6 steps for staying on top of a stinging insect control job

Mel Whitson

Zoëcon

Stinging insect control requires a mix of strategy and precision. Here are six tips for staying on top of the job:

1. Monitor early. Check areas like eaves and sheds at the start of the season to catch early-stage nests before they grow in numbers.
2. Understand species behaviors. Wasps and hornets get more aggressive in late summer as their colonies grow. Time your treatments according to warming temperatures and typical nesting sites.
3. Focus on high-traffic areas. Look for nests near doorways and windows and along property lines. Don’t forget places like under decking, eaves of complex rooflines, underneath play equipment, covered walkways and hidden voids.
4. Use technology. Thermal cameras and drones can help identify hidden nests in structural voids and hard-to-reach places.
5. Keep the environment in mind. Wherever possible, opt for eco-friendly sprays and educate clients on minimizing their impact on pollinators.
6. Follow up on treatments. Schedule timely second inspections to ensure treatments are effective, target any missed nests and account for any worker pests that may be loitering in the area of their former nests.