Wasps are a common summer pest, and their sting is extremely painful.
(Photo courtesy of Superior Pest Solutions)
By MEDIAWIZE
Summertime is bug time here in New Jersey. Learn about your bug enemies and protect yourself from swarms of summer pests that sting, bite and foul up the place.
Carpenter Bees:
Carpenter bees live in pairs, not large colonies like honeybees. However, they will pollinate garden flowers just the same. The females compromise the strength of wooden structures by burrowing deep in them to build nests while males guard outside.
Varnish or paint your wood to keep these bees from burrowing and threatening the supports. They prefer the unpainted, weathered wood, especially softer varieties. Block off gaps or openings with caulking or wire in the eaves around your house to prevent them from entering (also works for the stinging pests below).
Wasps, Honeybees and Hornets:
Wasps and hornets keep other pest populations in check, and bees pollinate flowers. However, their stings are extremely painful and possibly deadly for those with bee sting allergies.
Eliminate places for these pests to nest, and your house becomes a less viable spot for them to call home. Remove old vehicles and yard waste or debris to give them fewer places to nest. Block off gaps or openings.
Use appropriate screens on vents to your attic, crawl space, chimneys and under your deck. Add wire mesh on these same vents to keep out other pests like rodents.
Summertime is bug time here in New Jersey. Learn about your bug enemies and protect yourself from swarms of summer pests that sting, bite and foul up the place.
Carpenter Bees:
Carpenter bees live in pairs, not large colonies like honeybees. However, they will pollinate garden flowers just the same. The females compromise the strength of wooden structures by burrowing deep in them to build nests while males guard outside.
Varnish or paint your wood to keep these bees from burrowing and threatening the supports. They prefer the unpainted, weathered wood, especially softer varieties. Block off gaps or openings with caulking or wire in the eaves around your house to prevent them from entering (also works for the stinging pests below).
Wasps, Honeybees and Hornets:
Wasps and hornets keep other pest populations in check, and bees pollinate flowers. However, their stings are extremely painful and possibly deadly for those with bee sting allergies.
Eliminate places for these pests to nest, and your house becomes a less viable spot for them to call home. Remove old vehicles and yard waste or debris to give them fewer places to nest. Block off gaps or openings.
Use appropriate screens on vents to your attic, crawl space, chimneys and under your deck. Add wire mesh on these same vents to keep out other pests like rodents.
Carpenter ants, Camponotus herculeanus
