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Stinging Insects

The Treasure Valley is home to many types of stinging insects. Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, and Bees are common. Some ideas to avoid problems with them are:

  • Keep all vegetation well-trimmed and at least 1 foot away from the home.
  • Lawns should be cut to a proper height and mowed regularly.
  • Clear out debris from around the home: woodpiles, and construction materials, should be as far from the home as possible.
  • Fill up old burrows, remove hollow logs, etc., to prevent possible nesting locations for Yellow Jackets or Hornets.
  • Maintain proper sanitary conditions in and around the home.
  • Standing water in the lawn and landscape should be avoided.
  • Avoid cedar fencing if possible.
  • Avoid Maple, Box Elder, & Weeping Willow trees.

Let Us Help You

Please don’t wait to contact us if you notice a hornet’s nest, yellow jackets, or bees in or near your home. We can help remove these intruders for you.

Hornets Nest in Boise, Idaho

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PEST PREP 101: PAPER WASPS

Other common pests

Common treasure valley Stinging Insects

PAPER WASPS

Paper wasps, which range from ¾ to 1 inch long, are usually identifiable by their bodies’ black and yellow coloration. Another notable feature of these wasps is the type of nests they make: a paper mache-like material from which their name was derived. The upside-down umbrella-like nests are often made in places protected from the weather, such as eaves and gables, around fencing, decks, and other areas near humans. Paper wasps feed on caterpillars, other insects, and nectar. These pests are territorial and defend their nest if attacked or otherwise disturbed.  The lance-like stinger allows the paper wasp to sting repeatedly; the sting is painful and potentially dangerous.

YELLOW JACKETS & HORNETS

Yellow Jackets & Hornets are roughly 1/2 inch long, typically yellow and black.  They can nest underground, in crawl spaces, attics, ducting, wall voids, sprinkler boxes, or trees or shrubs.  Nests are made of a paper mache-like material resembling an upside-down soccer ball or inverted teardrops.  Colonies are much larger, sometimes exceeding several hundred.  They feed on insects and sugars and are prolific scavengers.  Yellowjackets and Hornets can sting repeatedly; the sting is painful and potentially dangerous.

HONEY BEES

Honey bee adults are roughly 5/8 inches long and can be many different variations of color: black, yellow, black, or even orange.  Honey Bees are considered beneficial insects as they pollinate crops and produce honey.  However, problems with humans occur when nesting sites encroach on human habitations:  In chimneys, in wall voids, attic vents, in siding, etc.  Honey bees alone are not likely to sting humans, but care should be taken as stings can be painful and severe reactions can occur.

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I recently decided to use Barrier Lawn and Pest services as I became acquainted with their services through my place of work. The initial contact with Mike Dean was personable and informative. Scheduling of the service was also very accommodating as I was not given a 2-4 hour window as I had experienced with other companies. The technician arrived on time and reviewed the service with my wife before beginning. Upon completion, my wife was given the company's contact information in case we had any future questions. This experience was very pleasant, and we would recommend Barrier's services to any friend or neighbor.

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This Month's Featured Pest
This Month's Featured Pest is Mealworms
Mealworms

Mealworms, the larval stage of the darkling beetle, are notorious pests often found in homes, barns, and food storage areas. These yellowish-brown larvae, typically about an inch long, are attracted to grains, cereals, and other dry goods, making them a common nuisance in kitchens and pantries. They thrive in warm, humid environments, making it easy to infest areas where food is improperly stored or where crumbs and spills are left unattended. Practicing good food storage and cleanliness habits is essential to avoid mealworm infestations. Store dry goods in airtight containers to keep mealworms out, and regularly clean your kitchen and pantry to remove crumbs and spills that could attract them. Additionally, inspect food purchases for any signs of infestation, such as damaged packaging or visible larvae, and promptly dispose of any contaminated items to prevent the spread of these pests. To prevent mealworms outside the home, remove any decaying organic matter like fallen leaves, mulch, or old wood, as these can serve as breeding grounds. Please keep outdoor areas clean and dry, and make sure that exterior food storage, such as pet food or birdseed, is securely stored. By maintaining cleanliness both inside and outside, you can reduce the risk of a mealworm infestation.

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Because of who we are, our history, our commitment to the future, our guarantee, and the specific standards that we hold ourselves to, we are confident that you will want to do business with us. Give us a call at (208) 463-4533 to request a quote! We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

Service Area (Southwest Idaho)

Our pest control services are available in Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Emmett, Meridian, Kuna, Nampa, Melba, Middleton, Star, Marsing, Homedale, Caldwell and Mountain Home...and as of 2024, we're servicing Horseshoe Bend, Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall!