Skip to Content
PROUDLY SERVING CUSTOMERS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN WASHINGTON
Call or Text Us! 509-478-1925
Top

Stinging Insects

Common Types of Stinging Insects in Washington

Stinging insects are beneficial to the environment because of their ability to pollinate flowers, crops, and other plants; they are also considered to be beneficial because predatory species hunt and feed on nuisance insects- keeping their populations down. Stinging insects, despite their benefits, can become a huge problem for homeowners when they create their nests on, in, or near our homes. The most common species of stinging insects found in our area of Washington include yellow jackets, European paper wasps, and bald faced hornets.

  • Bald Faced Hornets

    A large stinging insect, bald-faced hornets are not actually hornets. They are relatives of yellow jackets and paper wasps and have long, think wasp-like bodies. Their bodies are black and they have an off-white pattern covering most of their faces. 

  • European Paper Wasps

    These wasps are semi-social and live together in small colonies. While they grow up to ¾ of an inch in length, paper wasps in Washington state can be distinguished from stockier yellow jackets by their slender bodies. 

  • Western Yellow Jackets

    Very social insects, yellow jackets live together in large colonies with thousands of members. Workers may appear in combinations of yellow and black and white in black, they grow to about ½ inch in length.

Why do I have a problem with stinging insects?

Properties with lots of flowering vegetation, unsecured garbage cans, gardens, compost piles, and areas of standing water often attract stinging insects because they provide ample food and water sources. The big problem with stinging insects is that they create their nests in a wide variety of places- some of those places being in close proximity to people.

Where do stinging insects nest?

Where a stinging insect colony creates their nesting site depends greatly on their species. Yellow jackets nest in a variety of places like inside of tree cavities, in tree stumps, in the ground inside of holes dug out by other animals, under roof eaves or inside in attic spaces or behind walls voids.

European paper wasps prefer to create their unique upside-down umbrella shaped nests inside of small spaces, secure places like on the inside of pipes and gutters, inside of closed grills, in large bells, in electrical boxes and in the hollow spaces found behind walls. They also commonly build their nests underneath of roof overhangs and underneath of porches and decks.

Bald faced hornets like to place their nest up off of the ground in or on trees, utility poles, underneath of porches or decks, under roof eaves, in attics, on chimneys, and behind wall voids.

Are stinging insects dangerous?

Yes, wasps have the potential to be very dangerous. Unlike honey bees who can only sting once, these stinging insects have the ability to sting their victim over and over again, repeatedly delivering painful stings and creating raised red welts. As if that wasn’t enough, their venom is strong enough to cause severe reactions in some people. Depending on the person the venom can cause a severe allergic reaction or even trigger an anaphylactic shock; if either occurs immediate medical attention should be sought.

How do I get rid of stinging insects?

If you have identified a stinging insect too close to your home (or even inside it), contact a pest control company that specializes in stinging insect control. At Prosite, our professionals have the tools, knowledge, and experience to remove wasp nests in and around your home. For more information about our stinging insect control treatments, please reach out to us today.

How do I prevent problems with stinging insects?

To prevent problems with stinging insects on your property and inside of your home, we recommend:

  • Filling in ground holes
  • Not overplanting flowering vegetation on your property
  • Removing trees stumps and fallen trees and filling in holes in the lawn
  • Keeping tight-fitting lids on all garbage cans
  • Covering food and drinks when outside
  • Sealing holes found along the roofline, along with any other openings found on your home’s exterior
  • Replacing or repairing any door or window screens that are not completely intact
Continue Reading Read Less

Our Reputation Speaks for Itself!

Read Our Reviews

Serving Ellensburg, WA Since 2011

    "Repeat Customer!"
    Thank you Justin for monitoring our property and communicating the pest status with each visit.
    - Patrick T.
    "Above and Beyond!"
    When you've got serious problems, ProSite has the right people and products to handle them quickly!
    - Brett H.
    "Efficient, professional, and friendly."
    The tech came for the quarterly service and inspection, greeted me pleasantly, and asked about any concerns. They did a great job around the house, were detail-specific, efficient, professional, and friendly. Communicated well about findings.
    - David P.
    "Very Professional"
    I highly recommend Prosite. Vanessa in the office was both incredibly personable and so helpful.
    - Christine B.
    "Winning Service!"
    We appreciate Prosite because they are prompt at responding to issues that arise, and they have kept their promise to free our 'new to us' home of rodents.
    - Jamie H.
    "Kind & Patient Service"
    Alex and Fitz were great! Thank you, Prosite. They were thorough, knowledgeable, and professional.
    - Pamela P.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Contact us using the form below or give us a call at (509) 478-1925.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • NPMA
  • WSPMA
  • BBB A+
  • CWHBA
  • Best of Kittatas County 2024
  • SPFA