Stinging insects are often buzzing about, but did you know they may also be tucked away in some of the most unexpected spots around your home? Read on to find out which unexpected spots stinging insects may be hiding around your home so you can avoid getting a nasty sting this season.

What Are Stinging Insects?

Stinging insects are insects that typically sting when they feel threatened. They have a long, sharp stinger that pokes through the skin and causes immediate stinging. Though usually harmless, insect stings can be rather painful. In some cases, the stinging or burning sensation may last for days.

If you have an allergy to insects, a sting could be more than just painful. It can be downright dangerous and cause you to go into anaphylactic shock – a potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergy. Needless to say, if you have an allergy, you definitely want to avoid insect bites at all costs.

Unexpected Places You’ll Find Stinging Insects

We think of stinging insects as insects that buzz about and sting when we shoo them away, but this isn’t always the case. Stinging insects – like hornets, bees, and wasps, for example – often set up hives in the most unnoticeable spots. You may find them beneath your railing or in other tight corner spaces along the house. If you accidentally touch a hive, you are at risk for several instant stings.

Stinging insects may also be hiding in plants, bushes, gardens, trees, or even around light fixtures. Insects are naturally attracted to light so when the porch light goes on, they may set up camp in there. Before changing a light bulb, you should thoroughly inspect your outdoor light fixtures to make sure there aren’t any hives or insects hiding in there first. This can prevent a serious sting.

If you have a bountiful garden, lots of flowers, or loads of trees, your home may attract a ton of stinging insects. Particularly when the weather is very warm. To be safe, always check your plants and trees before you put your hands near them and wear gardening gloves to protect you in case you happen upon a hiding insect next deep down in your flower bed. Stinging insects like bees, yellow jackets, and fire ants are commonly known to set up nests underground and may feel threatened by your presence so close to their hive.

How to Get Rid of Stinging Insects

If you have stinging insects around your home or garden, do not attempt to remove them yourself. If you do so incorrectly, you may be stung by a load of stinging insects at once, which would be very painful and potentially life-threatening if you have an allergy to stinging insects.

If you happen to notice a stinging insect nest around your home or garden, it is safest to contact the professionals who can safely and effectively remove the nest. This can prevent stings and also save the insects. Bees are currently in danger. As an important part of our ecosystem, we can and should try to preserve their lives whenever possible.