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Biting/Stinging Pests


Paper Wasp – Species of this wasp normally range in size between 1" and 1 1/2". Color may vary from reddish-brown to varying bright stripes of red and yellow. The key to identifying paper wasps is the shape of the nest- a round, upside-down paper comb that is attached by a single stalk to a horizontal surface in a protected location. These nests resemble an umbrella. Paper wasps are predators and feed on insects, spiders, and caterpillars. Most paper wasp colonies number only a few dozen workers, but under the right conditions, a colony might produce more than 100 workers. Paper wasp nests are usually found in exposed areas beneath soffits, in the corners of windows, under awnings, under porches, and beneath decks. They are of concern to homeowners because of the painful sting they can inflict, which can cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals.

Yellow Jacket – These wasps are about 3/4-to 1-inch in length with black and yellow stripes. Yellow jackets are social insects that live in colonies containing thousands of individuals. They prefer to locate their nests in the ground, usually in an old rodent burrow or similar hole; but will commonly locates its nest inside the walls of a building by entering through cracks or holes in the outside walls. Yellow jackets will aggressively attack when their nest is disturbed, and can inflict painful stings. Unlike a honeybee, which stings only one time and then dies, a single yellow jacket can sting multiple times. Colonies located in or near a home can pose a threat to the persons living in the home.

Scorpion – Scorpion sizes vary between species, but most measure about 2" fully grown. Their colors also vary between yellow, reddish brown, and black. Scorpions are predators that feed primarily on insects. They crawl into buildings through exterior cracks in search of food or suitable shelter. Scorpions are night feeders, and are attracted to water, swimming pools, and irrigation areas. Scorpions live both outside in wood piles, palm trees, decorative bark, and inside homes or places that are dark and cool. Scorpions are of concern because of the painful sting they can inflict when threatened. Any scorpion sting can be serious to anyone that is allergic to insect stings. A physician should attend to all stings.