Most Common Stinging Insects in Richmond, VA

Richmond, VA, is home to a variety of stinging insects, each with its own distinctive appearance and behavior. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common types of stinging insects you might encounter in Richmond and tips to get rid of them.

Stinging Insects in Virginia

The most common stinging insects you’ll encounter in the Richmond area include: 

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are a common type of stinging insect in Richmond, VA. They are known for their distinctive paper-like nests, which are often found hanging from eaves, branches, and other structures. Paper wasps are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed. However, their stings can be quite painful and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Paper wasps are also beneficial insects, as they feed on other insects, such as caterpillars and spiders, making them a natural form of pest control. If you discover a paper wasp nest on your property, it's best to contact a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow Jackets are easily identified by their yellow and black striped bodies and can build their nests in various locations, such as in the ground, in trees, or in voids within structures. They are more aggressive than other types of stinging insects and can deliver multiple stings if provoked. Their stings can be quite painful and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. It's important to take measures to prevent yellow jacket infestation and don’t mess with their nest if you encounter one on your property. Attempting to remove a yellow jacket nest on your own can be dangerous and may provoke the wasps, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Avoid leaving out greasy foods and sweet drinks, as these are the main attractors for yellow jackets. 

Hornets

Hornets are social insects that live in colonies and are known for their aggressive behavior when their nest is disturbed. They are attracted to a variety of things, including sweet and sugary foods, flowers, and other insects. In Richmond, VA, hornets are most active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. They build their nests in trees, shrubs, and other structures and can become a nuisance if they build a nest near a home or high-traffic area. It's important to take measures to prevent hornet infestations, such as sealing up any cracks or openings in your home's exterior and keeping outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed. If you do encounter a hornet nest on your property, don’t provoke it, as these are some of the more dangerous stinging insects you’ll find. 

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are large, black, and yellow bees and are known for their habit of burrowing into the wood to create nests, which can cause damage to wooden structures over time. Carpenter bees are attracted to untreated, unpainted, or weathered wood, and they may be attracted to your property if you have wooden structures or furniture outside. They are also attracted to nectar and pollen from flowers, so having a lot of flowering plants around your property may also attract carpenter bees. In terms of behavior, male carpenter bees can be quite aggressive, but they do not have a stinger and are generally harmless. Female carpenter bees can sting, but they are not typically aggressive and will only sting if provoked. If you have a carpenter bee infestation on your property, it’s important to take care of the infestation quickly as they can ruin wooden structures in a quick and timely manner. 

Bumblebees

Bumblebees are a very common bee that can be found in Richmond, VA. They are known for their fuzzy bodies and their ability to pollinate plants. Bumblebees are attracted to flowers that produce large amounts of nectar and pollen, such as clover, dandelions, and wildflowers. They are social insects that live in colonies and can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed. However, they are not typically aggressive toward humans unless they feel threatened or provoked. Bumblebees can sting, but they will only do so if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed. A common misconception is that if a bumblebee stings you, it will die. This is true for the honeybee, but bumblebees can continue to inflict stings as they go. 

How Do I Get Rid of Stinging Insects in Richmond, VA?

Getting rid of stinging insects in Richmond, VA, can be a difficult task, and it's important to take precautions to avoid being stung. The best way to get rid of stinging insects is to contact a professional pest control service, which can safely and effectively remove the insects and their nests from your property. You can also take preventative measures to avoid attracting stinging insects, such as:

• Sealing up any cracks or openings in your home's exterior
• Keeping outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed
• Removing any sources of standing water
• Avoid excess use of fragrances 

Additionally, planting a variety of flowers and plants that do not attract stinging insects can help to reduce their presence in your yard. If you have tried all of the DIY methods but nothing seems to work, look for professional stinging insect control from RichPro! Our Richmond exterminators will design a custom treatment plan specific to your home and eliminate any infestation to keep you and your family safe.