IPM Practices > Stinging Insects

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve stinging insect problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION
The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. performs an exterior inspection (and in attic if accessible) on each service visit, especially in areas prone to nest development;
2. identifies nesting sites;
3. correctly identifies insect species;
4. determines whether nest elimination or treatment is required.

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
The cultural practices listed below correct conditions which encourage stinging insect problems. The practitioner must provide written recommendations to the customer concerning conditions that need correction. In some cases, the pest management contractor will correct these conditions for a fee .

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends, or corrects as appropriate:
1. sealing cracks/crevices which provide access to nest site and possible interior entry points;
2. identifying and eliminating food sources which attract stinging insects;
3. placing tight-fitting lids on waste barrels/baskets;
4. replacing fruiting vegetation species with non-fruiting varieties;
5. exposing and physically removing honeybee nests without chemical application.

TREATMENT
Treatment can include both chemical and non-chemical options. However, the use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. treats nests by vacuuming or with dust/aerosol formulations;
2. exposes and removes non-honeybee nests after treatment;
3. employs illuminated light traps to trap insects indoors;
4. employs glue traps to trap insects indoors;
5. uses appropriate bottle or box traps to reduce area wide population.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve stinging insects problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
3. participates in an educational program, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal /denial
e. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
f. trapping & monitoring
g. vacuuming
h. use of lighting in pest control
i. other considerations
4. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
5. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association; provides customer with IPM information;
6. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources