.  Several states share the Monarch Butterfly (and why not, it is a beautiful insect!), several states have honey bees (again-- a great one).  I was thinking maybe Rhode Island, who hasn't chosen a state insect would be interested in the termite?  Surprisingly (OR NOT SURPRISINGLY AT ALL!), no state has claimed it!  No state claimed the bed bug, carpenter ant, carpet beetle, or paper wasp either!

Okay, joking aside, it is really interesting what insects states have chosen.  Here is a link to the complete list on the Smithsonian website. But I thought for our Oregon and Washington and Florida readers, I'd list yours!
Oregon- Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly
Washington- Green Darner Dragonfly
Florida- Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Florida is in here because it's where my mom lives-- if you read the blog and live in another state and wonder why I included it and not yours, that's why!)



"State Insects" Encyclopedia Smithsonian Web. 04/04
Department of Systematic Biology, Entomology Information Sheet 158
www.si.edu