Stinging Insects in Tennessee: Identification Guide
Stinging Insects in Tennessee
Stinging insects represent a diverse group of pests that can disrupt outdoor activities and pose health risks to Tennessee residents. While some species are beneficial pollinators, others can be aggressive defenders of their colonies, making professional identification and control essential for safety.
Stinging insects build nests in various locations depending on the species. Common nesting sites include tree branches, shrubs, under eaves, within wall voids, inside hollow trees, in ground cavities, under decks, in attics, and around utility boxes. Activity is often highest near flowering plants, fruit trees, outdoor eating areas, and garbage receptacles where food sources are abundant.
Types of Stinging Insects in Tennessee
- Yellow Jackets: Aggressive wasps with distinctive yellow and black striped bodies. They build paper nests typically in ground cavities or wall voids and are known for their persistent, aggressive defense when disturbed.
- Red Wasps: Reddish-brown wasps with paper nests often built under eaves or attached to buildings. They can deliver painful stings when threatened.
- Paper Wasps: Slender-bodied with long legs and reddish-brown to black coloring. They build open, umbrella-shaped paper nests in protected areas around structures.
- European Hornets: Large (up to 1-1/2 inches) with brown and yellow markings. They build large paper nests in tree hollows, outbuildings, or wall voids.
- Bald-Faced Hornets: Black with white facial markings, creating large, enclosed paper nests typically high in trees or on buildings.
- Bumble Bees: Large, fuzzy bees with yellow and black markings that nest in ground cavities or abandoned rodent burrows.
- Velvet Ants: Not true ants but wingless female wasps, often bright red or orange with painful stings, earning them the nickname “cow killers.”
When to Call Professional Help
Professional pest control is strongly recommended for stinging insect issues when nests are identified on your property, especially if located near entrances, play areas, or frequently used outdoor spaces. If you’ve observed increased stinging insect activity, discovered multiple nests, or if anyone in your household has allergies to insect stings, immediate professional intervention is essential for safety. DIY removal attempts often trigger defensive attacks and can be dangerous.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Our expert technicians at U.S. Pest Protection specialize in identifying and safely controlling all types of stinging insects found in Tennessee. We’ll locate nests, determine the species involved, and implement appropriate treatment strategies to eliminate the threat while minimizing risks to your family. Our preventative programs can also help keep your property stinging insect-free through monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly service options.
