Do Wasps Die After Stinging?

What paper wasps look like in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingThere is no other insect that works quite like the bee does. On top of their intricate patterns of communication and their deep environmental importance, another interesting fact about the bee is that they can only sting once, and they die shortly after. This leads people to wonder: do wasps die after they sting, too?

Wasps can actually sting many times in a row, and certain types of wasps can produce much more painful stings than bees. Keep reading to find out more about how wasp stings work and the differences between bees vs wasps in San Juan PR.

Wasp Stings vs Bee Stings

One lone wasp sting from a paper wasp can feel about the same as a bee sting. However, wasps are considered much more dangerous than bees because they can sting many times as necessary. When a bee stings you, it ejects its barbed stinger into your skin. Then the bee pulls away, ripping the stinger, along with part of its digestive tract, out of its own body. This causes them to die shortly after stinging.

Conversely, wasp stingers remain intact after stinging. This is because their stinger is designed differently—it is shaped like a needle and quickly pokes in and out of the skin, injecting venom. Their venom paralyzes small prey and causes enough pain to ward off large would-be predators.

Why Do Wasps Sting People?

Wasps sting when they feel threatened, and unfortunately, they are more easily provoked than bees. They also emit a pheromone that alerts other wasps in the area that they need help. This is why you’ll hear many reports of people being stung by multiple or even an entire swarm of wasps. Compounding wasp stings can cause:

  • Painful bumps
  • Hives, welts, and rashes
  • Nausea, headache, and fever
  • Swelling and joint pain
  • In extreme cases, death

Professional Wasp Nest Removal in San Juan PR

Wasp nests look like layered formations of gray paper. They are built out of wood that the wasps chew up and built anywhere that they can hang from. If you believe that wasps are building a nest around your home, reach out to your local wasp nest removal experts. Our technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, can come out to your property to identify the stinging insect you’re dealing with and remove them quickly and safely. For a free quote, contact us today!

Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases: 4 Ways to Keep Your Family Safe

An American dog tick found in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingWhen you think of pests that pass on diseases to humans, mosquitoes and ticks are the two that come to mind first. Unfortunately, we end up dealing with both of them every summer here in the San Juan PR area. In tropical and subtropical climates like ours, bites from ticks and mosquitoes are more likely to result in serious illnesses than in other regions.

It’s important to stay educated on the ways that you can avoid vector-borne diseases every summer. Read on for the top tips on mosquito and tick control from our team of pest control experts at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating.

What Diseases Do Mosquitoes and Ticks Transmit?

Ticks and mosquitoes have been documented to pass on a long list of diseases to humans that they bite. Some of the most formidable include:

  • Malaria
  • Lyme disease
  • Zika virus
  • Spotted fever
  • Tularemia
  • Dengue
  • Yellow fever

Most of these diseases will subside on their own almost every time, but some, like malaria and Lyme disease, can potentially be deadly if untreated in severe cases. If you are experiencing a fever, rash, lightheadedness, or nausea that you think might be related to a mosquito or tick bite, talk to your doctor.

How to Stay Safe from Mosquitoes and Ticks

There are a variety of strategies that you can use to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Here are four ways to stay safe this summer:

  1. Bug spray: An EPA-approved insect repellent will discourage ticks and mosquitoes from biting you. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using.
  2. Long-sleeved clothing: Exposed skin is an open invitation for blood-sucking pests to have a free meal. Although it can be inconvenient in the summer, wearing long sleeves will help keep you safe from bites.
  3. Stay safe inside: When spending time indoors, keep your doors and windows closed or install screens. After a prolonged period outdoors, make sure to check yourself, your family members, and your pets for ticks.
  4. Professional pest control: If you’re experiencing a high volume of ticks or mosquitoes on your property, a technician can come out to assess the source of your issue and develop a plan to help you avoid pests going forward.

Mosquito and Tick Control in San Juan PR

For help dealing with either mosquitoes or ticks, you can rely on your local pest control company. At Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, we train our technicians to use mosquito barrier treatments, efficient exclusion efforts, and holistic inspection techniques to eliminate any pest outbreak that comes your way. Reach out today for a free quote!