The word “buzz” is somewhat ambiguous when discussing Toronto’s summer. The bright sun, blue skies, and vibrant atmosphere compel people to go out and enjoy the scenery. As Toronto releases the scent of active festivities and sundown recreational activities, it also receives the sting of aggravating flies.
Stinging insects are essential in pollination, and some are considered ethnic pollinators. These familiar insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets and are pretty easy to identify. A subtle approach is required to ensure human and environmental safety and prevent these painful stings.
In this blog post, we discuss some of the most common stinging insects and effective ways of dealing with them.
Top 3 Common Stinging Insects in Toronto
Bees
Bees are essential contributors to the ecosystem as pollinators. Nature-wise, bees aren’t aggressive. They retaliate if provoked. This is essentially true when talking about bumblebees and honeybees.
Wasps
Wasps are known to be the most aggressive among stinging insects. Paper wasps and yellowjackets usually attack with multiple stings. As ecological contributors, they hunt down other insects and arthropods, helping control pests. However, their presence can create a nuisance to humans if they build their nests in commercial or residential areas.
Hornets
Belonging to the family of wasps, hornets are known for their painful stings. They look very similar to yellowjackets, but they are only bigger. The black and white coloured bald-faced hornet is very commonly seen in Toronto. Their large football-shaped nests can be easily spotted in trees and shrubs.
5 Preventive Measures to Handle Stinging Insects
- To prevent these insects, avoid cooking or eating outdoors. Traps can be set near barbeque and eating areas.
- Wear light-coloured clothing because stinging insects are drawn to bright, dark, and patterned clothes. Strong scents also invite stinging insects. Avoid wearing scented talcs, cologne, perfumes, deodorants, hair spray, suntan lotions, or other products.
- Always check wet towels or clothes before handling them. Yellowjackets mostly prey on such articles, drinking moisture from them.
- Cover food items. Pour soft drinks into a glass with a lid and sip with a straw. Do not drink them from open containers.
- The buzz of a stinging insect is often reverted with a swat. Strictly avoid doing this because a chemical called pheromone is released when wasps or yellowjackets are squashed. This sends an alarm to their fellow mates to launch an attack.
Remember that these stinging insects do not attack until a human intervenes in their space. If you ever encounter them hovering in your space, keep calm and let them fly away. Ensure that your garden, eating space, and outdoor areas are clean.
Quick Home Remedies for Stings
Even after taking the necessary precautions, stings can still take place. These remedies help lessen the pain and provide slight relief before you reach out to the doctors:
- When stung by a bee, remove the stinger immediately. Use a flat object to scrape and remove it. Avoid using tweezers, as they can help the venom spread into the skin.
- Use a mixture of soap and water to clean the sting site. This will prevent infection.
- Apply ice over the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Keep a strip of antihistamine handy in your first aid kit. It helps relieve swelling and itching.
- Observe signs of an allergic reaction. These include breathing issues, facial or throat swelling, dizziness, and speech difficulties. Seek medical help immediately if any of these reactions persist.
Professionals to Handle Stinging Insects
This might sound shocking, but bee stings are more poisonous than a snake bite. While first-hand precautions help manage minor infestations, involving professional pest control services can help you tackle the problem from the root. They possess the right tools and techniques to deal with string insects.
If you are a Toronto resident or from the greater Toronto area and are looking for assistance with pest control, GTA Toronto Pest Control is only a phone call away. We operate 24/7 with a dedicated team of adequately skilled workers to address all types of insects that sting.
Conclusion
Toronto’s summer allows people who love being outdoors to vibe with nature. But staying alert and taking precautions is necessary to enjoy the outdoors without getting stung by summer insects. Make the most of your vibrant Toronto Summers by seeking professional help. Get the treatment at the root to avoid any unpleasant experience this summer.
