What Foods and Smells Attract Stinging Insects?

Towards the end of summer and early fall, it is not uncommon to notice more bees, wasps, hornets, and other stinging insects around. While stinging insects are around in the spring and actively building their nests, they are generally more noticeable later in the year when their populations are at their highest. So, why are they attracted to your home or business and putting you and your family at risk? There are things that typically appeal to these pests more than others. What foods and smells attract stinging insects? Let’s review.

What are Stinging Insects?

Before we review what foods and smells attract stinging insects, we want to review what these pests are in the first place. 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.

When are Stinging Insects Most Active?

As mentioned above, 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. This is because there are usually a larger number of them, and their colonies are well established so they are all out looking for food. No one needs to be left at home to build, and at this point in the year, the ones who were raising the younger offspring are hungry and ready to eat. If you have food or smells around that attract these stinging insects, you may have a hard time trying to keep them away.

What Foods and Smells Attract Stinging Insects?

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. 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.

Foods That Attract Stinging Insects

Like many pests and rodents, these stinging critters like proteins and sweet treats. Sweet foods are very attractive to these pests. Keep things like soda, dessert, fruit, and other sweets covered and enjoy them inside when you can. If you do eat outdoors be sure to clean up immediately and remove any trash or food spills. Make sure your trash is tightly sealed and away from the area where you and your family are.

Smells That Attract Stinging Insects

Like sweet foods, these stingers are attracted to sweet smells. If you are going to be outdoors avoid wearing scents that are sweet or floral, and try not to wear something that is extremely strong, as that can draw them in as well. If wearing sunscreen, opt for one that isn’t scented. Plant nectar is the main source of food for these insects, so if you smell sweetened or florally, they may think you are just what they are looking for.

Protect Your Home and Business from Stinging Insects

To keep yourself, family, and others around you from being stung by these pests, you should start by avoiding foods and smells that attract them. Don’t make yourself, your home, or your business a target for these critters. Before you start spraying store bought insect control products, you should understand that attempting to rid your home or business of bees, hornets, or wasps is not advisable. These pests aren’t just annoying, they also present life-threatening risks to your health.

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.

Don’t get stung this fall. Contact us today.