Ask the Expert: Stinging Insects
Christy Jones, Technical Data Support Specialist, MGK
Q: What should I include in my perimeter control strategy to reduce stinging insect pressure?
A: Take a comprehensive approach that includes both prevention and mitigation when building your perimeter control strategy. Here are the key components to include:
- Inspection: Inspections are an important part of any perimeter control strategy. Early detection helps you find and treat nests before they grow larger and become more dangerous. Common nesting sites can be found under eaves, in decks or wall cavities.
Reduce food sources: Keep trash containers sealed, clean up sugary food and drinks, and trim flowering plants, especially near entryways. - Seal potential entry points: The only thing worse than a stinging insect outdoors is one (or more) inside the building. To prevent this, it is important to seal cracks, gaps, and holes in the exterior of the building, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Ensure window screens and vents are intact and there are no holes where insects can gain entry.
- Customer communication: Encourage household members to stay calm around stinging insects, as swatting can provoke them. Inform the household about how to identify nests and report them early.
Adding these elements to your perimeter strategy can reduce stinging insect pressure and prevent future infestations.
Q: How should I respond when customers want fast, visible results from a stinging insect treatment?
A: Stinging insects can frighten homeowners, and many will expect immediate results. It’s important to manage expectations while providing clear communication. Explain the treatment process and set realistic expectations. Treatments take time, especially if you are dealing with a large nest or one that is in a hard-to-reach area. Let them know that they may start noticing reduced activity within 24-48 hours, but it can take a few days for full results.
It is also important to emphasize safety with your customers and remind them that they should avoid disturbing the area for a few days until the treatment has taken effect. Make sure to follow up with your customer to ensure that the treatment has been effective or discern whether adjustments need to be made.
This approach ensures customers feel informed and reassured while setting realistic expectations.
Q: What product features matter most when tackling stinging insects in peak season?
A: Product features that matter most typically focus on effectiveness, power, and long-lasting. Here are some key features to consider:
- Fast-acting: When insect activity is high, using products that work quickly and efficiently is crucial.
- Providing quick knockdown (often within seconds) will ensure that the insects within the nest are killed, which will reduce the threat fast.
- Reach and accuracy: For spray applications, it is important for the product to have a long range and accurate spray nozzle to reach nests that are high up or in hard-to-reach places. It is also important to have a product that can be easily sprayed with one hand so the other can be free to hold onto a ladder,
if needed. - Long-lasting: A product needs to have ongoing control; this will kill any foragers returning to the nest and prevent future queens from establishing a new nest in that location.
Always read the label and apply according to the label instructions. Stinging insects are scary pests, and it’s essential to choose the right product to treat them.
