The importance of educating customers of a variety of stinging insects

MGK

While many stinging insects generally are considered beneficial, public concern about honey bees and other beneficial species is increasing. As such, you must be extra mindful of any necessary treatments around flowering, fruit and vegetable plants pollinated by these insects. Some species, such as carpenter bees, rarely are aggressive and may not require treatment if they’re only spotted occasionally. Once they start damaging the structure, however, they’ve got to go.

Take a moment to educate customers on insect behavior. For example, bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are less likely to bother people at a picnic than common yellowjackets (Vespula alascensis), but both become highly aggressive near their nests. Reducing foragers around a picnic table is far less effective than directly treating the nest, which helps reduce extra callbacks.

Your knowledge and expertise are essential — not just for your safety but also for ensuring successful treatments and satisfied customers.