ZoëConnect May 2024

Stay Ahead of Stinging Insects

As we prepare for the summer months, insects such as wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets will continue to increase. These stinging insects are always a challenge for PMPs tasked with ensuring the safety of residential, commercial and recreational spaces. Beyond being nuisances that disrupt outdoor activities, these insects pose considerable risks due to their painful stings and propensity to swarm when disturbed. Children and those with allergies are particularly at risk when it comes to stinging insects. Understanding behavior, identifying the species, and practicing effective control methods is crucial.

Species Identification and Behavior

Effective pest management starts with accurate species identification. Evaluating the threat level helps PMPs tailor appropriate treatment. For example, some species of bee play beneficial roles as pollinators, so relocating bees may be the best option. Hornets and wasps, however, require a different approach. These species are particularly aggressive and protective of their nests, and can attack without much provocation. Identifying nests and species quickly helps minimize risks to humans and animals and helps ensure efficient control.

• Wasps are typically slender and are yellow and brown, or black in color. Common wasp species include mud dauber and paper wasps.
• Hornets, on the other hand, vary in color and size. For example, bald-faced hornets have distinctive white markings on their black and white bodies, while European hornets are yellow and black with prominent black eyes.

Nesting Habits

Understanding the preferred nesting habitats of stinging insects is essential for proactive control. Common nesting sites include the undersides of decks and porches, awnings, playground equipment, and structural overhangs. Stinging insects also build nests in shrubbery and trees, making thorough property inspections a must. Controlling nests quickly is crucial to minimize risk, especially in high-traffic outdoor areas like residential yards or parks.

Effective Control Solutions

For PMPs seeking effective and reliable control solutions, Zoëcon Professional Products offers products tailored to stinging insect management.

• Zenprox^® Wasp-X^®2 Spray offers immediate knockdown of stinging insects, utilizing the active ingredient etofenprox for rapid elimination. This non-staining formulation is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing comprehensive protection against wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and other listed insects. With its jet-spray feature offering a reach of up to 20 feet and a high dielectric rating for safe usage around electrical equipment, Zenprox^® Wasp-X^®2 Spray is an invaluable tool for perimeter protection and nest eradication.
• For those seeking an environmentally friendly alternative, Essentria^® Wasp & Hornet Spray offers a botanically derived solution for total control of stinging insects. Featuring natural active ingredients, Essentria^® Wasp & Hornet Spray can be applied indoors and outdoors, directly targeting nests to eliminate wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and spiders. Its eco-friendly formulation makes it suitable for use in sensitive environments while maintaining efficacy in pest management applications.

Explore the full range of Zoëcon Professional Products for comprehensive solutions to stinging insect challenges. If you’re looking for insight on controlling specific insects, try our solution finder tool, developed with the guidance of our team, or speak with one of our tech services representatives. We’re always here to help, and we’re always here to connect.