Stinging Insect Season in Vermont

a wasp siting on a flower outside

There are few things worse than when stinging insects invade your outdoor space in Vermont during the warmer season. It’s enough to ruin any pool party or family get-together, but that’s far from the only social causality. Even a few moments watching the sunset over the horizon can be a moment ruined if these pests build nests and swarm around your premises, annoying and endangering your health and safety. Luckily, Vermont Pest Control is here to help.

Which Stinging Insects Can Nest and Swarm Your Yard?

Here are the common stinging insects you may encounter in Vermont:

  • Bald-faced Hornet: This large black and white wasp builds nests of paper-like material in trees, shrubs, or buildings. They are very aggressive and will attack if you disturb their nest. Their stings can cause severe pain and swelling; you need wasp prevention to avoid them.
  • Bumblebee: This bee is fuzzy and black and yellow. It nests in the ground, under decks, or in wall voids. It usually does not attack unless you provoke it, but its sting can hurt and trigger allergic reactions in some people. It pollinates plants and flowers, so you should not bother it if you can.
  • Carpenter Bee: This bee is black and yellow and makes holes in wood to nest. It looks like a bumblebee but has a shiny abdomen and a loud buzz. It seldom stings, but it can ruin wooden structures and draw woodpeckers.
  • Cicada Killer Wasp: This black and yellow wasp is huge. It catches cicadas, paralyzing them with stings. It takes them to burrow in the ground, laying eggs on them. It does not attack humans but can scare you with its size and appearance.
  • European Hornet: This is a large brown and yellow hornet. It makes nests of paper-like material in hollow trees, attics, or wall voids. It is active at night and likes lights. It stings many times and causes severe pain and swelling.
  • Honeybee: This bee is golden-brown and small. It lives in hives with other bees in colonies. It makes honey and wax and pollinates many crops and flowers. It usually does not attack unless you threaten its hive, but its sting can kill those allergic to its venom. 
  • Mud Dauber: This wasp is black or metallic blue and slender. It makes nests of mud on walls, ceilings, or eaves. It does not attack and stings rarely, but its nests can look ugly and dirty.
  • Paper Wasp: This wasp is brown or yellow and slender. It makes nests of paper that are umbrella-shaped under eaves, decks, or roofs. It is not very aggressive unless you bother it, but its sting can hurt and cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Yellowjacket: This is a small black and yellow wasp. It makes nests in the ground, under rocks or logs, or in wall voids. It likes sugary foods and garbage and attacks easily when you disturb it. Its stings can cause severe pain and swelling. You need to call a pest control expert for yellowjacket prevention on your property.

Stinging Insect Prevention Tips

  • Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, roof, or foundation.
  • Keep your trash cans covered and clean, and avoid leaving food or drinks outside.
  • Trim your trees and shrubs regularly, and remove any dead or decaying wood that could attract carpenter bees or hornets.
  • Avoid wearing bright colors or floral scents that could attract stinging insects.

Call a Professional Exterminator

A professional exterminator can safely remove stinging insects from your property with their expertise and tools. Vermont Pest Control offers effective stinging insect control services to protect your family from these unwanted pests. We will inspect your home for signs of stinging insect activity, identify the type of insect involved, and apply the appropriate treatment to eliminate them for good.

The Dangers of Fleas & Ticks in Vermont

Ticks and fleas are dangerous and can transmit disease in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Fleas and ticks may be tiny insects, but they can be two of the most dangerous pests. This is because they are parasitic, meaning they have to feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. As if this wasn’t scary enough—fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Cats and dogs are most commonly affected by fleas and ticks, but are they dangerous to people as well? Unfortunately, yes! Ticks in particular can transmit blood-borne diseases (including Lyme disease) to people. For this reason, it’s very important to do everything in your power to prevent fleas and ticks on your family and pets.

Diseases Spread by Fleas

When you think of fleas, you likely think of your pets. In addition to getting on your pets, fleas are often brought into the home on rodents if you have an infestation. Although it’s rare, fleas can get onto humans, too. These tiny, reddish brown insects can cause itchy bites and, in serious cases, allergic reactions. Fleas have been linked back to typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, and tapeworms. Because these diseases can be dangerous for you and your pets, it’s essential to prevent fleas.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can similarly latch onto pets or people, especially outdoors in areas with high grass. There are several types of ticks, and many of them are able to transmit disease. The most common of these is Lyme disease which, if left untreated, can cause damage to the heart and nervous system. Other diseases associated with ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMDF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. With such a list, it’s crucial to stay aware of ticks whenever you are outdoors.

How to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

To prevent fleas and ticks, the number one thing you can do is regularly check your pets for them. Especially after a walk or hike, look at your cat or dog’s fur for these tiny insects. Also consider getting preventative medicines from your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks are most often carried by rodents and wildlife. To prevent the parasitic insects, you must also prevent nuisance wildlife infestations. To do so, try implementing the following tips:

  1. Keep a tidy and clean landscape by avoiding piles of debris, mowing the lawn, and trimming back trees and foliage.
  2. Ensure garbage cans are securely stored with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Don’t leave pet food—or any other food for that matter—outside.
  4. Because fleas cannot survive in direct sunlight, keeping your home and yard sunny may be a natural deterrent.
  5. Seal holes and any areas of entry into the home to detract rodents from getting inside. 

Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Vermont

Vermont is home to both of these dangerous insects, making it important to learn how to effectively prevent them. If you notice flea or ticks nearby and have more questions, the residential pest control experts at Vermont Pest Control are here to help. Contact us today to learn more!

Identifying Different Wasp Nests

Identifying Wasps nests in Middletown Springs | Vermont Pest Control

Summertime in Vermont means more insects buzzing around. While this is to be expected, it’s important to keep an eye out for an increase in wasp activity. If you’ve observed a growing number of wasps flying to or from a certain area near your home, there’s a likely chance a nest is nearby. Wasp nests should never be approached—doing so puts you at risk of being stung.

Regardless, it’s important to learn how to identify the many different types of wasp nests you may see near your Vermont property. Read on to learn everything you need to know about wasp nest identification with the experts at Vermont Pest Control.

What Do Different Wasp Nests Look Like?

Different wasps build different nests, and it’s easy to confuse them. Here are the main types of nests we see in our region:

  • Paper Wasps: Their nests famously look like upside-down umbrellas. These nests are often open and can get quite large in size. They are typically supported by a single stalk and consist of a paper-like material.
  • Yellowjackets: Nests are a papery material and have a single opening. The inside of a yellowjacket nest can have up to 100 tiers of cells. Yellowjackets can also build underground nests that can be enormous in size.
  • Mud Daubers: True to name, these nests are made out of mostly mud. The nests are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes. They are typically found in cracks or crevices.
  • Bald-Faced Hornets: These nests are almost always at least three feet off the ground. They are made of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They often grow to be the size of a football or basketball.

Wasp nest infographic - Vermont Pest Control

Where to Look for Wasp Nests

When searching for wasp nests, it’s essential to be vigilant and cautious to avoid potential stings. Here are common locations to look for wasp nests:

  • Eaves and Overhangs: Check the eaves and overhangs of buildings, as wasps often prefer sheltered areas for nest construction.
  • Attics and Crawlspaces: Inspect attics and crawlspaces, where wasps may find secluded spaces for nest building.
  • Bushes and Trees: Be cautious around bushes and trees, particularly if you notice wasp activity, as some species build nests in branches.
  • Garden Sheds and Outbuildings: Wasps commonly build nests in garden sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. Check corners and hidden areas.
  • Under Decks and Porches: Examine the undersides of decks and porches, as these sheltered spaces are attractive to wasps for nest construction.

Regularly inspecting these locations can help detect and address wasp nests early, minimizing the risk of stings and ensuring a safer living environment. If you find a nest, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance for safe removal.

Can You Hear a Wasp Nest?

While the nests themselves remain silent, wasp activity can sometimes be audible, especially during peak hours. Here’s what to keep an ear out for:

Outside:

  • Daytime Activity: Wasps are typically more active during the day, with peak activity occurring in the warmer hours. They are diurnal insects, meaning they are most active in daylight.
  • Increased Buzzing Near Nests: Near the entrance of an outdoor nest, you may hear increased buzzing as wasps come and go. This can be more noticeable during their busy foraging periods.
  • Visual Clues: Observing wasps flying in and out of specific areas, such as eaves, trees, or ground-level nests, can indicate the location of an outdoor nest.

Inside:

  • Daytime Activity: Even if a wasp nest is inside a structure, the insects will still exhibit daytime activity. They may enter and exit through gaps, vents, or openings.
  • Buzzing Near Entry Points: If wasps have established a nest within a wall void, attic, or other indoor space, you may hear buzzing near entry points such as vents or gaps in construction.
  • Scratching or Rustling Sounds: In some cases, the movement of wasps within the nest may produce faint scratching or rustling sounds. These sounds may be more audible if the nest is close to living spaces. 

What to Do About a Wasp Nest Near Your Home

If you notice a wasp nest on or near your property, don’t panic. For the most part, wasps will not sting unless they feel threatened. Therefore, attempting to knock down a nest on your own is never recommended. Always call your local wasp control experts for help with any type of stinging insect. 

Call Vermont Pest Control today for a free quote!

Here’s How to Prevent Mosquitoes This Summer

Here's how to prevent mosquitoes in your Vermont property this summer - Vermont Pest Control

What is better than summertime in Vermont? Beautiful weather encourages everyone to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, mosquitoes love the summertime as much as you do. With mosquito season gearing up, now is the time to learn how to prevent mosquitoes in your yard. These pesky insects aren’t just a nuisance–they can be dangerous, too. The team at Vermont Pest Control knows how frustrating mosquitoes can be, which is why we are providing you with our best tips to prevent mosquitoes this summer. Read on to learn more!

Prevent Mosquitoes in 5 Steps

Mosquitoes are picky when it comes to choosing a place to breed and inhabit. By reducing the things around your yard that may attract mosquitoes, you can potentially avoid an infestation. Our best tips to prevent mosquitoes are:

  1. Maintain your yard. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  2. Eliminate all standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  3. Install screens on windows and doors. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  4. Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  5. Use fans in your outdoor spaces. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

We all know that mosquitoes tend to go after certain individuals. Even if you’re not prone to getting bitten, it’s important to take precautions regardless. Try to avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitoes are most active. When you do go outdoors, wear long-sleeved pants and shirts. It’s also smart to wear light-colored clothing. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, consider applying insect repellent that contains DEET. If you plan on using it on your children, always consult your pediatrician before application.

Mosquito Control in Vermont

Whether you have an upcoming outdoor event or a family barbecue, it’s smart to prepare for mosquitoes to make an appearance. By getting rid of the things that attract mosquitoes, you can keep your family safe. If you need more info on mosquito prevention, give us a call today!