Stinging Insect Control
Lamp's Pest Solutions has the answers when you have a Stinging Insect Nest
🐝 Stinging Insects in South Carolina
If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a summer afternoon in Lexington or the Midlands only to be chased back inside by buzzing invaders — you’re not alone. Stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and bees are part of life in South Carolina. While many play important roles as pollinators or pest predators, others can pose painful and sometimes dangerous threats when they build nests too close to our homes or businesses.
At Lamp’s Pest Solutions, we’ve helped Midlands residents safely handle stinging insect problems for over a decade. Let’s take a closer look at these buzzing neighbors — the helpful, the harmful, and the downright hostile.
🐝 What Are Stinging Insects?
“Stinging insects” are a broad group that includes bees, wasps, and hornets — pests equipped with stingers used to defend themselves or their colonies. Their venom can trigger mild to severe allergic reactions, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
In South Carolina, stinging insects become most active in late summer and early fall, when colonies reach their peak size and food is in high demand.
You’ll find nests in trees, roof eaves, shrubs, mailboxes, attic voids, under decks, and sometimes even underground.
📊 Quick Reference Guide to South Carolina Stinging Insects
Insect | Aggressiveness | Nest Type | Sting Risk | Common Locations |
Paper Wasps | Moderate | Open combs under eaves | Painful, single sting | Rooflines, light fixtures |
Yellowjackets | High | Underground or wall voids | Multiple stings, very aggressive | Lawns, shrubs, wall gaps |
Bald-Faced Hornets | Very High | Aerial paper nests | Very painful, swarm defense | Trees, overhangs |
Mud Daubers | Low | Mud tubes | Rarely sting | Garages, sheds, eaves |
Carpenter Bees | Low | Bore into wood | Rarely sting (females only) | Decks, fences, fascia boards |
Bumble Bees | Moderate | Ground or abandoned burrows | Painful, single sting | Gardens, mulch beds |
Honey Bees | Moderate | Hives or cavities | Single sting, barbed | Hollow trees, walls |
Miner Bees | Low | Ground tunnels | Rarely sting | Sandy lawns |
Cicada Killers | Low | Ground burrows | Intimidating but mild | Lawns, sunny soil areas |
Velvet Ants (“Cow Killers”) | High (females only) | Ground wanderers | Extremely painful sting | Sandy areas, near nests |
🏡 Common Stinging Insects in Lexington & the Midlands
Paper Wasps
Slender and long-legged, paper wasps create umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and porch ceilings. They’re not aggressive unless their nest is threatened — but their sting packs a punch.
Tip: Inspect porch overhangs regularly during spring when queens are building new nests.
Yellowjackets
These are South Carolina’s most aggressive stinging insects. They live in large underground colonies and defend their nests violently. You might see them swarming around trash cans or outdoor picnics in late summer.
Fun fact: Yellowjackets can sting multiple times — and they call in reinforcements when threatened.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Despite the name, they’re actually large black-and-white wasps. They build big, football-shaped paper nests high in trees or on structures. Their stings are painful, and they defend their colonies aggressively.
Tip: Never try to remove a hornet nest yourself — professional protective gear is essential.
Mud Daubers
These solitary wasps look intimidating but are mostly harmless. They build small mud tubes under eaves or inside sheds and feed on spiders.
Tip: If you see empty mud tubes, the dauber has likely moved on.
Carpenter Bees
Often mistaken for bumble bees, carpenter bees drill round holes into wood to create nesting tunnels. While males are harmless (they don’t sting), females may sting if handled.
Tip: Treat or paint exposed wood to discourage nesting.
Bumble Bees
Fuzzy, friendly pollinators that live in small ground colonies. They rarely sting unless their nest is disturbed.
Tip: If you find bumble bees nesting near a walkway, consider relocation instead of extermination — they’re great for gardens!
Honey Bees
The gentle backbone of pollination. Honey bees are federally protected, and removal should always be handled by a professional beekeeper or licensed pest expert.
Tip: If you see a honey bee swarm, don’t panic — they’re typically not aggressive during swarming.
Miner Bees
Small, ground-nesting bees that appear in early spring. They’re solitary and rarely sting.
Tip: Aerating your lawn can help discourage miner bee nesting.
Cicada Killers
Giant wasps that look terrifying but are surprisingly docile. They dig holes in sunny soil and prey on cicadas.
Tip: They prefer bare ground — maintaining thick grass helps prevent them from nesting.
Velvet Ants (“Cow Killers”)
Technically wingless wasps, these fuzzy red-and-black insects are known for their painful sting. Fortunately, they don’t attack unless handled.
Tip: Avoid touching them — admire from afar!
🧠 Why Stinging Insects Choose Your Property
South Carolina’s warm, humid climate provides ideal nesting conditions. These pests are drawn to:
Flowering plants and fruit trees
Open trash or compost bins
Leaky outdoor faucets or birdbaths
Untreated wood and unsealed cracks in siding or soffits
🔒 Prevention Tips from Lamp’s Pest Solutions
Keep trash cans sealed with tight-fitting lids
Trim shrubs and trees away from structures
Repair loose siding and seal cracks
Limit outdoor sugary drinks and food
Paint or seal exposed wood
Schedule seasonal pest inspections to catch nests early
If you’re dealing with stinging insects, don’t risk DIY removal — nests can contain hundreds of defensive workers. Our trained technicians can safely locate, treat, and remove nests around homes and businesses throughout Lexington, Gilbert, West Columbia, Chapin, and Red Bank.
📞 Your Local Experts on Stinging Insects
For over 16 years, Lamp’s Pest Solutions has provided trusted, local pest control for families and businesses across the Midlands. Whether it’s a wasp nest on your porch or yellowjackets under your lawn, we’re ready to help.
Lamp’s Pest Solutions
316 Corley Street,
Lexington, SC 29072
📞 803-414-0588
👉 Visit: lampspestsolutions.com/stinging-insect-control
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stinging Insects
Q: What’s the difference between a wasp and a hornet?
A - Hornets are actually a type of wasp, usually larger and more aggressive. Bald-faced hornets, for example, are a species of wasp known for their black-and-white coloration.
Q: When are stinging insects most active in South Carolina?
A - Late summer and early fall are peak activity times when colonies are largest and food competition increases.
Q: Are honey bees protected in South Carolina?
A- Yes. Honey bees are vital pollinators, and removing them should be done by a professional beekeeper or pest expert.
Q: How can I tell if I’m allergic to insect stings?
A - If you experience swelling beyond the sting site, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately — these could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Q: Should I try to remove a wasp or hornet nest myself?
A - No. These insects defend their nests aggressively. Always call a licensed pest control professional for safe removal.
Q: How can I keep yellowjackets away during picnics?
A - Keep food and drinks covered, use lids on trash bins, and avoid wearing strong fragrances that attract them.
Q: Can stinging insects damage my home? A - Yes — carpenter bees bore into wood, and yellowjackets can nest inside walls, causing structural damage and health risks.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent future infestations?
A - Schedule seasonal inspections and maintain your property — our team can help spot early signs before they become big problems.
