Bugs That Sting

Flying Insects That Sting: Bees, Wasps, Yellowjackets, and Hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are among the stinging insects homeowners are most likely to notice buzzing around the yard. But while they may look similar from a distance, their behavior and nesting habits can be very different.

Bees

Not every bee has the same kind of stinger—or the same temperament.

A worker honey bee has a barbed stinger that can remain embedded in human skin. When the bee pulls away, the stinger and associated tissues may tear from its body, and the bee soon dies.

Bumble bees, on the other hand, can sting more than once.

Many bees are important pollinators and are unlikely to sting unless they’re threatened, handled, stepped on, or defending a colony. If a honey bee stings you, a stinger left behind can be one clue to what happened.

So if you see a bee calmly working its way through your flowers, there’s usually no need to declare a backyard emergency. Let it bee.

Wasps

Wasps come in many shapes and sizes, from paper wasps and yellowjackets to solitary species such as mud daubers.

Unlike worker honey bees, wasps generally have smooth stingers that allow them to sting repeatedly.

Their nesting habits vary by species. Paper wasps often build exposed nests beneath eaves and overhangs, while yellowjackets may nest underground, inside wall voids, or in other enclosed spaces.

Social wasps can vigorously defend a colony when people or pets get too close. Many solitary wasps, however, are far less defensive.

Hornets

Hornets are social wasps, and some species can grow considerably larger than other wasps homeowners commonly encounter.

Depending on the species, their nests may be found in trees, wall cavities, or other sheltered locations.

Like other social wasps, hornets may strongly defend a nest when they perceive a threat and can sting repeatedly.

That’s a good reason to admire an active hornet nest from a distance rather than finding out just how protective its residents are.

Don’t Forget Stinging Ants

Bees and wasps don’t have a monopoly on painful stings.

Fire ants and harvester ants are two groups homeowners may encounter in parts of the United States. Both can sting when their nests are disturbed, making identification especially important before you tackle a suspicious mound in the yard.

Fire ants are found primarily in warmer regions of the country and commonly build visible soil mounds in lawns and other sunny areas.

Harvester ants also build nests in soil and are common in parts of the western and southwestern United States. Their nests may be surrounded by cleared soil, pebbles, or other debris.

Either way, poking the mound to see what comes out? Not the best research method.

Signs You May Have a Stinging Insect Nest

Alt text: Paper wasp nest attached beneath a porch eave on a residential exterior.

Seeing a bee or wasp visiting flowers doesn’t necessarily mean you have a nest nearby. Stinging insects may simply be visiting your property in search of food, water, or nesting material.

One stronger clue is repeated traffic to and from the same location.

From a safe distance, watch for insects repeatedly entering:

• A hole in the ground
• A gap in siding
• An opening under an eave
• A wall void or crack
• A tree cavity
• Another sheltered location

You may also notice:

• A visible paper nest beneath an eave or hanging from a tree
• Frequent wasp or hornet activity around the same opening
• An ant mound accompanied by significant ant activity
• Increasing numbers of stinging insects around doors, walkways, patios, play areas, or other high-traffic spaces

Not every nest automatically needs to be removed. If a colony is well away from people and pets, leaving it undisturbed may sometimes be appropriate.

But a nest near a doorway, patio, play area, walkway, pool, or other active area deserves more caution—especially if someone in the household has a known sting allergy.

How to Avoid Getting Stung

Wasps and yellowjackets may investigate:

• Sugary drinks
• Fruit
• Desserts
• Meat
• Pet food
• Trash and recycling

Keep food covered when possible, wipe up spills promptly, and keep garbage containers closed.

Before drinking from an open can, bottle, or cup outdoors, take a quick look first. A sip of soda is much less refreshing when someone else got there before you.

For more ways to make your yard less inviting, see Mosquito Joe’s guide on how to keep wasps away.

Choose Clothing Carefully

When spending time in areas with lots of insect activity, consider wearing:

• Long sleeves
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Fitted clothing that insects are less likely to become trapped inside

Avoid swatting wildly at bees or wasps that fly nearby. Sudden movement may make an already uncomfortable encounter even more exciting than you intended.

Give Active Nests Plenty of Space

The simplest way to reduce your chance of being stung is also the easiest: don’t disturb an active nest.

Keep children and pets away and avoid blocking the insects’ normal flight path.

Some nests are easy to spot. Others may be hidden underground, inside walls, or beneath eaves and other sheltered areas.

If insects repeatedly disappear into the same opening, observe from a safe distance instead of investigating up close.

Should You Remove a Wasp or Hornet Nest Yourself?

A small nest with little visible activity and a large, busy colony are very different situations—but appearances alone don’t always tell you what’s happening inside. 

Attempting to treat or remove an active wasp, hornet, or yellowjacket nest can increase the chance of multiple stings—especially when the nest is:

• Large
• Difficult to reach
• Inside a wall or structure
• Underground
• Near a door, walkway, deck, or patio
• Located where children or pets spend time

If you’re unsure what species you’re dealing with or where the nest is located, professional help may be the better call.

Mosquito Joe® offers wasp nest removal services at participating locations. A local pest control service professional can assess the activity, help identify the insect, and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.

Know When to Call a Professional

Bees, wasps, hornets, and ants all have a place outdoors—but a stinging insect nest beside the patio, doorway, play area, or another frequently used part of your property can make enjoying that outdoor space difficult.

If unwanted stinging insects have made themselves a little too at home, call your local Mosquito Joe service professional to request a quote. We can help identify the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Mosquito Joe's services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee.

Request a free quote today and get back to enjoying your outdoor space.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mosquito Joe location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

This article may contain content, images, and/or multimedia generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While we make every effort to review, edit, and ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with our content standards, we also encourage readers to verify facts, consult trusted professionals, and use their own judgment when making decisions based on their specific situation.