Bee and Wasp Prevention Tips for a Sting-Free Summer in Georgia

Bees and wasps: They're two different species with many similarities. These flying insects are capable of delivering painful stings that cause allergic reactions in some people. They're also big fans of Georgia's summer heat. Though the pests each have six legs, two antennae, and a lone stinger, they have differences that make them easy enough to identify from close range.

The Difference Between Bees and Wasps

A bee, whether it's a carpenter bee or a honeybee, has a rounded, fuzzy appearance thanks to hundreds of tiny hairs covering its body. A wasp has a shiny body due to the lack of hairs and appears more slender than a bee. A bee makes its nest from wax, whereas a wasp makes its nest from chewed wood and saliva, giving it a paper-like quality.

The Dangers of Bee and Wasp Stings

If you're not allergic to bee and wasp stings, you may only develop inflammation and redness around the sting area. These symptoms usually disappear within two or three days. Those who have bee sting allergies may develop worse symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock.

3 Tips to Prevent Bee Stings

Avoid wearing sweet-smelling lotions.

Bee populations are more active in the spring and during the summer when the flowers bloom. If you're wearing fragrant lotions and perfumes, you may attract these pests and increase the risk of stings. Keep the perfumes light when you venture outdoors to reduce the threat.

Keep food and drinks covered.

Aggressive wasps, such as yellow jackets, enjoy sweets and carbohydrate foods and will pester you during a picnic. They may also get inside soda cans and give you a real surprise as you take a drink. Keeping your food covered or eating within an enclosed screen can help reduce the bee and wasp threat.

Always wear shoes or sandals outdoors.

Though honeybees are beneficial to the environment, they deliver painful stings if you step on them as they fly from clover to clover. Always wear shoes when you're walking in the grass to prevent a painful encounter with these flying insects.

Professional Bee Control for Maximum Protection

Bees and wasps are big in Georgia, where agriculture is rampant and the insects spend their days pollinating. But if nests appear around your home, it's best to avoid them. Otherwise, you could risk an attack from several insects at once. Contact Allgood Pest Solutions to schedule an inspection with our trained technicians. Our residential services eliminate bee and wasp nests and help prevent infestations.