May 15th 2022
Tick Awareness Week: What You Need to Know About Tick Disease and Prevention
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Humans aren’t the only ones swarming outdoors to take advantage of the warming Reno, Nevada, weather. As the season progresses, stinging insect populations will become more prevalent.
Half a million people are sent to the emergency room each year for stinging insect-related injuries. Removing an active hornet nest from your property is not a DIY job, as these pests deliver a painful sting that can prove to be a considerable threat to your health and well-being.
Mid-summer through fall may be the height of hornet activity, but our encounters with them begin much earlier in the year. Familiarizing yourself with hornet species in Reno will help you prepare for their upcoming busy season. The most effective way to safeguard your Reno home from unwanted hornets is with the help of an experienced pest control professional.
Hornet Identification And Behavior
The most common hornet in the Reno area is the bald-faced hornet. This hornet species is relative to the yellow jacket and has a similar resemblance. They are considered hornets due to their large, aerial nests.
Averaging between ½ - 5/8 of an inch in length, these hornets are not only larger than their stinging pest relatives, but they are also more aggressive. Bald-faced hornets have black bodies with white markings and a predominantly white face.
There is a very real threat when it comes to the dangers associated with bald-faced hornets. This species is extremely territorial, and they can attack in large numbers with repeated stings to stun their victims. A bald-faced hornet sting is incredibly painful. Their venom causes severe itching and swelling that lasts for at least 24 hours. Depending on the circumstances, some people experience severe allergic reactions that require medical attention, even if they aren’t prone to stinging insect allergies.
When it comes to bald-faced hornet invasions, everyone is at risk. Protect yourself and your loved ones with residential pest control for your Reno home.
Hornet Prevention Tips
There are only a handful of factors that attract hornets to a property. Some of them are easier to prevent, while others prove to be near impossible without the right knowledge and tools. Bald-faced hornets are attracted to food, water, rotting trees, and prime nesting locations. They are often in close proximity to wood cellulose sources that will provide nesting materials.
Applying preventive measures around your property can help limit your chances of a bald-faced hornet encounter:
- Keep a safe distance from stinging insects.
- Frequently check the property for nesting sites. Proceed with caution, especially around awnings, overhangs, tree branches, and shrubs.
- Inspect wooden components around the exterior of your home for traces of harvested nesting materials. Look for small, carved grooves in porches, stairs, decks, lawn furniture, and décor.
- Examine the exterior of your home for any cracks or crevices that need to be sealed up. This will help prevent nesting sites in the interior structures of your home.
- Eliminate any potential water sources on your property, such as children’s toys and other overturned items that can collect moisture.
- Keep food covered and clean up any messes or spills left behind, especially outdoors.
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances. Opt for unscented detergents and products.
If you find a nest, do not disturb it, as you do not want to experience the sting of a vengeful bald-faced hornet. Let the professionals handle your problem with top-of-the-line hornet extermination services.
The Safest Way To Remove Hornets From Your Property
Founded in 1979, Pestmaster® Services has been proudly serving the community with more than 40 years of pest control industry experience. Our story began with a mission to build a company that provides innovative pest control, vegetation management, and vector control.
Your needs are our number one priority, and each client is treated with the quality and care that they deserve. Pestmaster® Services provides long-lasting and personalized solutions for any pest problem that you may be experiencing.
We are dedicated to delivering effective pest control that you can rely on. Contact Pestmaster® Services today to find out more about our specialized pest management plans!
