In Charlotte, NC, stinging insects are strangers to no one. There's a long list of pesky stinging insects that can be quite a nuisance. Though they are often harmless, the venom can sometimes trigger allergic and potentially dangerous reactions in both adults and children. If you have a problem with stinging insects surrounding your yard, keep reading. Find out everything there is to know about these insects, including how to get rid of them!

What are Stinging Insects?

Stinging insects are insects that use their stingers to defend themselves. If you are waving them away, or worse, swatting them away, you can expect to end up with a sting or two. While most stings are not dangerous, they do hurt quite a bit. The most common stinging insects in Charlotte, NC are yellow jackets, hornets, mud daubers, carpenter bees, honey bees, and fire ants. Here's a closer look at some of these stinging insects:

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  • Yellow Jackets: These are a type of wasp. These insects often bite and sting at the same time. They are among the most aggressive of stinging insects. They are usually harmless, just painful. However, they can be deadly to anyone with an allergy to wasps. A sting or bite could send someone with an allergy into anaphylactic shock.
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  • Hornets: These stinging insects are slightly more dangerous than yellow jackets as they can sting you repeatedly. Though normally harmless as well, their stings can be tremendously painful, especially if you get many of them. This aggressive stinging insect is one you want to steer clear of if possible.
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  • Mud daubers: These insects do not typically sting but their empty nests are known to attract much more aggressive stinging insects. This could lead to a problem in your home if you have many abandoned mud dauber nests around.
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  • Carpenter bees: Male carpenter bees do not sting but females do. They will only do so if they feel threatened or attacked. If you leave them alone, they are unlikely to bother you.
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  • Honey bees: These bees are a little more aggressive and more likely to sting, especially the male ones. If you bother them, they will very likely attack. They can also become aggressive if a queen bee is replaced.
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  • Fire Ants: These insects don't sting but they do bite. And their bites can really hurt. In some cases, they may even be dangerous. If you are allergic to these insects, you must seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten.

Why Do I Have Stinging Insects Around My Home?

If you have lots of plants, flowers, and vegetation around your yard, you are sure to attract lots of stinging insects. They can be a real problem, particularly if you have pets or young children around. Try to make sure you leave garbage and compost bins securely sealed as the smell can attract even more of them.

How Do I Get Rid of Stinging Insects?

You can start by avoiding leaving garbage or compost out for too long. If you happen to notice nests or hives, you should call in professionals to help you remove the insects carefully. Do not attempt to remove these yourself. If you do so incorrectly, you could be attacked and badly stung. Instead, call in professionals to safely remove hives and nests to help reduce the number of stinging insects around your home.