Stinging and Biting Insects

Due to their painful feeding habits or defense mechanisms, stinging and biting insects can be very unpleasant infestations to deal with. Some species can even transfer deadly diseases! With these potential dangers, immediate pest control is important. Aptive’s team of experienced pest professionals will exterminate every last bug. Our satisfaction guarantee ensures you won’t have to worry about them again – if the bugs we get rid of come back, we will too (for free)!

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Identifying Bites and Stings

With so many types of sting and biting insects, it can be hard to identify unknown bites. To help, we’ve listed a few characteristics of common stinging and biting insects below.

About Stinging and Biting Insects

Bed Bugs
Mosquitos
Tick and Flea Bites
Bee Stings

Why Do Insects Sting & Bite?

There are various reasons that stinging and biting insects exist. For one, many biting insects need to feed on human (or pet) blood to survive. These include mosquitos, bed bugs, ticks, fleas, kissing bugs, lice, and others.
Why Do Insects Sting & Bite? (Part 2)

Many other stinging and biting insects simply use it as their defense mechanism when they are threatened, as well as a method of hunting prey. For example, wasps fiercely defend their nest by stinging when someone gets too close.
Signs of Infestation

There are a few signs that could raise the red flag of an infestation. The most obvious sign is to see them around your home. Another sign is bug bites emerging on your body – if they occur frequently, you could have an infestation on your hands.
Signs of Infestation (Part 2)

For example, bed bugs live near your bed and leave clusters of bites while you’re sleeping. These will show up on exposed areas. However, one bug bite every once in a while might not be a sign of infestation – you could have a stray mosquito in your home.

Identifying the Different Stinger and Biter Types

Which type of stingers or biters are you seeing?

Where Do Centipedes Live?

Outdoor centipedes prefer to live in damp places such as under leaves, mulch, rotting wood, and outdoor plants.
Centipede Behavior

Centipedes prefer to eat other insects and small bugs. Although they have poor vision, centipedes have highly sensitive antennae, which allows them to locate their prey.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Because centipedes are active at night and have a pretty scary appearance, many homeowners are afraid of them. While they do possess venomous glands, centipede bites are very rare. At its worst, a centipede bite will cause mild pain and swelling in humans.
What Attracts Centipedes To Houses?

House centipedes are typically attracted to homes for three reasons – moisture, food, and shelter. Centipedes cannot survive in drought-like conditions. They must have a source of water to thrive.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/4ONsf4OJ5YLaWKAAzE2A9g/38a67b546030ee5b5967e723cd07262a/centipede.png

Aptive Environmental controls centipedes in and around homes using the best, eco-friendly methods. Our certified pest experts conduct a thorough investigation of your home, or business, and customize a solution tailored to your property. The Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that you’ll be secure from centipedes and other pests throughout the year. With Aptive, you’ll receive the best customer service and convenient, effective treatments to remove and prevent centipede infestations.

Learn more about Centipedes

Where Do Fleas Live?

Fleas can live both outside and inside. However, because they feed on blood, they need a host in order to survive. Before latching onto a host, fleas thrive in humid and warm areas.
Flea Behavior

Fleas are parasites and feed on the blood of host animals. These hosts are typically furry or hairy animals such as dogs, cats, squirrels, rodents, rabbits and raccoons.
What Attracts Fleas To Houses?

Your home isn’t what catches a flea’s attention, it is your pet. Fleas will attach to your cat or dog when they are outside, and your pet will unknowingly bring them into your home.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas

Preventing and controlling fleas can be difficult as it doesn’t take them long to lay eggs, hatch, and spread. The best way to prevent them is to eliminate any outdoor habitats and talk to your veterinarian about any flea control pet products.

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Aptive Environmental controls fleas in and around homes using the best eco-friendly methods. Our certified pest experts conduct a thorough investigation of your home or business and customize a solution specifically for your property. The Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that you’ll be secure from fleas and other pests all year long. You’ll receive the best customer service and convenient, effective treatments to remove and prevent fleas with Aptive.

Learn more about Fleas

Where Do Mud Daubers Live?

Mud daubers build their nests high up on structures—you’ll usually see them near the roof of your house or under a porch roof. They also build nests in cave entrances, under bridges and in other places where they will be protected from rain.
Behavior And Diet Of Mud Daubers

Mud daubers are most active in warm weather. In tropical climates, they’re a prominent pest year-round. They are daytime pests, frequently spotted near puddles or saturated dirt, gathering mud to build their nests.
What Attracts Mud Daubers?

The most obvious attraction for mud daubers is the mud they use to build their nests. Puddles, ponds and foundations with poor drainage create muddy conditions that are ideal for these insects.
How To Remove Mud Daubers

The easiest way to remove mud daubers from your home or business is to call the professionals at Aptive to begin a customized pest control plan. You can take steps to prevent mud daubers from nesting on your house by following a few easy tips.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/4uUkeYquM0SJ2nbZThLuZB/e19f97bc26866f383921356c8c1f5f66/muddauber.png

Your pest-free life starts with a simple call to Aptive Environmental and a thorough inspection by our pest experts. We’ll customize a treatment plan for your home or business to maximize effectiveness and convenience. You can count on our eco-friendly, pet-friendly methods to protect your family from pests of all shapes and sizes. The Aptive Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that your property will be secure from mud daubers and other pests all year long.

Learn more about Mud Daubers

Scorpion Habitats

Most scorpions hide in the shade during the daytime to avoid losing body moisture in extreme heat. They find shelter under rocks, woodpiles and other debris.
Behavior And Diet Of Scorpions

Scorpions are nocturnal, hunting for their prey at night and hiding in the shade during the day. They eat other insects, such as spiders, cockroaches and crickets. Their diet also includes lizards and small mammals.
Are Scorpion Stings Dangerous?

All scorpions are venomous but most species’ venom is not dangerous to humans. The only species in the U.S. that’s dangerous to humans is the Arizona bark scorpion. Symptoms of most scorpion stings are similar to those of bee stings.
What Attracts Scorpions To Homes?

Scorpions will look for indoor shelter if the conditions outside aren’t ideal. This could mean excessive rain, limited food supply or other factors that cause these pests to search for a better habitat.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/3h0axPVxpjsIzbkoYX3jLi/0dccef4f28205ee3cf5bd0e2777d833d/scorpion.png

Safeguard your home or business from scorpion infestations with Aptive Environmental. Our eco-friendly pest control methods are effective and convenient—they’re pet-friendly, too! Aptive service starts with a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out. Our professionals customize a treatment plan specifically for you. The Aptive Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that your property will be secure from scorpions and other pests all year long.

Learn more about Scorpions

Tick Habitats Indoors And Outdoors

Ticks most often live near forests or heavily-wooded areas. These locations have lots of plants and tall grass on which the ticks can wait for a host. Some species require moisture to live while others simply need animals to feed on.
Behavior And Diet Of Ticks

Ticks are arachnids that feed on animal blood through all four stages of their lives: eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults. They attach to clothing, fur or hair and bite through skin to get to blood.
What Brings Ticks To Yards And Homes?

Ticks are likely to enter yards that are surrounded by woods or farmland. Not only do ticks have plenty of hiding places among trees and tall bushes, but they also have lots of access to animals, livestock and people to attach to.
Tick Bites: How To Remove Ticks And Treat Bites

Tick bites are not usually painful, so a person might not immediately notice that they’ve been bitten. Bite spots will be tiny red marks on arms, legs or less visible areas.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/2fVKbDDI91XwvT7NdeB4Y4/2211d8c852904c3226432b10f95ff760/tick.png

Protect your family, home and business from ticks with Aptive Environmental pest control. Aptive service starts with a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out. We customize a treatment plan specifically for you to maximize effectiveness and convenience. Our methods are eco-friendly and pet-friendly, too! The Aptive Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that your property will be secure from ticks and other pests all year long.

Learn more about Ticks

Where Do Wasps Live?

Wasps can build both aerial and ground nests. Tree branches, porch ceilings, deck floors, rafters, eaves, and railings are all popular places for wasps to build a nest.
Wasp Behavior

Wasps are predatory insects that feed on other insects including caterpillars, flies, larvae, and nectar. It is not uncommon to see wasps swarm around garbage cans for food either.
What Attracts Wasps To Houses?

When searching for a home, wasps look for a sturdy base to hang their nest from. They will also look for a sufficient supply of food.
How To Get Rid Of Wasps

The best way to control wasps is to make your yard and house unattractive to them. You should seal any cracks or crevices that may provide an entryway to your home or any outbuildings you have.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/4QWsaqyMLxbSSt7fQg5w5c/8bea9ad4b47ed42bec4ea163476bb8a2/wasp.png

Aptive Environmental controls wasps in and around homes using the best eco-friendly methods. Our certified pest experts conduct a thorough investigation of your home or business and customize a solution tailored to your property. The Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that you’ll be secure from wasps and other pests throughout the year. With Aptive, you’ll receive the best customer service and convenient, effective treatments to remove and prevent wasps.

Learn more about Wasps

Where Do Yellow Jackets Live?

Yellow jackets can build nests in a variety of environments. They can be found in rural, suburban, and urban areas but prefer to live in areas with a wooded edge. Yellow jackets like to live in meadows and grasslands as well.
Yellow Jacket Behavior

Yellow jackets are active during the summer. They feed on a variety of insects and human food as well. Yellow jackets are attracted to meat and sweets.
What Attracts Yellow Jackets To Houses?

The main attraction for yellow jackets is food. If you are having a barbecue or some other type of party that involves food outside, yellow jackets can be uninvited guests.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Jackets

Dealing with yellow jackets can be difficult and their aggressive behavior doesn’t ease the extermination process. The best way to control yellow jackets is to make sure any food, whether that be freshly prepared or garbage, is covered.

//images.ctfassets.net/ghb9tarj06dg/4p75Dz61rqsWHStDxKVaYQ/53e40233fe77e394ef398853abf5135e/yellowjacket.png

Using the best eco-friendly methods, Aptive Environmental controls yellow jackets in and around homes. Our certified pest experts conduct a thorough investigation of your home or business and customize a solution specifically for your property. The Four Seasons Protection Plan guarantees that you’ll be secure from yellow jackets and other pests throughout the year. You’ll receive the best customer service and convenient, effective treatments to remove and prevent yellow jacket infestations with Aptive.

Learn more about Yellow Jackets

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Bite or Sting Side Effects

Side effects from stinging and biting insects can vary depending on the species. Some will have no significant side effects, while others can cause issues like swelling, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, dizziness, abdominal pain, and more. The real danger happens when an insect transfers a deadly disease to you. In addition, you could have severe reactions if you’re allergic to a bug bite or sting.

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Preventing Infestations

Stinging and biting insects can become a big problem for your family, especially if someone is allergic or the insect can transfer diseases. It’s a great idea to take preventative measures against potential infestations – one way to do this is by blocking any easily accessible entry points. Perform a detailed scan of your home to search for any holes, cracks, tears in screens, and other potential ways the bugs could be getting inside. A pest professional can help with hard-to-find areas as well.

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Stinging and Biting Insects

Identifying Bites and Stings

About Stinging and Biting Insects

Why Do Insects Sting & Bite?

There are various reasons that stinging and biting insects exist. For one, many biting insects need to feed on human (or pet) blood to survive. These include mosquitos, bed bugs, ticks, fleas, kissing bugs, lice, and others.

Why Do Insects Sting & Bite? (Part 2)

Many other stinging and biting insects simply use it as their defense mechanism when they are threatened, as well as a method of hunting prey. For example, wasps fiercely defend their nest by stinging when someone gets too close.

Signs of Infestation

There are a few signs that could raise the red flag of an infestation. The most obvious sign is to see them around your home. Another sign is bug bites emerging on your body – if they occur frequently, you could have an infestation on your hands.

Signs of Infestation (Part 2)

For example, bed bugs live near your bed and leave clusters of bites while you’re sleeping. These will show up on exposed areas. However, one bug bite every once in a while might not be a sign of infestation – you could have a stray mosquito in your home.

Identifying the Different Stinger and Biter Types

Where Do Centipedes Live?

Outdoor centipedes prefer to live in damp places such as under leaves, mulch, rotting wood, and outdoor plants.

Centipede Behavior

Centipedes prefer to eat other insects and small bugs. Although they have poor vision, centipedes have highly sensitive antennae, which allows them to locate their prey.

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Because centipedes are active at night and have a pretty scary appearance, many homeowners are afraid of them. While they do possess venomous glands, centipede bites are very rare. At its worst, a centipede bite will cause mild pain and swelling in humans.

What Attracts Centipedes To Houses?

House centipedes are typically attracted to homes for three reasons – moisture, food, and shelter. Centipedes cannot survive in drought-like conditions. They must have a source of water to thrive.

Where Do Fleas Live?

Fleas can live both outside and inside. However, because they feed on blood, they need a host in order to survive. Before latching onto a host, fleas thrive in humid and warm areas.

Flea Behavior

Fleas are parasites and feed on the blood of host animals. These hosts are typically furry or hairy animals such as dogs, cats, squirrels, rodents, rabbits and raccoons.

What Attracts Fleas To Houses?

Your home isn’t what catches a flea’s attention, it is your pet. Fleas will attach to your cat or dog when they are outside, and your pet will unknowingly bring them into your home.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas

Preventing and controlling fleas can be difficult as it doesn’t take them long to lay eggs, hatch, and spread. The best way to prevent them is to eliminate any outdoor habitats and talk to your veterinarian about any flea control pet products.

Where Do Mud Daubers Live?

Mud daubers build their nests high up on structures—you’ll usually see them near the roof of your house or under a porch roof. They also build nests in cave entrances, under bridges and in other places where they will be protected from rain.

Behavior And Diet Of Mud Daubers

Mud daubers are most active in warm weather. In tropical climates, they’re a prominent pest year-round. They are daytime pests, frequently spotted near puddles or saturated dirt, gathering mud to build their nests.

What Attracts Mud Daubers?

The most obvious attraction for mud daubers is the mud they use to build their nests. Puddles, ponds and foundations with poor drainage create muddy conditions that are ideal for these insects.

How To Remove Mud Daubers

The easiest way to remove mud daubers from your home or business is to call the professionals at Aptive to begin a customized pest control plan. You can take steps to prevent mud daubers from nesting on your house by following a few easy tips.

Scorpion Habitats

Most scorpions hide in the shade during the daytime to avoid losing body moisture in extreme heat. They find shelter under rocks, woodpiles and other debris.

Behavior And Diet Of Scorpions

Scorpions are nocturnal, hunting for their prey at night and hiding in the shade during the day. They eat other insects, such as spiders, cockroaches and crickets. Their diet also includes lizards and small mammals.

Are Scorpion Stings Dangerous?

All scorpions are venomous but most species’ venom is not dangerous to humans. The only species in the U.S. that’s dangerous to humans is the Arizona bark scorpion. Symptoms of most scorpion stings are similar to those of bee stings.

What Attracts Scorpions To Homes?

Scorpions will look for indoor shelter if the conditions outside aren’t ideal. This could mean excessive rain, limited food supply or other factors that cause these pests to search for a better habitat.

Tick Habitats Indoors And Outdoors

Ticks most often live near forests or heavily-wooded areas. These locations have lots of plants and tall grass on which the ticks can wait for a host. Some species require moisture to live while others simply need animals to feed on.

Behavior And Diet Of Ticks

Ticks are arachnids that feed on animal blood through all four stages of their lives: eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults. They attach to clothing, fur or hair and bite through skin to get to blood.

What Brings Ticks To Yards And Homes?

Ticks are likely to enter yards that are surrounded by woods or farmland. Not only do ticks have plenty of hiding places among trees and tall bushes, but they also have lots of access to animals, livestock and people to attach to.

Tick Bites: How To Remove Ticks And Treat Bites

Tick bites are not usually painful, so a person might not immediately notice that they’ve been bitten. Bite spots will be tiny red marks on arms, legs or less visible areas.

Where Do Wasps Live?

Wasps can build both aerial and ground nests. Tree branches, porch ceilings, deck floors, rafters, eaves, and railings are all popular places for wasps to build a nest.

Wasp Behavior

Wasps are predatory insects that feed on other insects including caterpillars, flies, larvae, and nectar. It is not uncommon to see wasps swarm around garbage cans for food either.

What Attracts Wasps To Houses?

When searching for a home, wasps look for a sturdy base to hang their nest from. They will also look for a sufficient supply of food.

How To Get Rid Of Wasps

The best way to control wasps is to make your yard and house unattractive to them. You should seal any cracks or crevices that may provide an entryway to your home or any outbuildings you have.

Where Do Yellow Jackets Live?

Yellow jackets can build nests in a variety of environments. They can be found in rural, suburban, and urban areas but prefer to live in areas with a wooded edge. Yellow jackets like to live in meadows and grasslands as well.

Yellow Jacket Behavior

Yellow jackets are active during the summer. They feed on a variety of insects and human food as well. Yellow jackets are attracted to meat and sweets.

What Attracts Yellow Jackets To Houses?

The main attraction for yellow jackets is food. If you are having a barbecue or some other type of party that involves food outside, yellow jackets can be uninvited guests.

How To Get Rid Of Yellow Jackets

Dealing with yellow jackets can be difficult and their aggressive behavior doesn’t ease the extermination process. The best way to control yellow jackets is to make sure any food, whether that be freshly prepared or garbage, is covered.

Find a Local Provider

Bite or Sting Side Effects

Preventing Infestations