Every stinging pest species has its own temperament, preferences, and abilities. This is what makes it so tricky to control them on your own. Wasps are not affected by the same treatments as yellow jackets, who require different products than baldfaced hornets since yellow jackets nest underground. Our experienced Pointe Pest Control technicians take care to determine the species and assess the specifics of the infestation before applying treatments, as we want to solve the problem as soon as possible. That being said, it can be helpful to know the difference between some of the most common Chesterfield species so you have an idea of what pests to look for once the weather warms up.

Wasps are possibly the most common stinging pest species in the state, but that could simply be because there are many different species. These insects are known for their skinny bodies, pinched waists, and long legs. They can be black and yellow, metallic, or coal black in color. Social wasps are the ones that live in massive colonies stemming from one queen, who overwinters in a secure shelter before producing her new colony in the spring. Wasps are omnivores since they enjoy pollen, nectar, and insects. Predatory wasps hunt and kill their prey, while parasitic wasps lay their eggs in their prey to provide their larvae with a fresh food source.

Yellow jackets look just like any other wasp species, until you look closer at their specific coloring. They have the standard black and yellow stripes, as well as additional yellow on their abdomens and legs. They also have longer wings that allow them to race around their nest and food sources much quicker than other wasps. Yellow jackets earned their nickname “meat bees” for their unending fascination with some of our food. They love anything that is sugary or protein-filled, and they tend to hover above a potential food source before deciding to land. Some of their favorites include pet food, meats, sugary drinks, and sandwiches. Yellow jackets keep their nests along the ground, so they can stay hidden for a bit longer than other kinds of stinging pests.

Whether you have a wasp nest in your eaves or a yellow jacket colony under your front porch, Pointe is here to help. Our team solves each pest problem through a combination of thorough inspections, extensive knowledge on stinging pest habits, personalized treatment plans, and clean and efficient products. We look forward to keeping your Chesterfield home pest-free all year long, so give us a call to learn more about our reliable stinging pest control services today!