Flying/Stinging Insect Awareness & Control Guide

Identification & Behavior

Honeybees: Golden-brown, fuzzy bodies, 12–15 mm long. Non-aggressive unless threatened.

Wasps: Smooth, slender bodies with narrow waists (yellow jackets, paper wasps). Aggressive when disturbed.

Hornets: Larger (18–25 mm), black/white or reddish-brown. Highly aggressive.

Bumblebees: Round, fuzzy, black/yellow. Gentle unless provoked.

Mosquitoes: Slender, long-legged, 3–6 mm. Active at dawn/dusk; breed in standing water.

Tips

Seal cracks in walls, windows, and doors.

Keep food and garbage covered tightly.

Remove standing water (birdbaths, gutters, buckets).

Plant insect-repelling herbs (e.g., mint, citronella).

Health & Property Hazards

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis from bee/wasp stings (life-threatening).

Disease Transmission: Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, Zika, or malaria.

Painful Stings: Multiple stings can cause systemic reactions, especially in children.

Structural harm from nests in walls or attics.

Contaminated food from fly/mosquito activity.

Garden/crop damage by aggressive hornets or wasps.