While there are a variety of dangerous insects in the Central Massachusetts area, some of the most common include:
White-Faced Hornets: Also known as “bald-faced hornets” or “bull wasps,” white-faced hornets are large and black with white markings. White-faced hornets tend to have very large nests with a single queen and female sterile workers. They produce new queens and males late in the season. The queens will find a safe place for the winter, and a new nest starts the following spring. White-faced hornets are widely considered to be the most aggressive species of wasp in Massachusetts.
Yellow Jackets: Chances are, you’ve probably seen a yellow jacket at barbecues in the summer and fall. They have a thin, bright yellow and black appearance. Yellow jackets are so common at picnics that they have a nickname, “meat bees.” Make no mistake, though, yellow jackets are wasps. This species, amongst others, can latch on and sting multiple times. If you see a yellow jacket outdoors, do not swat at it. This action can potentially make the wasp more aggressive. Further, if you crush a wasp, it can release a chemical that draws other wasps to its location. This is a survival mechanism that signals wasps to investigate a threat. If you are looking for a yellow jacket exterminator near you, contact Ransford Pest Control.
European Hornets: European hornets look similar to yellow jackets, but have a red/brown tinge. They grow up to twice as large as regular yellow jackets, at 1.5 inches long. Despite their size, European hornets are typically only aggressive when defending their nests.
Paper Wasps: Paper wasps are typically slender wasps that form very distinct nests that are inverted and umbrella-shaped, with open cells at the bottom. An interesting feature about these nests is that you can literally see into their nest from underneath. They prefer covered, protected spots, like under eaves or decking.
Honey Bees: Honey bees are smaller and have slimmer bodies than their counterparts. They live in hives that can number in the tens of thousands. While there are some wild colonies out there, most hives are under the care of a beekeeper. Honey bees are not typically considered a nuisance, as they are not destructive and wild colonies are not usually found near homes. If you suspect you have a honey bee nest on your property, do not use any pesticide! It is best to contact a beekeeper and see if they can come and remove the bees for you.
Cicada Killers: Cicada killers are a large species of wasp, but these ones are not social. They each live individually in holes in the ground. You may see a large number of holes, commonly in sandy soil, or sometimes in retaining walls.
Mud Daubers: Mud Dauber is a name given to a variety of wasps that build their nests from mud. You may see their nests stuck on the side of a structure, under roof eaves, or in an attic. The nature of their nest means that it must be kept dry, so they usually construct their nests in a secluded place that can be difficult to access. Mud Daubers look like your typical wasp but tend to be black in color.