Stinging Insects in South Carolina: A Lexington, SC Homeowner’s Guide

Stinging insects are a fact of life in South Carolina, especially in the warm, humid climate of Lexington and surrounding areas like Irmo, Chapin, West Columbia, and Lake Murray. While some bees and wasps play a crucial role in pollination and pest control, many of these insects can become hazardous when they build nests near homes, schools, or businesses.

At Lamp’s Pest Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners safely remove and prevent stinging insect infestations. This guide covers the most common stinging insects in Lexington, SC — including wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, carpenter bees, cicada killers, velvet ants, fire ants, mud daubers, and bumble bees — and provides practical advice for keeping your family safe.

Why Stinging Insects Are a Big Deal in South Carolina

• Long warm seasons: South Carolina’s hot, humid summers extend insect activity from spring through late fall.

• High nesting pressure: From underground yellow jacket colonies to carpenter bees boring into decks, Lexington homeowners face a variety of threats.

• Health risks: Stings are painful, and in some cases, life-threatening for those with allergies.

• Property damage: Carpenter bees and ants can damage wood structures, while fire ants destroy lawns.

Common Stinging Insects in Lexington and Surrounding Areas

🐝 Yellow Jackets

• Appearance: Small, black-and-yellow wasps often mistaken for bees.

• Habits: Build nests underground, in wall voids, or inside shrubs.

• Risk: Extremely aggressive; multiple stings possible.

• Lexington context: Yellow jackets are notorious around soccer fields, picnic areas, and backyard barbecues in Red Bank and Irmo.

🐝 Paper Wasps

• Appearance: Long legs, reddish-brown or black bodies.

• Habits: Build umbrella-shaped paper nests under eaves, porches, and playsets.

• Risk: Territorial and will sting if disturbed.

• Local note: Common in Chapin and Gilbert neighborhoods with open porches.

🐝 Bald-Faced Hornets

• Appearance: Black with white markings.

• Habits: Build large, football-shaped paper nests in trees or shrubs.

• Risk: Very aggressive and protective of their nests.

• Local issue: Often spotted near Lake Murray’s wooded properties.

🐝 Carpenter Bees

• Appearance: Resemble bumble bees but with shiny, black abdomens.

• Habits: Bore round holes into decks, porches, and wooden siding.

• Risk: Males don’t sting, but females can; main issue is wood damage.

• Lexington homeowners: Frequently seen drilling into fences and docks around Lake Murray.

🐝 Cicada Killers

• Appearance: Large wasps, up to 1.5 inches long.

• Habits: Burrow in sandy soil and feed on cicadas.

• Risk: Intimidating but rarely aggressive.

• Local sightings: Common in Chapin sandy lawns and golf courses.

🐝 Velvet Ants (a.k.a. Cow Killers)

• Appearance: Bright red, hairy ants (actually wingless wasps).

• Habits: Found crawling on the ground, especially in sandy soil.

• Risk: Females deliver an extremely painful sting.

• Local warning: Regularly seen in Lexington County parks and trails.

🐝 Bumble Bees

• Appearance: Fuzzy, black-and-yellow bees.

• Habits: Nest in the ground or abandoned rodent burrows.

• Risk: Usually docile, but will sting if provoked.

• Lexington role: Beneficial pollinators in gardens across West Columbia and Batesburg-Leesville.

🐜 Fire Ants

• Appearance: Reddish-brown ants forming large soil mounds.

• Habits: Nest in lawns, fields, and under pavement.

• Risk: Aggressive swarm; painful stings cause welts.

• Local menace: A constant issue in Lexington backyards and schoolyards.

🐝 Mud Daubers

• Appearance: Slender black wasps with thin “thread-waist.”

• Habits: Build mud tube nests on walls, sheds, and garages.

• Risk: Non-aggressive, but nests attract other pests.

• Local note: Common in Cayce and Columbia garages and barns.

When Are Stinging Insects Most Active in Lexington?

• Spring: Carpenter bees and paper wasps emerge.

• Summer: Peak activity for yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants.

• Late Summer/Fall: Yellow jackets are most aggressive; cicada killers appear.

How to Prevent Stinging Insects Around Your Home

• Seal cracks in siding, soffits, and decks.

• Store trash in tightly sealed containers.

• Avoid leaving food and sugary drinks outside.

• Keep shrubs trimmed and lawns mowed.

• Check playsets, porches, and attics for nests.

• Schedule regular pest control inspections.

Should You Try DIY Stinging Insect Removal?

We strongly recommend against DIY removal of hornets, yellow jackets, or large wasp nests. Disturbing a colony without proper protection can result in dozens of painful stings.

Professional pest control ensures:

• Safe nest removal

• Long-term prevention

• Eco-friendly solutions where possible

• Lamp's Pest Solutions Are Experts in Stinging Insect Extermination. Click here to learn more about our treatments

FAQs About Stinging Insects in South Carolina

Q: What attracts stinging insects to Lexington yards? A: Food sources like sugary drinks, ripe fruit, and garbage attract wasps and yellow jackets. Carpenter bees are drawn to untreated wood, while cicada killers prefer sandy soil.

Q: Do bumble bees sting more than once? A: Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting multiple times if threatened.

Q: Are cicada killers dangerous to pets? A: Generally no, but curious dogs digging near burrows may be stung.

Q: How dangerous are fire ants in South Carolina? A: Their swarming stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions. Fire ants are especially dangerous for small children and pets.

Q: Who provides stinging insect pest control near me in Lexington, SC? A: Lamp’s Pest Solutions proudly serves Lexington, Red Bank, Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia, Gilbert, Batesburg-Leesville, and the surrounding Columbia areas.

Call the Local Experts for Stinging Insect Control

If you’re dealing with stinging insects in Lexington or the surrounding areas, don’t take chances. Lamp’s Pest Solutions provides safe, affordable, and effective stinging insect control for homes and businesses.

📍 Lamp's Pest Solutions 316 Corley Street Lexington, SC 29072

📞 Call us today at 803-414-0588 for a free consultation and same-day service options.

Final Thoughts

South Carolina’s stinging insects can turn a peaceful backyard into a dangerous space. With professional help and a proactive approach, you can keep your family, pets, and property safe year-round. Whether you’re worried about yellow jackets at a cookout in Irmo, carpenter bees drilling into your Lake Murray dock, or fire ants taking over your Lexington lawn, Lamp’s Pest Solutions is here to help.