Tag Archives: stinging insects

Fire Ant Frenzy

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Ok, in the name of full disclosure, that title is a bit sensationalist. There is no fire ant population explosion threatening America’s major metropolitan areas or a lab bred, super, fire ant with ten times the stinging power. But, it is fair to say that the thought of fire ants in or around or home or certainly stumbling into a fire ant mound creates some level of frenzy. In this post we’ll focus on the red imported fire ant (RIFA), which is significantly more aggressive than native fire ant species.

This species of ant is native to South America and arrived in the United States in the 1930s via a ship from Brazil. They made their first appearance in Mobile, Alabama. Continue reading →

Top 5 At Home Remedies for Insect Stings

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wasp

wasp and nest http://www.flickr.com/photos/26085795@N02/3949060020/

No matter how much effort you put into keeping away stinging insects, unfortunately, they are inevitable.  The spring and summer are notorious for bees, wasps, hornets and more. Most of us have experienced the unpleasantness of a sting before, but you may not have known any useful remedies for pain and swelling relief. If you have any sort of allergy to these insects, you should seek medical attention if stung; otherwise, here are some easy, at-home tips for insect stings.

  1. Tobacco: You don’t have to be a smoker to find a use for tobacco. Apply a pinch of tobacco onto a sting and cover it with a Band-Aid.  The tobacco will draw the poison right out, relieving pain and reducing swelling. Continue reading →

5 Easy Ways to Keep Stinging Insects at Bay

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stinging insects

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/327563900/

Many individuals fear stinging insects significantly more than other pests because of the unpleasant pain they are known to cause. In the springtime, these nuisances are out in full force.  If you have stinging insects in your home or in very significant numbers outdoors, you will need to contact a pest control professional.  However, even if you don’t have a major problem, bees, wasps, yellowjackets and hornets are all inevitable and can deliver a painful sting.  Here are a few easy ways to steer these bugs clear of you and avoid stings if they are around.

  1. Don’t look like their food. Bright colors and florally perfumes give you the appearance of a flower and will have these pests headed your way.  Avoid this look if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outside that day. Continue reading →