Ultimate Guide To Avoiding Stinging Insects

Stinging insects are a nuisance and can be surprisingly painful if they choose to sting you. The good news is that stinging insects rarely sting unless they are provoked or feel defensive. Unfortunately, the not-so-good news is that the stings can be deadly if you suffer an allergic reaction.

As many as 7.5% of the population suffers from severe allergic reactions to bee stings.

The most sensible course of action is to avoid stinging insects, this dramatically reduces the likelihood of you getting stung. However, this is not always as easy as it appears

Look Out For Nests

Stinging insects, like bees and wasps, create nests o hives. These are places where hundreds of insects live together and share the responsibilities of getting food, building a hive, etc. However, if a hive is near where you need to pass regularly, you are at risk of getting stung.

As you get close to the hive they may perceive you as a threat and try to sting you. It is best, if you have a hive too close to your home, to contact your local pest control experts and have them deal with the hive for you.

In most cases, they will destroy a wasp or hornet hive and kill the majority of them in the process. In the case of bees, the hive will be re-homed with a local beekeeper.

Colors

Wasps and bees are generally attracted to bright colors. This is because they think of them as flowers and they want the nectar from the flower. The flower doesn’t object as the insects assist with pollination. Of course, if you are wearing bright colors the stinging insects will want to inspect you to see if you are a flower.

The problem is that as they approach you will flail your arms which appears as a threat to them. They may simply fly away, but they may also choose to attack. It’s a good idea to find out more about the stinging insects in your locality.

Scents

Stinging insects are also attracted to flowery smells. Again, this is due to their reliance on flowers for survival. If you have a flowery perfume on then you are more likely to attract wasps and bees looking for flowers.

Consider what scents you use in the summer to minimize your attraction to stinging insects.

Dampness

Stinging insects, like most creatures, need water to survive. A great way of avoiding stinging insects is to ensure they don’t have the things they need to survive such as water. Check your house for leaks and make sure you have cleared your gutters. This will eliminate moisture building up. You will also be removing the mulch in the gutters which is a great source of moisture for any stinging insect.

Don’t forget, they only attack when threatened. If they do come toward you stay calm and don’t wave your arms around this will reduce the likelihood of them seeing you as a threat and stinging you.