If you’re a homeowner in Tacoma or the greater Puget Sound area, you’ve probably noticed more stinging insects buzzing around your property lately. During the warmer months, wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets become highly active, and by midsummer, they can pose a serious risk to your comfort and safety.
Whether you have kids playing outside or just want to enjoy your backyard in peace, now is the time to take action. In this guide, we’ll discuss what you need to know about stinging insect control in Tacoma and the steps you can take to protect your home and loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
- Tacoma midsummer means a surge in stinging insect activity. Yellow jackets and hornets are typically very aggressive during this time.
- Disturbing the nests of paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets can be dangerous. Yellowjackets are known to defend their nests aggressively and will sting you multiple times.
- DIY insect control may backfire. Enlisting professional pest control services is the safest way to eliminate nests from your home.
- Preventative measures, such as sealing entry points and applying seasonal treatments, can help stop future infestations.
Common stinging insects in the Tacoma area
Many insects benefit the environment. However, some pose a threat to homeowners’ safety, health, and property. Knowing how to identify common stinging insects’ hiding spots around your home can save you and your family from painful stings and medical emergencies. Knowing where they may build their nest can also help you in stopping a pest problem from starting in the first place.
Here are some tips to help you identify common stinging insect nesting areas correctly:
- Paper wasps: Often found under eaves and deck railings. They can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
- Yellowjackets: They usually prefer nesting underground or in wall voids. They can become incredibly aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
- Hornets: Larger and more territorial than other wasps. They usually build nests in trees or high places.
Do not disturb a nest if you spot one. Even a small colony can quickly escalate into a major pest issue if left undisturbed and neglected. The best thing you can do when you discover a nest is to contact a pest control company for proper pest management.
Why stinging insect infestations spike in summer
Stinging insects thrive in warm weather. In fact, by midsummer, colonies will already be well-established, with their populations continuing to grow. By this time, homeowners will begin to notice infestations around their property. Some common infestation sites include sheltered areas such as attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, and eaves.
The months of July and August are considered the peak season for pest control services. This is because stinging insect activity reaches its peak during these months. Stinging insects also become more aggressive in their search for food at this time.
Signs you have a stinging insect problem
You may not always see the nest, but there are a few common signs that stinging insects have moved in. Some signs you need to be on the lookout for include:
- Increased wasp or hornet activity near your home
- Buzzing sounds from walls or ceilings
- Chewed wood around decks or fences (a sign of paper wasps)
- Nests form under eaves, in trees, or underground
If you’re seeing any of these signs, don’t wait. Call local pest control experts for a thorough inspection.
Professional stinging insect control services in Tacoma
At PCI Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective solutions for stinging insect infestations across Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and surrounding areas, including Puyallup and Federal Way.
Whether you’re dealing with hornets in a tree or yellowjackets in your walls, our trained technicians will handle the problem quickly and safely.
Here’s what you can expect with our treatment plan:
- Inspection: We identify nest locations, entry points, and species involved.
- Treatment: We apply targeted products, including bait stations and techniques, to neutralize the nest.
- Removal: Once safe, we remove the nest to prevent future infestations.
- Prevention: We offer exclusion services to seal entry points and provide ongoing protection, deterring future pest activity.
We also offer commercial pest control options for businesses that need stinging insect control or general pest management.
Preventing future infestations
Once the current issue is under control, you can prevent stinging insects by avoiding situations that attract them in the future. Here are a few preventative measures you can take:
- Keep trash bins tightly sealed
- Rinse out recyclables before placing them outside
- Seal cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home
- Avoid leaving sugary food or drinks outside
- Schedule seasonal pest control services for continued protection against infestations
We also treat other common Tacoma pests like roaches, silverfish, fleas, earwigs, and carpenter ants. What’s even better is that we are among the few Tacoma pest control companies that offer no-contract recurring treatments, so you can enjoy a pest-free home without the pressure of locking in!
Call Tacoma’s trusted exterminators
With years of experience in the Tacoma pest control industry, we provide reliable, eco-friendly pest solutions tailored to the specific needs of your home or business.
Whether you need stinging insect control, rodent control, or help with other common pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, or termites, we’re here to help with pest control solutions to help restore your peace of mind at home, satisfaction guaranteed!
Contact us today to get a quote or schedule your service. We’ll help you reclaim your yard from unwanted pests, allowing you to enjoy a pest-free summer!
FAQs
How do I know if I have a wasp or hornet infestation?
Watch for increased activity, visible nests, and buzzing near eaves or wall voids. Hornets usually build large aerial nests, while wasps may nest under decks or in crawlspaces.
Is it safe to remove a nest on my own?
We don’t recommend it! DIY removal often ends in more property damage and injury. Even small nests can contain hundreds of aggressive stingers. Professional exterminators have the tools and training to remove them safely and effectively.
How much does stinging insect control cost in Tacoma?
Prices vary depending on the size and location of the nest; however, we offer straightforward pricing and provide free quotes. Reach out today to learn more.
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