Texas is home to a wide variety of stinging insects and while some of these insects are considered nothing more than nuisance pests some of them can pose serious health risks. According to the experts at the Texas A&M University, bees, wasps, and ants are responsible for between 40 to 100 deaths each year in the United States alone. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to allergic reactions caused by the enzymes and proteins found in the venom. Unfortunately for those who are allergic, the dry heat in Texas provides the perfect year round environment for stinging insects that make their homes in and around places where human beings and pets dwell.
Types of Stinging Insects found in Texas; Puss Moth Caterpillars, Paper Wasps, Imported Red Fire Ants & More
According to the experts at A-Tex Pest Management, some of the most notorious stinging insects found in Texas include:
Stinging Caterpillars: Although stinging caterpillars are small they have the capacity to inflict intense pain on their victims. The puss moth caterpillar also known as the asp caterpillar is one of the most well-known stinging caterpillars found in Texas. In fact according to the researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, the puss moth caterpillar is also one of the most toxic caterpillars found in North America. The caterpillar has venomous hairs that poke into the victim’s skin, causing a rash quickly followed by a sensation of burning. Within five minutes of contact, pain and throbbing will begin at the site of the sting followed by other symptoms which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases respiratory distress and shock.
Wasps: Wasps typically sting when they feel threatened, such as when their nests are disturbed or when they come into direct contact with an animal or human. Paper wasps in particular can be found in homes and buildings as they prefer to nest in high structures such as the corners of houses. Paper wasps will look for a warm place during the winter and they will often enter homes and other buildings searching for warmth. The Mexican honey wasp can be found in many areas of southern Texas and although it is not as aggressive as some of the other species of wasps, when provoked it has a sting that can be extremely painful.
Ants: Ants can be found in many areas of Texas and are a problem that affects thousands of homes and businesses each year. While many of these species are responsible for property damage, some including the imported red fire ant are responsible for painful bites or stings. Some of the individuals unfortunate enough to be stung will suffer an allergic reaction but according to the Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management project, it is much more common for a sting to become infected leading to secondary infections within the body.
Bees: The Africanized honeybee also known as the killer bee is one of the deadliest species of bees found in Texas. Unlike many other stinging insects that only attack when provoked, the Africanized honeybee will swarm anyone or anything that enters their territory sometimes over something mundane such as a noise or vibration. They are particularly dangerous because they attack in large numbers and once they become agitated they have the capacity to attack a person or animal within a quarter of a mile radius.
Stinging Insect Inspections, Control & Removal in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
For more information regarding stinging insect removal, contact the knowledgeable experts at A-Tex Pest Management today. We will come out to your property, properly identify the stinging insect you are dealing with and propose a personalized course of treatment. If we identify bees, we will recommend a local beekeeper to relocate them.