Fall is nearly upon us here in New England. As leaves begin to change, there’s a stirring in the air. It’s not a cool fall breeze or disturbed air from falling leaves, however. It’s bees! More specifically, its Yellow Jackets and Wasps. And they are not happy. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), more than 500,000 people are sent to the emergency room each year due to stinging insects. Here in Springfield, Massachusetts, many of these stings happen in late summer. The question is, why?
As colonies develop in the summer months, the population of bees grows. NPMA Public Affairs Vice President states that, “by late summer, stinging insect colonies can contain an upwards of 4,000 members. Most species are busy preparing their queens for the winter ahead, and can therefore be more aggressive than earlier in the season.”
If you plan to spend time outdoors this fall, the first step in protecting yourself and your family from stinging insects is identifying which stinging insect you have encountered. The MassAudobon has a terrific resource on bees found in Massachusetts. From there, consider these tips from the NPMA:
- Keep food covered: During a picnic or cookout, cover all food when outside and be sure to keep tight fitting lids on trash bins.
- Drink out of clear containers: Stinging insects can sneak into cans unnoticed, so it’s important to be able to see that a liquid is “bee-free” when drinking it.
- Avoid excessive use of fragrances: If spending long periods of time outdoors, skip the perfume or cologne, as yellow jackets and other stinging insects are attracted to sweet-smelling fragrances. When possible, choose unscented shampoos, soaps, lotions and sunscreen.
- Adjust wardrobe: Avoid wearing light colors and floral prints, patterns that can attract stinging insects. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially in grassy areas where hornets and other pests often nest.
- Remain calm, cool and collected: Do not swat at stingers or flail in a panic—these movements may actually provoke an attack. Instead, remain calm and slowly walk away from the area. The insect should fly away without causing any harm.
- Seal cracks and crevices: Seal all visible cracks and crevices to keep stingers from moving indoors, and regularly inspect around house’s perimeter for nests.
- Call a pest professional if you find a nest on your property or suspect an infestation.
Are you located in Springfield, Massachusetts or the surrounding Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut area? Do you have a concern about pests? We can help.
Contact us today.
