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Stinging Insects

Hornet Removal

Hornets can be a nuisance as well as a potentially dangerous pest around your home or property. They are known to be most active from May to July when the weather is warm. There are about 20 different species of hornets, but the two most common in Wisconsin are the Bald-Faced Hornet and the European Hornet. Bald-faced hornets resemble yellowjackets, but their markings are white to cream-colored rather than yellow. Bald-faced hornets are large flying insects that will defend their nests aggressively if they feel threatened. The European hornet, also known as the brown or giant hornet, was introduced from Europe to the United States in the mid-1800s. These hornets are now found in more than 30 states, ranging from the east coast to the Midwest. These hornets appear much larger than yellowjackets, but they are not particularly hostile to humans, though they will strike multiple times if they feel threatened. Unlike most stinging insects, European Hornets are active at night, which can be a source of concern for many homeowners.

Stinging Insects
Hornet Removal
Stinging insect sitting on a tree.

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  • Hornet nests are most commonly found in high places, such as trees and utility poles. However, they can also live in bushes or large empty voids such as sheds, barns, and inside hollow walls or under the eaves of houses. Hornets construct their paper-like nests by combining nearby plant materials, chewed wood, and other fibers with their saliva. The nests of Bald-faced hornets can grow to be the size of a basketball or larger, with a peak nest population of 400 or more hornets. While European Hornet nests are often viewed as large due to the size of the hornets themselves, they can have peak nest sizes ranging from 200 to 400 hornets.

  • If you’re dealing with a hornet infestation, it’s important to take action to eliminate the problem as quickly and safely as possible. Allow our trusted and skilled team of professionals at Mosquito Joe of Madison to handle the situation. Our trained technicians will inspect your property before utilizing the necessary equipment and supplies to eliminate each nesting population around your home or business.

A picture of a hornets nest in a tree.

Wasp Control

What’s Up with Wasps?

There are two main categories of wasp: social and solitary, with many different species within these two groups. Most of the wasps flying around your house, or place of business, are either Mud Daubers or Umbrella Wasps. Mud Daubers tend to be black with lighter markings and have a distinctively thin waist that connects their abdomen and thorax. Umbrella wasps, or paper wasps, look more like yellow jackets except they have much longer bodies.

Wasps are fairly docile and will not sting unless they are aggressively handled. They are not pollinators and are usually out hunting spiders, small insects, sugars from soda or plants and gathering materials to build their nests.

Wasp Nest Removal

Wasp nests can be found in a variety of places both above and underground depending on the type of wasp. Wasp nests above ground can usually be identified by their grey color and swirl-like appearance. The opening of their underground nests usually has a cone-shaped pile of dirt with a large opening where the wasps enter.

Regardless of the type of nest, Mosquito Joe of Madison has an effective solution to rid your yard of wasps. Our trained technicians will inspect your property and then utilize the needed tools and products to eradicate each nesting population around your home or place of business.

Wasp Control
A picture of a stinging insect sitting on a leaf.

Yellow Jacket Elimination

Learn More about Yellow Jackets

Yellowjackets are found worldwide, and there are about 16 species that reside in the U.S. They can typically be identified by the yellow and black pattern around their abdomens, although some may show white and black colors and have a thin waist. They are social insects that have annual colonies, however, only the queen lives through winter to start a new colony in the spring.

Where Are Yellow Jacket Nests Found?

Yellowjackets typically build their nest in the ground near roots or where the dirt is soft. They are very territorial, so if there are strong vibrations near the nest or if the nest is accidentally stepped on, they will attack. The yellow jacket sting is known to be painful, and some may have can have an allergic reaction to the sting.

Yellow Jacket Control for Your Yard

Mosquito Joe has a safe solution to rid your yard of these stinging insects. Our trained service professionals will inspect your property and use the necessary steps and repellents to rid your yard of each yellow jacket nesting population.

Carpenter Bee Control

Are Carpenter Bees Harmful?

Carpenter bees are territorial in nature and females will often return to the same areas from which they emerged to begin a new chamber, or nest, of their own. This is because it is a lot easier for them to build upon an existing nest than it is to dig a new hole. Although carpenter bees are less aggressive than wasps, female bees supplying their nests will sting. Males on the other hand do not sting; however, they often hover close to people and are especially attracted to sudden movements but do no more than create fear.

Why Do Carpenter Bees Make Holes in Wood?

Carpenter bees prefer to attack wood that is bare, weathered, and unpainted. Areas around your home that may be preferable to carpenter bees are your porch, deck, roof eaves, wooden sheds, and other exposed areas. Structures that are used for nesting year after year may suffer considerable damage.

Carpenter Bee Treatment with Mosquito Joe of Madison

Mosquito Joe of Madison provides treatment to the galleries to break the life cycle and reduce the population. After the treatment, we highly recommend the following to ensure that these areas are not targeted again:

Paint all exposed wood surfaces, especially those which have a history of being attacked.

Plug the entrance hole with a piece of wooden dowel coated with carpenter’s glue, paintable silicone caulk, or wood putty. This protects against future over-wintering in old nesting tunnels and reduces the chances of wood decay.

Mosquito Joe of Madison Can Help

Looking for a natural approach to remove stinging insects from your yard in Madison, Wisconsin, or the surrounding area? Check out our natural treatment service, which utilizes essential oils ranging from natural garlic to botanical treatments derived from natural plant oils and lasting between 14 and 21 days.

Call Mosquito Joe of Madison or fill out the Request a Quote form in order to rid your yard in Verona, Sun Prairie, and surrounding areas of stinging insects like hornets, carpenter bees, wasps, and yellow jackets! Take the sting out of being outside and get back to enjoying outdoor spaces at your home or business.

Pest Control Services

Don’t let pests drive you indoors! Mosquito Joe’s pest control services are the answer to keeping your family and pets protected from itchy bites and pest-borne diseases. Call your local Mosquito Joe today for a custom outdoor pest control solution and reclaim your backyard oasis.

Customer Reviews

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    Service: Mosquito Control

    For 8 years we have been battling the mosquito. We have stayed in many beautiful evenings because of the pests. For the first time this year, after one application by Mosquito Joe, we have enjoyed every night this summer sitting on our deck. What a great service!

    Dave F.
    5/5
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    Service: Pest Control

    Mosquito Joe delivered exactly what they promised. My family and I can actually enjoy our yard and pool area comfortably.

    Emanuel L.
    5/5
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    Service: Home Pest Control

    It actually works!! I was skeptical at first. The mosquitoes are so bad here, but not since we've had this service. My neighbors also signed up because they noticed that we had no mosquitoes.

    Lisa R.
    5/5
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    Service: Perimeter Pest Control

    Friendly and professional staff. I have used Mosquito Joe for three years and have been able to enjoy my backyard again.

    K.N.
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Helpful Resources

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    The Most Common Pests in Late Summer

    Learn about the most common late summer pests and how to prevent them from invading your home and yard.

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    Beyond the Buzz: Your Guide to Which Insects Sting

    Get tips on avoiding stings and what to do if you're stung.

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