There is nothing quite like being outdoors on a nice spring day and smelling the sweet aromas wafting through the air from the kitchen. As much as those smells attract us, they can also draw in some flying insects that happen to sting. What are the most common stinging insects in Ohio? We are going to take a look at what you may find buzzing around during the warmer months and provide a reminder as to what smells attract stinging insects more than others.
What are the Most Common Stinging Insects in Ohio?
Insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets that use a stinger to defend themselves when they feel threatened, are considered stinging insects. There are a lot of other stinging insects out there, but those three are the most common for us in Ohio and Michigan. Basically, if an insect stings, it would fall into this category. These stinging critters are active in the spring as they work to build their nests and forage for food; however, you will likely notice more of them during the late summer and early fall, because, well, there are more of them at that time.
So, what are the most common stinging insects in Ohio? As mentioned above, the list is much of what you probably think, but let’s dig a little deeper as to what these pesky critters really are and why they sting.
- Bees: Bees are stinging insects that we find in Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Even though the stinging insect may have yellow and black stripes, you shouldn’t assume that it’s a bee. Bees are pollen collectors and have hairy bodies that they use to hold nectar and pollen with. Bees have a pair of large compound eyes which cover much of the surface of the head. Only female bees have stingers, and although all female bees can sting, they only do so when threatened. The 2 greatest risks from most insect stings, including a bee sting, are allergic reaction (which can be fatal in some people) and infection (more common and less serious). In general, bees, aren’t aggressive and only sting in self-defense and typically only sting once.
- Wasps: Wasps are amongst the most common stinging insects in Ohio. Wasps can repeatedly sting, unlike some other stinging insects, because their stinger is not barbed. Wasps make up an enormously diverse array of insects, with some 30,000 identified species. We are most familiar with those that are wrapped in bright warning colors, which buzz angrily about in groups, and threaten us with painful stings; however, most wasps are actually solitary, non-stinging varieties. In general, like bees, wasps aren’t aggressive and only sting in self-defense. Their stings pose the same risks of that from a bee.
- Hornets: Much like bees and wasps, hornets sting and can be a nuisance pest. Hornets are the largest of the eusocial wasps, and are similar in appearance to their close relatives, yellow jackets. Some species can reach up to 5.5 cm (2.2 in) in length. They are distinguished from other vespine wasps by the relatively large top margin of the head. Hornets are often considered pests, as they aggressively guard their nesting sites, and when threatened, their stings can be more dangerous than those of bees and wasps.
Because the sting of these insects can be painful and sometimes create a life threatening situation, no one wants to find themselves stung by one of the most common stinging insects in Ohio. There are things you can do to try and make yourself less of a magnet to them and it starts with avoiding having certain foods and smells around. Like many pests and rodents, these stinging critters like proteins and sweet treats. Thus, avoid wearing smells that may make you more appealing to these stingers.
If you find your home or business extra attractive to stinging insects, you should hire a pest control company to help.
At Delving Pest Control, we are experts at preventing and eliminating pests like spiders, roaches, bees, wasps, moths, flies, ants, fleas, roaches, and more. Delving Pest Control offers local affordable revolutionary pest control solutions right to your doorstep! Pressure-free! We provide interior, exterior discreet and private pest control services for both residential and commercial properties.
