Understanding Stinging Insects: A Homeowner’s Guide for Summer 2025
By XTERMIGATOR, Mascot of ABCO Pest Control | Long Island, NY
As summer 2025 gets underway, Long Island homeowners are ready to enjoy sunshine, backyard BBQs, and outdoor fun. But there’s one thing that can quickly ruin a great day — stinging insects. At ABCO Pest Control, we’re here to help you identify these pests, protect your family, and know when to call in the pros.
What Are Stinging Insects?
Stinging insects are pests that deliver painful — and sometimes dangerous — stings. The most common ones around Long Island include:
- Wasps – Thin, smooth-bodied, and capable of stinging multiple times. Often aggressive when provoked.
- Hornets – A type of wasp, usually larger, with a strong sting and a territorial nature.
- Yellow Jackets – Often confused with bees, these aggressive scavengers sting repeatedly and nest in hidden places.
- Bees – Generally less aggressive, but will sting when threatened. Includes honeybees and bumblebee
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Help stop stinging insects before they start:
- Seal Entry Points: Check for cracks around windows, doors, and vents.
- Cover Food Outdoors: Picnic leftovers and sugary drinks attract wasps and yellow jackets.
- Secure Garbage Bins: Use lids that seal tightly.
- Maintain Your Yard: Trim bushes and trees, remove fallen fruit, and mow regularly.
- Avoid Scented Products: Perfumes, scented lotions, and even some sunscreens can lure in pests
Found a Nest? Here’s What to Do
- Stay Calm: Sudden movements can trigger defensive behavior.
- Clear the Area: Keep kids and pets away from the nest.
- Don’t DIY: Nests can be dangerous. Call ABCO Pest Control for safe, licensed removal.
Got Stung? Follow These Steps
- Remove the stinger (if from a bee) gently with a scraping motion.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Take an antihistamine if there’s itching or mild swelling.
- Seek emergency help if you experience:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Dizziness or fainting
Common Myths: Busted
- Myth: All bees can sting multiple times.
- Fact: Only some can. Honeybees sting once and die after; wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly.
- Myth: Nests are only in trees.
- Fact: Many species, like yellow jackets, build nests underground or inside walls.
- Myth: All stings hurt the same.
- Fact: Pain levels vary by species — and by individual sensitivity.
ABCO Pest Control’s Approach
At ABCO, we take stinging insects seriously — and so should you. Our experienced technicians:
- Safely locate and remove nests
- Use EPA-compliant treatments
- Offer seasonal prevention plans
Let us take care of the pests so you can enjoy your summer worry-free.
Final Thoughts
Long Island summers are for memories, not mosquito bites or wasp stings. By staying proactive and calling in the experts when needed, you can keep your home and family safe. ABCO Pest Control is here for inspections, advice, and guaranteed nest removal.
Call us today for a free quote or inspection — and let’s make Summer 2025 your safest yet!
FAQs: Stinging Insect Edition
What should I do if I find a wasp or hornet nest near my house?
Stay away and call ABCO Pest Control. We’ll handle it safely and professionally.
How can I reduce the risk of getting stung?
Avoid wearing bright colors and strong scents, and keep food covered outdoors.
Are stings from all insects dangerous?
Most stings are mild, but allergic reactions can be serious. When in doubt, seek medical care.
How often should I check my property for nests?
Monthly during warmer months is best, especially around eaves, decks, and bushes.
Do stinging insects return to the same place each year?
Some do, especially if the location is ideal for nesting. Seasonal prevention helps
Identifying the Culprits
Knowing what you’re dealing with is key to staying safe.
You ever wonder why our company's original brand name was AAA ABCO Termite & Pest Control? It's a bit of a fun fact that might make sense if you're old enough to remember the Yellow Pages!
The Ultimate Family Organization Tool for Everyone In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized as a family can feel overwhelming. Enter Cozyla, a touchscreen interactive digital calendar designed to simplify family planning, task management, and communication. What sets Cozyla apart is its accessibility for individuals with disabilities and its flexibility to cater to diverse needs. Let’s […]
The post Cozyla Calendar appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
Swarming Termites found in North East parts of Suffolk County As the weather warms up, local LI residents and neighbors in Stony Brook, Smithtown, Hauppauge, and Kings Park should be aware that termite season is arriving earlier than usual this year. Typically, the swarming period for termites occurs between March and May, coinciding with mild weather conditions that facilitate […]
The post Termite Season Comes Early to Long Island appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
New Year brings a new way of giving back to those we serve and well beyond with the creation of Xtermigator Kids, through the Dr. Disruptor Series, imagined by our very own Chief Xtermigator Dr. Eric Fishon. 🚀 Disrupting the Narrative: The Birth of XTERMIGATOR KIDS & The Power of Dr. Disruptor For many of […]
The post Announcing XTERMIGATOR KIDS appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
If you’re in Stony Brook and grappling with signs of a mouse infestation, like droppings, unusual scratching sounds within walls, or actual sightings of mice, it’s crucial to act swiftly. A single mouse can indeed signal the presence of a much larger colony hidden away. Given that mice can cause considerable damage to your home […]
The post Mouse in your House? appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
Greetings from XTERMIGATOR, your friendly neighborhood mascot here at ABCO Termite and Pest Control! As a proud representative of a veteran-owned and family-operated business spanning four generations, I’m buzzing with excitement to share some intriguing insights into the world of pest control with our esteemed clients and community. Today, I’ll unravel a curious phenomenon that […]
The post XTERMIGATOR REPORT Why do I still see activity post TREATMENT appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
1. Over-the-counter chemicals stain your homeWasp and hornet spray purchased at the hardware store is generally oil based. These types of consumer sprays contain ingredients that are likely to stain your siding, concrete or other materials around your home. The chemicals that professionals use to treat wasps are not oil based, and will not stain […]
The post D-I-Y-WHY NOT? – 4 COMMON MISTAKES MADE WHEN DOING YOUR OWN WASP TREATMENT appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
Have you ever been walking down the street, enjoying a beautiful day with friends or family, when suddenly you spot it? That unwelcome sight of dog poop left behind by an irresponsible owner. What do you do? You certainly don’t step in it, right? This seemingly simple scenario holds a profound lesson for our spiritual […]
The post Don’t Step in Other People’s Poop: A Lesson in Handling Opinions appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
Knowing where these pests like to hide will help narrow your search to more specific areas. During the day, bed bugs tend to seek out dark locations in fabric folds, cracks, and corners. Because bed bugs have tiny, flat bodies, they can hide inside crevices as small as 2 millimeters wide.
The post How to Inspect Your Home for Bed Bugs appeared first on thextermigators.com/.
ABCO Pest Control “Our Customer’s are an extension of the ABCO family and we service them as such”
The post ABCO Pest Control appeared first on thextermigators.com/.